Caging
Picking the right cage can be frustrating as there are so many options out there. There is also so much misinformation out there about the appropriate cage. I am hoping this helps when choosing the right cage for your new family members.
Rats are fossorial animals. Meaning they love to dig and burrow. They live on and underground. So providing them with the proper floor space is is needed. While is doesn't mean they do not climb as well. They do. So its good to add hammocks and such to the cage to use up all that airspace in the cage and provide the rats with enrichment.
Remember to choose a cage that is appropriate for the number of rats you will house in it. Rats need at least 1.5-2.0 square feet per rat. Also make sure the bar spacing is 1/2". They can fit through anything bigger. No wire levels or floors as it hurts their feet. While some say it causes bumblefoot, and it can, its not the only way they get it.
Rats are fossorial animals. Meaning they love to dig and burrow. They live on and underground. So providing them with the proper floor space is is needed. While is doesn't mean they do not climb as well. They do. So its good to add hammocks and such to the cage to use up all that airspace in the cage and provide the rats with enrichment.
Remember to choose a cage that is appropriate for the number of rats you will house in it. Rats need at least 1.5-2.0 square feet per rat. Also make sure the bar spacing is 1/2". They can fit through anything bigger. No wire levels or floors as it hurts their feet. While some say it causes bumblefoot, and it can, its not the only way they get it.
Suitable caging
Exotic Nutrition Zanzibar Cage:
- Dimensions - 32" x 20" x 16.5"
- Can hold up to 3 rats
- Provides floor space and climbing space
- Deep base for bedding
- Downside is it has a plastic base that can be chewed, levels and ramps should be removed to add more clutter
Prevue 528:
- Dimensions - 32.5" x 19" x 17.5"
- Can hold up to 3 rats
- Provides floor space and climbing space
- Deep base for bedding
- Downside is it has a plastic base that can be chewed, levels and ramps should be removed to add more clutter
Exotic Nutrition Casablanca Cage:
- Dimensions - 32" x 20" x 23"
- Can hold up to 4 rats
- Provides floor space and climbing space
- Deep base for bedding and height for more enrichment items
- Downside is it has a plastic base and can be chewed, levels and ramps should be removed to add more clutter
Kaytee Multi-Level Exotics Cage:
- Dimensions - 30.5" x 18" x 30"
- Can hold up to 4 rats
- Provides floor space and climbing space
- Deep base for bedding and height for more enrichment items
- Remove a couple levels to add more enrichment items
- downside is it has a plastic base that can be chewed, levels and ramps should be removed to add more clutter
Midwest Critter Nation Cage:
Note: Pictured is the double unit
- Dimensions - Single unit: 36" x 24" x 39", Double unit: 36" x 24" x 63"
- Provides floor space and climbing space
- Will need to be modified to hold the proper amount of bedding
- Provides height for more enrichment items
- Single unit can hold up to 4-6 rats
- Double unit can hold up to 10-12 rats
Note: Pictured is the double unit
Bedding types
Kiln dried pine/aspen:
While most will say that pine is a horrible bedding choice due to the phenols and will make your rats sick, its not. Its actually been scientifically proved to be one of the best beddings to neutralize ammonia levels and controls the odor. The kiln drying process is what makes it safe to use. It destroys the phenols and makes it safe. Nearly all kiln dried pine bedding sold in the US is safe to use.
Aspen is another great choice of bedding to use. Like kiln dried pine it neutralizes the ammonia levels and controls the odor.
Hemp:
Hemp is a newer bedding choice. While it does cost more than kiln dried pine or aspen it is just as effective as them. It controls odor and helps with the ammonia levels.
Never use these beddings:
While most will say that pine is a horrible bedding choice due to the phenols and will make your rats sick, its not. Its actually been scientifically proved to be one of the best beddings to neutralize ammonia levels and controls the odor. The kiln drying process is what makes it safe to use. It destroys the phenols and makes it safe. Nearly all kiln dried pine bedding sold in the US is safe to use.
Aspen is another great choice of bedding to use. Like kiln dried pine it neutralizes the ammonia levels and controls the odor.
Hemp:
Hemp is a newer bedding choice. While it does cost more than kiln dried pine or aspen it is just as effective as them. It controls odor and helps with the ammonia levels.
Never use these beddings:
- Paper - tends to be dustier, doesn't control odor or ammonia
- Cedar - no matter if it is kiln dried it is still toxic to all animals
- Fleece - may look pretty but it doesn't control odor or ammonia.