You want your rat to live life King size!
As said many times before, rats are friendly and can be excellent pets. Since they are that tiny, they are easy to handle and have very few needs. The key for them is to have food and comfortable accommodation. However, finding the right cage for your pet rat is very important and should be well planned. Remember, they will stay together during their lifetime (2-3 years) and so it is best to choose the right cage to keep them happy and satisfied. Choosing a cage for rats should be made taking into account all internal and external factors that affect the lives of your pet. Here are some of the factors you should consider to get the perfect cage for your pet:
Rat family. Before you buy a cage, you must consider the number of pet rats that live inside the cage. This will give you an idea of the size of the cage you need to buy. Remember, the rat likes to walk so you need to provide enough space to run freely. You also need to consider that you will provide their latest toys then you need to consider providing space for toys too. You also need to know that rats breed easily and can grow at any time. If you intend to breed your pet, then you will need a larger cage to accommodate new members.
Inside or outside. By choosing the best cage for your pet, you need to completely plan if you place the cage inside or outside of your home. Although it is safer to place it inside the house (if there are no cats or dogs), it is also possible to place the cage in the open. However, if you decide to put it out, then you must take into account the outside temperature. You also need to secure the area to ensure they will not be eaten as prey for other larger animals. You must also consider the cages specially designed for outdoor use.
Size matters. The size of the area where you place the cage is very important and should definitely be considered. The height and width should be measured accurately so that you can get an idea of the maximum size of the cage that you can buy. However, if you constantly move the cage from one location to another, then you can buy the right size based on the number of pet rats you have. You must also choose the cage with wheels so it will be easier for you to transfer it to another location.
Quality. Check the quality of the cage and see how it’s done. Make sure the cage is constructed of good material for your pet is safe inside. You should also check if the cage is sealed. Remember, rats are skipping sort, and if the cage is not closed properly, they can easily escape. The cage should also be made of a material that your pet will not be able to eat or at least chew easily.
Not live in such a cage.
Converting the cage into a Home for your Pet Rats
Before you buy your pet rat you need a place that he or she can call home, as said above. Well, for starters, you will need a large cage, again, as said above. It is recommended that pet rats have cages that are 1.5 square feet or more for each rat to feel at home. Make sure that the cage has very solid surfaces as well. Gaps should not be more than a half inch as rats can squeeze through very small areas, and it should be powder coated to avoid being corroded over time by rat urine. For bedding, use caution with wood chips as cedar chips and pine are known to sometimes have adverse effects on small animals such as rats. If you use wood shaving chips only use aspen. Another good solution is a litter box, which is excellent and non-toxic to small animals.
Rats must remain at a neutral temperature, away from heat, cold or drafts. Also, be sure to keep the area around the rat’s cage clear. Rats will chew anything they can get their hands on, so be sure to keep all items away from the rat’s cage.