My pet rats REEK! Any suggestions on how to combat the smell?

Question

I've tried everything! My two girls are only. Couple of months old, but my mum swears that they will have to live outside if I don't sort this out FAST. of course, it's super cruel and I just won't let that happen! 

I've bought them a litter tray (which they use), special odour controlling treats, clean their cage every day, bought a dehumidifier, cleaned the carpet (in case they were peeing on it) then put newspaper down. I blast their cage with vinegar spray every day when I clean them out, and blasting the cage with a hose doesn't seem to help either. ANY advice would be GREATLY appreciated, as I have no idea what to do anymore!!! I can't have my girls living outside in -0c!!!! 

Thank you in advance :)

Answer

the urine that rats excrete with is a high potented urine and its hard to get rid of when their constantley peeing mabe you could put them in the garage if the rats you think might live there  maybe they wouldn't but its how they are and your room or what room their in will smell really bad try and find some spray like febreeze or other spray to use it might be tolerable at that point you can get sick from the smell if you smell it long enough

Answer

If you're still having trouble here's some things that might help.
If the smell is more like strong urine, put cranberry juice in the water bottle you use for them, just enough to make it slightly discolored and change it every 3 days if they don't finish it.
If the smell is more like wet dog smell, wash your rats in dawn dish washing liquid once a week and if you use fleece in the cage, put a thick towel under it to absorb urine. 
Hope this helps!
I know my boy always ends up stinking when he gets a little UTI and cranberry juice solves it in 2 days flat. :) 
Best of luck!

Answer

As long as they are cleaned every day, they shouldnt smell bad.  I had about 20 aquariums of rats when I raised them for the pet store and my room didnt smell like anything except wood chips and paper.  I used pelleted horse litter on the bottom and finely shredded aspen litter for on top. To clean the aquariums, I used a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice, dawn, and water in a spray bottle.

Answer

If you are worried about the smell, it's fine. Pet rats can become stinky and may need a regular bath every two months. Wash with scented shampoo used for children. Wash your rats in either the tub or the sink (from what I hear about your mother, I'd say use the sink). Fill it with warm water and a good amount of shampoo. Then drop in the rats! My rat, Kimby, sometimes poops from fright, but it's natural for them to be scared, so don't worry. Rub some shampoo into each rat's fur and  then rinse it out. I find it easier to do if your holding the rat in about three inches of water. Dry the rats in towels and rub them gently. Make sure that when you put them back in their cage they are COMPLETELY DRY!!! If they are the least bit of damp then they can catch a cold.
Hope this helps!

My pet rats REEK! Any suggestions on how to combat the smell?

Responses (4)