Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know that black rats LOVE to climb..... do they still love to climb as hatchlings or is that something they get the courage to do only when they are older? they should be getting here tuesday and I am setting up their cages and don't know if I should put up some climbing "toys" or if I should wait until they are a little older.. (if I get it now will they use it yet?) thanks once again everyone!

P.S. I will be SURE to post pics asap!
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0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Redtail "Kilo"
1.0 Ball Python "Road Hog"

Hatchlings will climb on branches right away. If you like greenery in your cages you can buy interesting plastic plants at craft stores for cheaper than at most pet stores. My glades seemed to enjoy basking on the up-and-down swaying plastic branches.

My hatchlings like to climb from the early days on. At one point last night every one of myRats was in a branch.

just curious.... what do you all keep your adult black rats in? custom vivs or should a 40 gallon breeder be fine?
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0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Redtail "Kilo"
1.0 Ball Python "Road Hog"

While I don't have black rats, I currently keep my 4' everglades rats in 40 gallon breeders. They will move into custom built 4x2x2 cages this fall since they make use of all their cage space. I'm also considering just buying a pair of 4x2x4 display cages as there are fantastic designs out there.

I have mine in Vision 332s.