Pet Rat Cage

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Which Rat Cage Should You Choose?

Choosing a pet rat to adopt is the easy bit, they are all so adorable you can’t really go wrong, but there are some things to consider when choosing the best rat cage for your pet. Your rat’s health and happiness can be affected by a bad rat cage, so here are some things to consider to help you choose the best home possible for your fuzzy friends.

Size – Rats need a lot of space to run, play and explore, so make sure you choose a cage with plenty of room. Young rats love to climb up the bars and even swing from the roof, so choosing a wire cage is a great idea. You should make sure there is enough room for toys, food and water bowls, hide aways and hammocks. It is usually best to adopt at least two rats as they love company, so make sure there is enough space for both of them to get plenty of exercise. A hamster or mouse cage is not suitable for a rat.
Bars – There are some fabulous cages available for ferrets, but often the bars are a bit too far apart for our ratty friends. Even an adult rat can squeeze through a very small space and as you can imagine baby rats can wriggle out of surprisingly small holes. Rat cages are designed so that the bars are close enough together so that rats cannot escape and instead they can enjoy climbing up the bars and swinging from the rooftops. Some ferret cages however, are suitable for adult rats; it is just a matter of doing your research.
Cleaning – Rats need to be cleaned out regularly. Your job will be far easier if you choose a rat cage that is easy to clean out. Some cages have a plastic tray that you can easily slide out the bottom of the cage for cleaning. You should also be able to reach all corners of the cage easily to sweep out droppings and change bedding.
Ventilation – Your rat cage must have excellent air flow. Rats are very prone to horrible respiratory diseases, which can be fatal. If you keep your rats in an old aquarium tank you will find they are much more susceptible to illness. A wire cage is the best option, so that plenty of air can flow through. You can place newspaper on the bottom of the cage, so that your rats won’t hurt their feet.
Cost – Of course not everyone has unlimited cash to spend on a rat cage, but if you do a little research online you can find a great cage for a good price. You should think about the costs involved in adopting your new pets, before you go ahead and bring them home. If you really can’t afford a nice cage, pet rats are probably not the best pet for you. After all there may be vets bills down the road.
Special Needs Rats – You should consider the needs of your individual rats before purchasing a rat cage. If you have an elderly rat you may want a single level cage. Older rats may have trouble dealing with ramps and stairs. They would much rather have a single level home where they can have fun exploring, without the risk of injury.

By taking these things into consideration you can provide your pet rats with a wonderful rat cage where they will be happy and healthy. Even with the perfect cage your rats will still need plenty of time outside the cage. You should set aside at least one hour a day to handle your rats and give them free range time. This way you can build up a trusting bond with your pets.

For more information on pet rats and choosing a rat cage check out:http://www.RatsRatsRats.com