Reddit reviews MidWest Deluxe Critter Nation Add-On Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 163) - Compatible w/ Critter Nation Models 161 & 162
We found 6 Reddit comments about MidWest Deluxe Critter Nation Add-On Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 163) - Compatible w/ Critter Nation Models 161 & 162. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Critter Nation Cage Add-On Unit only (compatible with models 161 & 162). Includes 1 leak-proof pan, 1 adjustable shelf & 1 plastic ramp w/ coverFull-width double doors on Critter Nation small animal cage and removeable shelf provide maximum accessibility for easy cleaning & feedingCritter Nation's wide expanse shelves & full width leak-proof pans provide maximized play area & prevent dangerous fallsGreat for Rats, Chinchillas, Dagus, Ferrets |Tubing (Corners) 0.6 inches square & 1/2 " horizontal wire spacing allow pets to fulfill their instinct to climb & explore in a secure environmentDimensions: 36"L x 25"W x 25"HNo tools required assembly & includes a 1- year manufacturer's warranty
We have the Critter Nation for our boys, and it's marvelous. We started out with the standard two-level cage, then later bought a third level to add on. It's now absolutely enormous and they love it. There's so much room for running around and playing, sleeping, eating, and getting away from each other if they need to.
One of our chins is older and also missing part of one of his feet (a deformity he came to us with), and we wanted to make sure he wasn't forced to jump when he wasn't feeling as bouncy as usual, so we kept the shelves and ramps that come with this set-up. We got two sets of fleece covers for the shelves (the unit comes with a set of ramp covers; shelf covers are sold separately), which are easy to keep clean - we just swap them out and launder them. To add to the ease of cleaning, it's simple to "quarantine" your chins to one level of the cage by blocking the access hole to other levels while you're cleaning them.
Our setup would work beautifully for a large family like yours. Even if you go with the two-level version, I'd recommend the Critter Nation over the Ferret Nation. The space between the bars is narrower (less chance of a little leg slipping through or getting caught somehow) and the bar setup is primarily horizontal rather than vertical, allowing you to add shelves, platforms, toys, etc. much more easily.
We were lucky enough to find our Critter Nation in person and on sale at PetSmart over a year ago, then ordered the add-on unit through Amazon (Drs. Foster and Smith also has them). It's an expensive set-up, but it'll last a lifetime, and the pleasure it brings to us and our boys makes it worth every penny.
The slightly taller cage is a Feisty Ferret. The interior dimensions are only slightly bigger than the single unit Critter Nation.
Feisty Ferret: 13.5 cubic feet
Critter Nation: 11.25 cubic feet
Personally, I think the Critter Nation cages are better designed. Not only is the bar spacing better but the Critter Nation also has the double doors so the full front of the cage opens for easy access. The only advantage that the Feisty Ferret has is the height. With the single unit Critter Nation, you have to kneel down or bend over every time you want to open the doors. Compared to the ugliness and difficulty of cleaning that adding hardware cloth will cause for the Feisty Ferret, I think bending down isn't so bad (and you can always pick up an add-on unit for the Critter Nation if you want to turn it into a double).
14 Rats is a tall order. I'd guess the smallest possible size for that many would be a Critter Nation triple; essentially a Critter Nation Double with another add-on floor on top of it, creating 3 floors in total. That would be pretty cramped for that many rats, so for a comfortable living space, I'd just recommend two Double Critter Nations.
Use this cage calculator if you're in doubt!
You can buy an add-on to make it a Triple Critter Nation! It stands six feet tall. This doesn't answer your question, but it's good to know expansion options if you really want to make a spacious home.
Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation Add-On Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 163) Includes 1 Leak-Proof Pan, 1 Shelf, 1 Ramp w/Ramp Cover. Compatible w/Critter Nation Models 161 & 162 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00551LBUW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SWd0DbKVTK5N8
Try a ferret nation or critter nation. I’ve seen those work well for injured and disabled birds.
You can take out any of the shelves and ramps easily.
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-163-leak-Proof-Compatible/dp/B00551LBUW/ref=asc_df_B00551LBUW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167140054045&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6692879469740918855&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012028&hvtargid=pla-274108454803&psc=1
I have a non-skyscraper version of this cage, by Critter Nation. I believe it's just identified as a double (unit) cage. Here is the link for the Amazon listing of one here in the US.