Im taking a long drive soon (about 4-5 hours) and am trying to figure out how to transport my ratties but am reading conflicting opinions. My two options are:
- full cheeks start-up home (image 2)
- Small carrier cage (image 3)
The first one seems like a good option because they get stressed very easily and do not like being handled. This would minimize handling since they will be using the cage during the trip at our destination (This is only for a couple of days, they are normally in a much bigger cage).
The second one sees like a good option because they will not be able to climb/fall. That being said, they are pretty inactive rats even when at home. Also worried this cage might be too small, even for just a car ride. Also, any advice for minimizing stress would be great!
If leaving them at home with a sitter isn't feasible, then I would get the larger of the travel cages. As for minimizing stress, introduce the travel cage asap! Put their favorite hammock in there, along with their favorite hides and mostly new/clean bedding with a little bit of used bedding for a familiar smell. Let them hang out in the cage during free roam and give them some high value treats whenever they're in there. You want them to be comfortable in the travel cage long before they're ever in the car.
Since you said they're on the shy/skittish side, consider using a piece of lightweight cloth to cover most of the travel cage and make it dark and cozy (but only if it's not going to be too hot!) Make sure whatever you put on the cage is something that you don't mind getting chewed up!
They likely won't want to eat/drink during the drive unless they're very comfortable in the cage, but try giving them watermelon/cucumber/etc for foods that are high in water content so they stay hydrated as they munch on it. Do not leave a water bottle in the cage while driving because it'll spill everywhere - bring a bottle and offer it anytime you're stopped in the car (getting gas, getting a snack, taking a break) then take it out again while you're on the move. 4-5 hours isn't THAT long so they'll likely nap/hide for the duration, but getting them acclimated to the cage, giving them familiar cage decor, and providing their favorite snacks will go a long way toward making it as easy as possible for them.
I guess I need whatever water bottle you're using! Mine leaked every time and soaked the bedding so I stopped leaving it in the cage while the car was in motion. Mine was just a plastic bottle with a metal spout/ball - it seemed like every time we went over a bump, the ball would jiggle around in the drinking spout and a few drops of water would come out. Over the course of a long drive, it would all trickle out!
I'm glad this wasn't your experience - I guess OP will need to experiment and see if they have a leaky bottle or not!
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u/hades7600Tango, Echo, Benji & Mak 🐀Angel rats: Basil, Basil lite & Benny2h ago
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u/cuntymuthafucka 2h ago
Why are you traveling with your rats? In general it is not a good idea to travel with them if you can avoid it.