Rats!! I need a companion, cause I don't want to be alone

[king2005]

As some of you know, I'm leaving Rob. I'm thinking of getting a few Rats as companions, as I cannot afford a dog's vet bills, nor a cats vet bills. & since Rats don't get yearly shots I can afford them.

My only problem is the cage... Back home I had a MASSIVE dog kennel turned into a rat cage. Now all I have is a 20gal tank... I don't want to use a tank as I know they cause lung issues & then death.. been there, never again...

Is there a place I can get one for SUPER cheap? used is what I'm looking for! I plan to go to yard sales this summer, but I'd like a rat asap, as the whole being alone thing doesn't mix well with me.

also,
Is there anyone in the Toronto Area who is looking to get rid of a cage for a couple rats? or a couple smaller cages for a rat?

I wish I had all my old stuff. I had cool bowls, lots of water bottles, toys, & everything I needed for a rats happiness.

[Uabassoon]

Check all your local thrift shops, I found a really nice Martins cage at my local thrift shop once. Also check out the forums on ratsrule
They have a market section and people are always looking to get rid of old cages.

[Miss Z]

Sorry, I don't know anywhere which sells cages cheap, but I know what you mean, rat cages are pretty expensive. Tia's cage was nearly £100, although we spoilt her and got her a cage big enough for 3 of 4 rats . I'm glad that you've chosen to get some rats, you'll definitly find them to be loving and funny little characters!

[CathyBogart]

I have seen those HUGE plastic storage bins used to make excellent rat cages beofre. I think you can get the really big ones for about $20 at Target...

[lute]

check your local newspaper. sometimes i see rats that come with cages in the paper. some humane societies have rats for adopteion. they normally don't charge a lot for an adoption fee.

good luck!

[Karen]

You can see if there's anything you could use as a rat cage for free on freecycle.com In fact, you might as well join up for freecycle.com if they've got a branch near you, as you'll be needing other stuff, too, probably.

[SemaviLady]

I'm a fan of pet rats too. There was a period of time, oh so long ago... when I was a working student and had to pay rent on my own apartment. Struggling through college was easier since I had these wonderful pets. I had a big mouse cage for mine and their door was left open when I was doing homework (I had no TV). They very cute, all creamy beige in color. They came when I called them and knew their names. Sometimes I could manage to spring for a small bag of Cheetos (buying junk food on a budget was hard then, lol) They would each get a big one, all their own and race back to their mouse den to eat their prizes. They got carrots, fruit and regular rat chow too.

Reminiscing, a local college used to have something called a "Rat Decathlon" and students would train their rats to do a lot of unique routines, at least ten routines -- then they would compete. I don't find much about it on line... hrm... Either it's now called something else, or those cool contests don't exist any more.

I also had at least one or two Siamese Fighting fish in different containers. At the time (I used jars). I kept a few goldfish too. The rats were very affectionate and interactive, the fish were just so beautiful.

Best wishes to you for your future.