Rat Cages for Your New Pet Rat
Posted on July 23, 2010
Filed Under Rats | Leave a Comment
Rat cages for pet rats are an absolute necessity to contain them safely. There are various styles of cages on the market with each having its advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to consider where you will put the cage so ample room can be provided. Do not place the cage in a drafty area or an area with temperature extremes.
A rat cage needs to be larger than the typical hamster cage you may have seen. Rats need a bit more space as they are very active. If you have one rat you should provide at least two square feet of bottom surface area. With two or more rats your rat cage should should be a large rat cage or have more levels.
Climbing is a favorite past time of rats. They are almost like monkeys with their ability and interest in climbing. If your budget allows buy a multi-level cage to begin with. If the cage you select does have multiple levels you can add ladders, hammocks, and balconies. Make a hammock from a trouser leg by pulling two lengths of string through the leg and then tie the strings at four points.
A little balcony can be made from a board attached to the cage with fasteners.
You can take a small cardboard box and make a little house with windows and doors cut into it. Place some bedding inside to complete the house. You can add other items such as wooden branches and climbing tubes. Your local pet store will offer all sorts of climbing accessories that might interest your pet. If you have an older or sick rat climbing toys are probably not suitable for your pet rat cage.
Rats love to dig in the natural process of seeking food. Rat cages with a digging box are a good way to provide them with an outlet for this natural desire. You can use any small plastic box such as a cat litter box and fill it with some sterile soil. The soil should be plain soil with no other chemical additives. Your can even add seeds to the soil to grow plants from various grains or grasses. Add just enough water to grow the seeds but not so much that a mold problem occurs. You can take it step further by adding stones or a piece of PVC tubing to the soil. Burying some treats in the soil will give your rats an extra challenge. Their digging box could be placed inside or outside the cage. Be sure to clean and replace the soil form time to time.
Put a little time into deciding which cage to buy and how to outfit it. There are lots of cages to choose from. Look around and pick a good cage for your money. Provide plenty of warm bedding and toys and you will have happy pets.
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