PSA: Types of Rat Enclosures

When you set out to buy supplies for your rats one big thing to consider is enclosures. You want your rat to have the best home possible, and as such cage research is essential.

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Tanks

Tanks are not an acceptable rat enclosure. Reasons being the solid walls of the tanks only allow for one point of ventilation, which isn't sufficient enough to prevent Upper Respitory Infections from occurring. Rats have extremely sensitive respitory systems, and as such need optimal ventilation. Tanks are not big enough to house your rat, even a 55 gallon tank doesn't have enough space. The solid walls don't allow climbing for your rat and make it near impossible to set up levels. This can promote inactivity which can lead to obesity. Since the air cannot ventilate properly, humidity and temperatures will rise inside of the tank. This will require extra cleaning and is extremely uncomfortable for your rat. The ONLY time a tank is acceptable is with a pregnant rat or babies before they're weaned. The reason being because pregnant rats do not need as much exercise and the low ventilation keeps them slightly warmer.

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Bins

A bin on its own is also not a suitable rat enclosure. The reason being because the walls are solid, allowing for little to no ventilation. However, you can DIY the bin to make it suitable. You will have to replace all the walls other than the flooring with mesh, however, to allow for proper ventilation. You'll also need to add layers to the bin cage, as a single level bin cage simply doesn't have enough space.

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Wired

Wired cages are highly recommended. They provide the proper ventilation for your rat and often come with multiple levels. However, make sure to cover wired floors/ramps with fleece to prevent bumblefoot. Also, make sure the bar spacing isn't wider than 1/2 inches (1.27 centimeters) for babies and 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) for adults.

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Wood Cages

Overall, not a very good idea. Wood soaks up urine and is overall near impossible to clean. This means it will generally be very smelly and dirty. There's also a chance of your rats chewing out of a wood cage. If you do use a wood cage, make sure to coat it with a product that makes it urine-resistant and avoid using wood that is toxic to rats.

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Cage Recommendations

Critter Nation (Double/Single)

Cost: Double - $250; Single - $150

Maximum Number of Rats: Double - 12; Single - 6

Fiesty Ferret Cage

Cost: $120

Maximum Number of Rats: 8

You and Me Rat Manor

Cost: $80

Maximum Number of Rats: 3

Not the best cage but good for those on a budget

Prevue Hendryx

Cost: $120

Maximum Number of Rats: 6

Kaytee My First Rat Home Deluxe

Cost: $160

Maximum Number of Rats: 5

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Conclusion

there are plenty of other cages out there that are suitable for rats besides the recommendations above. If you're wondering how many rats a certain cage can hold, try using a rat cage calculator by typing in the dimensions. Having a suitable cage for your rat is absolutely essential for your beloved pet to have a happy life.