Litter training record!

[odduckOasis]

So, I got my CN today. Took me like, 2 hours to set up and a lot of hammering. lol. So, I went out and got a ferret litter box (the one they make for rats is so small o.o, like good for mice!) and put in some litter that's made specifically for litter training and all, put in some bedding as well (I fleece lined the cage) and after Peanut, my oldest tossed out most of the bedding and I put in more actual litter- it's been in there less than 12 hours and both he and the 10 week old boy are both using the litter box! I was amazed! I put the rock that was in the other cage in there as well (someone suggested putting a first sized rock in the box cuz they'll pee on rocks). I had transferred some droppings and such there also and I think the rock smelled like stuff as well, cuz I didn't wash it.

So like, litter trained in not even half a day! I'm in shock! Of course, it might not work so well in the play area, but I can test it when I get them in there and bring the box with me. But still.

Talk about super smart ratties! 8D

 

[jorats]

That happened with my Pony and his girls. The minute the three moved in together, they were litter trained. weird how that happens. Enjoy it!

 

[temblabamomo]

That's awesome, congrats on having such super smart kiddos :joy: My younger boys learned pretty quickly, but at time they're a little lazy about it...I've found giving them a treat when I see them use the box helps reinforce the behaviour during those time when they get lax about their potty training.

 

[hprats]

Haha, yah, my rats took to the litter box just like that too. As soon as there was fabric on the floors, and bedding/litter only in the litter box, they preferred to go there. I have 3 boxes though, for my 4 rats, because I only clean them once a day, and if they're too "full" (really not full at all, but whenever they decide they're too dirty), they stop using them.

 

[odduckOasis]

I was just shocked since the older boy didn't seem at all interested in the smaller tray I stuck into his cage when I first had him. He kept avoiding it. But, they like this stuff.

I'm not sure about the litter I put in it tho... what do y'all use for litter in the box? I've considered peat moss, but I'm a little concerned about the mess they'd make (since they like to shove the contents around and all.)

Also, does it mean anything if one rat will take his food (sometimes) and sit in the litter box and eat there? lol.

 

[MissGuardian]

I use yesterday´s news(also what I used before I changed to fleece).
Mine often eats in the litter box, it´s not a problem.. I think some stash their food there too(?)..

 

[odduckOasis]

I wasn't sure. lol. I have a rock in there and the younger one will sit on the rock and eat too. xD;; My mom was like 'ew...' lol!

I'll have to look into that one, cuz the other stuff I have, when it gets wet (they pee in there sometimes too) I've seen it like, melt into this white goo and it gets on their feet and tails (and it's hard to get off their tails) and I'd rather it not get like, all over the place. It's made for potty training hamsters and gerbils, so I know it's safe for rodents and all, but I still don't like it getting all over them like that (and all over the cage lol).