I dont think Im doing a good job....

Question
Hello!
I have 2 boy dumbo eared rats aged about 6 months old. I bought them from a pet store and they are brothers. They are friendly and seem quite happy. We feed them Rat pellets bought from a pet shop, fresh veg, and nuts. They have a non dusty bedding and live in what I think (might not be right though) quite a big cage.
The problem I need help with is that we live in a flat and the smell from the cage is very bad. We clean them out weekly but this doesn't seem to help.
Also I have recently become ill and admit I have not been getting them out as much as I should and neglecting them sometimes which I feel very guilty about. I'm thinking of re homing them but don't know if anyone will have them. I was wondering if you could advise how much time out of their cage they need? If there is anything I can do about the smell? and also they fight quite a bit and end up nicking each other on the tail, ear etc is this normal?
Sorry about so many questions but I had one Rat when I was younger which was a boy and this time is completely different.
I don't want my boys to suffer and can see maybe someone else may be better at looking after them.
Any help greatly appriciated.
Thank you
Katie

Answer
I'm so sorry you've been sick.

My best advice about smell is to be sure they're on an absorbant, dust-free bedding.. I suggest Carefresh or Yesterday's News, both recycled newspaper bedding. Aspen is decent but doesn't absorb odor quite so well. If you need to, bump up the cleaning to twice a week. Their cage should be at least 2 levels (preferably 3) with at least a square foot of living space on each level. They should have more than one water bottle and food dish to prevent scuffles.

Their arguing is fairly normal given their age. They will grow out of it eventually.

They need about an hour out of the cage a day, minimum. I prefer more, but of course, in a perfect world, that isn't always possible.

I do hope you feel better; and I certainly hope your decision regarding the boys is the best for all three of you!