Reddit reviews Kaytee My First Home 30 X 18 Multilevel Exotics

Cage basics: Wire cage for good air circulation. 1/2" bar spacing to prevent escapes of young rats and smaller adult females. 7 to 8 cubic feet + for a pair, bigger is always better. Chew proof. Good size doors make cleaning a lot easier.

Single unit or double unit Critter Nation (**$150 - $240**): 11-22 cubic feet. These are huge cages that take up a lot of floor space. Very sturdy. Full doors make access super easy. Shallow pans can be chewed and aren't deep enough to hold a loose substrate bedding like wood shavings (modifications possible, though). The single unit cage is a good size for 2 to 5 rats if the space is well used, the double unit is good for 2 to 10 rats if the space is well used. Dollar for dollar, Critter Nation cages give you the most footage.

Martin's Cages (**$121 - $160 + shipping): 7.5-11.25 cubic feet. This small company has several models available but the only ones that are really suitable for permanent housing are the R-680 and larger. These lightweight cages are easy to transport or to carry to the bathroom or the backyard on cleaning day. Nice chew-proof tray that's deep enough to keep a good layer of bedding. Very large doors. Martin's cages need to be purchased with powder coating to prevent them from absorbing urine/odors. Shipping is very expensive and adds a lot to the overall cost of the cage. The R-680 or R-685 are good for a pair of rats, the R-695 is good for up to 4 or 5 rats.

[Rat Starter Kit](https://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/starter-kits/all-living-things-rat-starter-kit-5201419.html) / [Kaytee Exotics](https://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-First-Multi-Level-Habitat-Exotics/dp/B00CETSHN2/) cage ($100): 9 cubic feet. These cages are essentially identical. Not bad cages for 2 to 3 rats. Some rats figure out that they can chew through the plastic base so they don't work for everyone.

[Large MCage](https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Ferret-Chinchilla-Glider-HeightBlack/dp/B07DKQZLHX/) ($55):** 7.5 cubic feet. This cage comes in a couple sizes but the larger one is only $7 more so it's a no brainer. The wire grated floor should be removed and the pull-out tray may need to be locked into place somehow. This is a budget cage but not bad for the money.

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There are lots of other good cages on the market and you can sometimes find good deals on used cages. Watch out for size (7+ cubic feet) and bar spacing (1/2" or less) and be careful of condition if you're purchasing used. If you find a cage that you're interested but you want opinions, make a post on this sub and I'm sure you'll get some good advice.

Kaytee My First Home Habitat Multi-Level for Exotics

Wait, why? I think it’s this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CETSHN2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518057167&sr=8-1&keywords=kaytee+rat+cage&dpPl=1&dpID=61r7Y9AFsPL&ref=plSrch

It’s actually lime green.

Haha, if you end up getting males, I guarantee you will get used to the scrotums, don't worry! I personally feel males are better since females should be spayed for health reasons, while males only need to be neutered if they become aggressive. But that is just me.

I did a brief looksie into craigslist for St. Louis, and found a few contenders if you are willing to drive a little ways (all it looks like are under an hour assuming google maps isn't lying to me. These two seem like they would be good starter rats. Come with a decent cage (though it needs more decking out) and they are both very young.

This one is for a litter of babies. Sounds like it could have been an oops litter, but double check with them. You wouldn't want to support a backyard breeder.

Not sure about the circumstances regarding these rats.

It says this one appears to be the closest (20 minutes). 2 male rats.

There are other posts, but these stuck out to me. If none on craigslist speak to you, check out hoobly and bookoo as well.

Here's a link! It's perfect for my two girls. Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Habitat for Exotics, 30.5” x 18” x 30” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CETSHN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kRh3BbTNP4T2M

To answer some more of the questions you asked:

I've never travelled more than a couple hours with my rats before. I have a smallish cage used for travelling, but it wouldn't be good for keeping rats in for an extended period of time. This cage would work as a travel cage and temporary housing while on trips back home. It can house 3 rats comfortably. I'd be careful using it as a permanent home, though. I had this cage for a few months and once my boys started chewing on the base, they were able to escape within 4-5 days. Keep hammocks in the cage while in the car. The swaying helps keep them a little calmer as they're less likely to feel all the bumps and such the road causes the car to make.

You eventually get over their enormous testicles. You can get them neutered, but not all rats handle the anesthesia well. I actually just lost a boy last week because he had a problem with the anesthesia after a neuter. He's the only rat I've ever had neutered. I know lots of people do it with great success, I just wasn't so lucky.

Also, since I forgot to address this in the parent comment, when buying rats, getting them from the same litter is going to be easiest. You won't have to keep them separated and do introductions since they'll have been together their whole lives.

Another thing I forgot in my previous comment, keep 2 water bottles (not water bowls) in the cage even if you only have 2 rats. Sometimes water bottles don't work as intended and either won't distribute water or leak all of the water out. Also, test the bottles after you hang them to make sure they are dispensing water properly.

It's a Kaytee my first home cage for exotic pets, I got it off Amazon actually! They sell it at petco too though if you have any of those in your area!

Here's a link to the amazon page


Edit: forgot to mention, I love this cage so far, it's perfectly sized for my girls to have plenty of room, and fits my tiny apartment well! I'd recommend it for sure.

I started with the Kaytee Multi-Level Exotics Cage. Under $100, large enough for three rats, allows for climbing and different shelf configurations, etc.

Cheaper cages all have some trade-offs. You do have to work to keep this one clean, as the pan is deep and can accumulate ammonia from urine (and the pan is plastic...if your buddies are chewers you'll want to keep an eye on the corners). The doors are small and because of this, you'll need to break the cage down each time you clean it (not terrible, but a little time consuming).

Seriously, though, I'd save up for a few more weeks if possible and find a Critter Nation. I use a single for Ziggy and Tim (before, it held the three guys from my first mischief) and it's so much easier to clean (the doors are huge and allow you to reach in), so much more well-engineered, and spacious.

Kaytee My First Home Multi-Level Habitat for Exotics, 30.5” x 18” x 30” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CETSHN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PDz5BbPER32QC

This cage is fantastic and very affordable. My 4 rats fit in one happily though I bought a second one that I’m going to modify to connect them together.

Do you know if they chew on plastic? I have a cage by Kaytee which has a plastic bottom and shelves. If you have a smaller rat, then you might look elsewhere. This has 1/2 inch wire spacing, so some could potentially escape.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CETSHN2/ref=psdcmw_2975537011_t1_B00CETSQ74

Here is the cage I bought. A bit over your budget at $80 but great value. My only complaint is that I wish the doors were bigger. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CETSHN2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Heres a pic all decked out with hammocks and everything. https://imgur.com/a/bRlvAkk

No, definitely not. I have this cage as my travel cage and my boys get VERY complainy when I put them in there. If you want the Kaytee, I would recommend you get the next size up (https://smile.amazon.com/Kaytee-First-Multi-Level-Habitat-Exotics/dp/B00CETSHN2;I have this as their boarding cage and it works well). That said, if you can, I'd suggest going for the Midwest Critter Nation cage (you could do the single layer as long as you let them out for free roam). It's so much easier to clean and move them in/out of the cage. Also, the ramps on the Kaytee are not super good quality.

That's a great cage. If you want something that may be a bit easier to clean, we have our girls in this one. I wipe it down/clean up poop every day. We change the bedding (exclusively aspen chips - their respiratory performance has been excellent) and give it a good wash-down weekly.

The girls have a spot for hanging hammocks and one of them build an extra nest/sleeping spot on the bottom of the cage each week. She goes there for alone time. They don't really like wooden chews - they much prefer paper/cardboard to chew on and keep them busy. I can't recommend this cage enough as the deep tray in the bottom allows them some privacy. And it's quite attractive.

Not all of them! As long as you have a syrian ham these cages are what I have and I've never had a problem.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007D55BGS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Habitat-Multi-Level-Exotics-18-Inch/dp/B00CETSHN2/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1418512479&sr=1-1&keywords=kaytee+exotic+cage&pebp=1418512484402

the cage that she has in this picture can be found here.
recently, i got her a new cage, which is much bigger than her old one. this is her new cage.

My Syrian hamster has been very happy in this cage for the entire first year of his life so far. After a few days of exploratory climbing he has not once chewed on his bars or ever acted stressed because he wants out of his home.

30.5 x 8.5 x 18.5 inches:
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Habitat-Multi-Level-Exotics-18-Inch/dp/B00CETSHN2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Excersize:
I recommend purchasing a Wodent Wheel 11inch http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JD8I2Y/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687462&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B005Y41UPQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1JBB5ENE1BEBPRFYR6JR

and Flying Saucer 12 inches : http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Flying-Saucer-Exercise-4-Inch/dp/B001AT62H0/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462212985&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=flying+saucer+hamster+11+inch

Bathing and Natural Nail Trimming:
Also pick up some flat Reptile Rocks for underneath his water bottle so he will trim his nails naturally and a large ceramic bowl (needs to be deep not so much wide) filled with Repti Sand Desert White (No Calcium) http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSand%C2%AE-Pounds-Desert/dp/B0002DIZKC/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213181&sr=1-1&keywords=desert+white+repti+sand

My hamster is a fan of these Apple Orchard sticks for teeth filing though his lab blocks are semi hard and also good for dental health trimming.
http://www.amazon.com/SuperPet-Apple-Orchard-Sticks-Pieces/dp/B001CCXMP0/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213890&sr=1-2&keywords=apple+wood+sticks

After you get those things pick up this item as a natural grass burrow for him to sleep in and clean his cage once every week. Plastic burrow are just awful for air circulation, and my hamster never liked them at all when i didnt know any better.

http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Nature-Willow-Grass-Small/dp/B001ATBMCU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

For food I feed my hamster Higgins Sunburst and Kaytee Forti Diet Lab blocks everyday with fresh fruit and veggies every two days. Remember your hamster stomach is the size of your pinky finger nail so portion small. He loves 3-4 lab blocks a day with a small spoonful of nuts, seeds and fruit from the Higgins. Remember though 3 Sunflower Seeds max a day or they will get fat and unhealthy.

http://www.amazon.com/Higgins-Sunburst-Gourmet-Hamsters-Gerbils/dp/B009GHII5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213536&sr=1-1&keywords=higgins+sunburst

Looks like this but for Hamster not rat and mice:
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Forti-Health-Mouse-5-Pound/dp/B001VJ56Z8/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462213507&sr=1-1&keywords=kaytee+forti+hamster

For bedding you want UNSCENTED (it messes with their respiratory system if its scented) this Kaytee Clean and Cozy is what I use. Absorbs liquid good and keeps the smell down if its close to cleaning day.

http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Clean-Cozy-Small-Bedding/dp/B015MJB8PO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462214215&sr=1-2&keywords=kaytee+bedding

and last but not least. Buy TWO water bottles in case one of them jams overnight you DO NOT want your hamster to suffer from dehydration. They do not need much water, but when they need it, they need it fast or will get sick quick. The kaytee water bottles have issues with the spout pointing straight so buyer beware. They often dont align properly into the cage bars. But they do work and dont leak for me. Stick with GLASS water bottles, it just tastes better honestly. 6 ounces if you will change the water daily. 12 ounces if you are not as attentive.

http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-SSR61982-Animal-Bottle-12-Ounce/dp/B007TUNWM2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1462214981&sr=8-4&keywords=kaytee+water+bottle

It seems like a lot of money at first and it is but this hamster will be your new furry friend and relies on only you to care for it, so give it the best and longest life possible. You will have one happy hamster if you get all that and will never need to upgrade anything when your Syrian grows bigger.

Hey guys. Thought I'd do an update. :) http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-First-Home-Habitat-12-Inch/dp/B00CETSQ74 Got this home for now (from petco) as they are still little babies. It was the only home designed for rats available in my area. I plan on using this as a travel cage in the future. Anyways, I will order a nice cage for them shortly such as these ones for when they are adults.

http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufacturing-Proof-4-Story-Hamster/dp/B003SZSZM4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1411787997&sr=1-1&keywords=rat+cage

http://www.petco.com/product/106171/Petco-Rat-Manor-Habitat.aspx?cm_mmc=bazaarvoice-_-RLP-_-106171-_-productname_link

http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Habitat-Multi-Level-Exotics-18-Inch/dp/B00CETSHN2/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1411787997&sr=1-4&keywords=rat+cage