I've kept rats as pets for many years. They are kept in huge custom built cabinet style enclosures on recycled paper bedding. I've kept up to eighty rats at one time and they never smelled. What are your conditions like? What is their enclosure like? How many rats do you have per enclosure? Rats are very clean animals and give off very little odor, but if kept in substandard conditions the cages will smell of ammonia and feces.

Pine and cedar are not considered safe for rats. Aspen is questionable to some. Since I enjoy rats as pets my standards may be higher than that of someone who breeds solely for feeder production, but if you are what you eat, it's best to make sure your feeders are as healthy as possible.

Good luck.

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