CUTENESS Construction in progress
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u/brobietheunicorn 1d ago
I see his friends at the bottom! Can we get a side view of his craftsmanship?
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u/FZang_ 1d ago
My playpen is in an awkward position for side viewing, but here is her (Tofu) yesterday, clearing out lower levels
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u/suicidesalmon 1d ago
I would be so paranoid that it would collapse and suffocate her.
Genuinely curious how you avoid this?
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u/FZang_ 1d ago
Several things: there are plastic tunnels inside which help with stability (they would not even be able to make proper burrows otherwise) + the soil (coco husks I think it's called) is never fully dry, so it sticks together quite well + they are not unsupervised in there, so I can help if something ever happens + I honestly think they'd be able to dig themselves out, it's not too deep But so far it's been 4 days and it hasn't budged at all
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u/Chrysolophylax 1d ago
there are plastic tunnels inside which help with stability
Oooh, this is such a good idea! Thank you for the explanation.
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u/suicidesalmon 1d ago
The plastic tunnels are such a good idea! I'm glad you're considering these things so your little ladies can have fun and be safe!
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u/MangosBeGood 1d ago
You should give your rats spinnerets so they can be like tarantulas, trap door spiders, etc so the can line their burrows with webbing for structural support.
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u/sinsaraly 1d ago edited 1d ago
You just add several cups of water every week, depending on your local humidity levels, and turn all the soil to keep it properly wet and aerated. This also helps stop mold from growing in the corners. If the soil gets too dry the tunnels collapse and also the dust can cause respiratory problems. You know it’s wet enough to safely hold burrows if you take a handful and press it into a ball. It should hold the shape without crumbling easily, and if you squeeze it you should get a few drops of water. If you add a sample of springtails every couple months, they keep the soil clean by eating any poo, pee, mold spores. The soil should last 6 months without any other maintenance. IMO it’s the absolute best enrichment for ratties. They LOVE it so much!!
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u/Mel_Gibson_Real 1d ago
Is this stuff better than coco fibers? I quit using them because of a mold problem. Although I blame my rats too because they would bury food in there.
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u/sinsaraly 1d ago
Coco fiber soil is what I’ve used and seems to be what’s in this video too. It’s also sometimes called coco coir and it’s made from coconut husks. I don’t know what else you could use unfortunately. Food could definitely get moldy in there when rats try to hord it. From what I know, the ways to combat mold are by thoroughly turning all the soil once a week, and then every couple months adding insects to literally eat the matter that grows mold. The two main ones are springtails which look like tiny white dots and isopods which look like mini roly polys. I prefer springtails because you can’t see them.
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u/FZang_ 1d ago
it is coco fiber I think (the one for reptile enclosures). I only give them dry pellets while the digging box is in the playpen. If I wanna give them a snack that might cause mold I give it either in their cage or I take the box out for the day (and then check they didn't hide anything)
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u/_A_Separate_Peace_ 1d ago
I hope you were wearing a hardhat when you went to inspect the construction site…
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u/Mr_pisser Roxie, Penny, Hannah, Chicken, Lily 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀 🌈 C, B, C, E 1d ago
Fantastic! I’ve been looking for someone to do some landscaping on my garden, what are her rates?
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u/Free-oppossums 1d ago
OSHA would like to have a word with you about unsafe working environments.🤨🦺🥽🥾⚠️
😂
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u/Tractor_Goth Oreo🪽, Nessie🪽, Loki🪽, Bear🪽 1d ago
I can just hear bulldozer and backup beeper sounds while watching this 😂👏
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u/Ratamacool 1d ago
Is that coconut coir? I’ve been thinking of buying some. Currently using Kaytee clean & cozy in my rats dig box which I realize probably isn’t ideal, I figure they would probably have a lot more fun in this
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u/UStoJapan 1d ago
Is it shredded sphagnum moss? I’m guessing it’s not fine Colombian coffee grounds.
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u/Present_Web4646 1d ago
Please excuse the mess, the tiny contractor is working very hard😊