Tips for a beginner? (and comparison of cages)
Hey! I am planning to get three female rats from a breeder this fall, as I will get money from my confirmation and work. I have researched pretty much (but some stuff I would like to be explained open), and I have understood that females are more prone to tumours than males, but males have hormonal aggression. I would also appreciate if someone explained how much heat affects females.
I was wondering about the feeding, what kinds of foods and how often? Like what kind of mixture I should not buy and which nutrients are am must. i read somewhere that rats may like cat paste (ex. Smilla Multi-itamin cat-paste), but mostly for a treat.
Cages
I have been looking at multiple cages, but many of them turn out to be way too expensive or they dont deliver to my city/country (or the fees are ~200 euros). i live in Finland, so the delivery options aren't too open.
My top 2 options are TIAKI Critter Empire and TIAKI Villa, but I am definitely taking recommendations! I am aware that the grating spacing is a bit big, but if that comes to be a problem I can use some kind of wire/net to cover the cage. My budjet for the cage is preferably under 200 euros, as I am buying everything by myself and I feel like having some emergency money for the rats in case of a vet trip etc. I am also open for second-hand cages, as long as they are around North Ostrobothnia (expectations may be made).
Thank you before-hand for answering politely, but truthfully!