CAGE GUIDE
Rats have sensitive respiratory systems, and as such, should be in a cage with adequate ventilation. Aquarium tanks are not suitable for rats, regardless of size. Ammonia gets trapped in the enclosed space and irritates the sinuses, which leads to upper respiratory infection, which must be treated with antibiotics. Without antibiotics, the URI will typically lead to scaring in the respiratory tract or may progress to Pneumonia and may become fatal. It is very important to choose your cage wisely from the beginning.
Below are some commonly used cages for rats. Please note that this is only a small guide and is not limited to these cages alone. If you have a different cage you are considering, you can send a message and I would be happy to look it over and let you know if it would be a suitable cage to use. |
TALL OR WIDE? Theres many pet groups that insist rats should have tall cages as they like to climb. However, rats are fossorial creatures by nature, spending much of their time underground. They benefit with ample floor space, especially with proper use of loose bedding for burrowing. Rats are not so well adapted to life in high places and too much climbing can result is injuries. Floor space should always be the priority over height. |
QUICK PICKS
DOUBLE FEISTY FERRET
Maker: Prevue Hendrix Dimensions: 31"x20"x54" |
Bar Spacing: 7/8"
Max # Of Rats: 8 Price: $130 (Amazon 5/20) |
Pros: good size cage, ample floor space while also having space to hang hammocks and baskets, 2 levels. can remove wire tray on bottom but may leave a gap that enables chewing. On wheels. looks nice. Cons: Bar spacing is wide, making it unsuitable for babies and young rats that could get through the bars. Would need to be wrapped in hardware cloth to prevent escape. Second level wire flooring should be covered to prevent injury and ease cleaning. Only one door opens making it harder to clean. |
CRITTER NATION (Single/Double/Triple)
Maker: MidWest Dimensions: Single: 36"x 24"x 38.5" Double: 63"H Triple: 87.5"H |
Bar Spacing: 1/2"
Max # Of Rats: 6 per level (6 - 12 - 24) Price: Single: $150 Double: $250 Add-On Unit: $118 (Amazon 5/20) |
Pros: 1/2" bar spacing makes it suitable for rats of all ages. wire floors are covered by plastic tray. Ample floor space while also having space to hang hammocks and baskets. on wheels. double doors open for full access cleaning. can buy large cement mixing trays at home depot to use bedding without mess. metal trays are options for a cleaner look than the mixing trays. expandable, a single can become a double can become a triple. Sturdy and well built. Cons: Needs a fairly large space, must be taken apart to deep clean, more expensive option |
RAT MANOR
Maker: You & Me Dimensions: 16.5"x 22.5"x 32" |
Bar Spacing: 1/2"
Max # Of Rats: 4 Price: $75 (petco 5/20) |
MY FIRST HOME EXOTICS
Maker: Kaytee Dimensions: 30.5"x8.5"x18.5" |
Bar Spacing: 1/2"
Recommended # Of Rats: 3 Price: $75.75 (Amazon) |
Pros: Relatively inexpensive. Solid levels means no modifying wire platforms. Ample space for hanging hammocks and baskets. Easy to take apart for cleaning. 1/2" bar spacing makes it suitable for rats of all ages. Deep bottom pan for deeper bedding to burrow. Cons: Plastic bottom could be chewed leading to escape. Plastic shelves could be chewed. Not on wheels. |
Martins Cages (The Tower used here)
Maker: Martins Cages Dimensions: 24" x 14" x 36" |
Bar Spacing: 1/2"
Recommended # Of Rats: 4 Price: $105-$127 (powder coat) (Martins Cages 5/20) |