Cages
Finding the right cage can be difficult. However, you can find the perfect cage for you and your rats with guidance and perseverance, without spending a fortune.
Things to know before you start
Cages for 1-2 rats (travel cages)
When your pet is ill, needs to be in quarantine or a general time out, you will be glad to have a travel cage handy. These are relatively inexpensive and ideally don't take up much room and can often be collapsed. As they are to be used only as temporary accommodation, it is OK to use a small carrier.
Some people use a cat carrier for transporting their rats to and from their vet. The often retail for around $50. Try to find one with secure doors with small bar spacing.
A good form of temporary accommodation for a sick, injured, newborn or pregnant rat is a large plastic storage tub (easily found at Big W, Kmart and discount stores). To make it rat friendly, cut the flat part of the lid off so there are a few inches around the side (so it can still securely attach). Drill a few holes around the edge of the lid. Cover the hole with grid wire (available at Bunnings or a hardware store) and securely attach with zip ties using the drilled holes (you can also create more windows this way but be sure to place them high up in case you use it as a birthing chamber). Place your bedding of choice at the bottom, add a shelter like a box or igloo, a food bowl and hand a drinking bottle from the wire.
For my travel cage in the past, I used a bird cage. It was enough space for two rats, and had a handle on top for carrying. I currently use a PetOne cage, which is three-tiered and can hold up to 3 rats as a permanent cage. I like it because it's light weight, has handles and can be collapsed when it's not in use. They retail from $65 to $130, but they can often be found on eBay and in classifieds for much cheaper and they're worth it.
Cages for 2-3 Rats
The best 'small' cage I've found for a group of this size so far would have to be the PetOne three-tiered cage. They come in many different colours, are easy to clean, have large doors and are lightweight. They can be found in most pet stores for around $65-$130. The only downside is that they're made almost entirely of wire, so the shelves will need to be covered with fleece or towels to make it easier on your rat's feet. This cage is OK for up to three females and two males, but ideally it's best to keep two in there.
If this is unsuitable, you can always have a look at bird cages of a similar or bigger size.
Things to know before you start
- The bar spacing of a cage should ideally be 1cm or 1.5cm. Any larger than this and you risk the smaller rats of your mischief escaping, or causing themselves harm in the process of attempted escape.
- Wire cages are the most ideal cages to have. They're easy to clean, you can decorate them with hanging objects and they give your rats something to climb on.
- Aquariums should be avoided. While they're harder to escape from, they do not provide adequate ventilation, which can cause your rat's very sensitive respiratory system to become aggravated, leading to illness.
- Make sure the door is secure. Rats are very intelligent and can open doors if they try hard enough. This can be avoided by placing padlocks on doors.
Cages for 1-2 rats (travel cages)
When your pet is ill, needs to be in quarantine or a general time out, you will be glad to have a travel cage handy. These are relatively inexpensive and ideally don't take up much room and can often be collapsed. As they are to be used only as temporary accommodation, it is OK to use a small carrier.
Some people use a cat carrier for transporting their rats to and from their vet. The often retail for around $50. Try to find one with secure doors with small bar spacing.
A good form of temporary accommodation for a sick, injured, newborn or pregnant rat is a large plastic storage tub (easily found at Big W, Kmart and discount stores). To make it rat friendly, cut the flat part of the lid off so there are a few inches around the side (so it can still securely attach). Drill a few holes around the edge of the lid. Cover the hole with grid wire (available at Bunnings or a hardware store) and securely attach with zip ties using the drilled holes (you can also create more windows this way but be sure to place them high up in case you use it as a birthing chamber). Place your bedding of choice at the bottom, add a shelter like a box or igloo, a food bowl and hand a drinking bottle from the wire.
For my travel cage in the past, I used a bird cage. It was enough space for two rats, and had a handle on top for carrying. I currently use a PetOne cage, which is three-tiered and can hold up to 3 rats as a permanent cage. I like it because it's light weight, has handles and can be collapsed when it's not in use. They retail from $65 to $130, but they can often be found on eBay and in classifieds for much cheaper and they're worth it.
Cages for 2-3 Rats
The best 'small' cage I've found for a group of this size so far would have to be the PetOne three-tiered cage. They come in many different colours, are easy to clean, have large doors and are lightweight. They can be found in most pet stores for around $65-$130. The only downside is that they're made almost entirely of wire, so the shelves will need to be covered with fleece or towels to make it easier on your rat's feet. This cage is OK for up to three females and two males, but ideally it's best to keep two in there.
If this is unsuitable, you can always have a look at bird cages of a similar or bigger size.
Cages for 3 or more Rats
In Australia your options are very limited if you want to keep more than 3 rats in one cage. one way to circumvent this is to modify a cage or make one yourself. The Dapper Rat has a lot of examples of grotto-style cages which can easily made at home often under $200. If you want to modify a cage, you can do it by joining two together if you're handy. A good cage to use for this is the PetOne cage, as its construction is simple and roomy.
If you're prepared to spend a little more money, you can make your way to eBay and have a look at the different cages there. An extremely popular cage among rat fanciers is the Ferret Kingdom. It is similar to the Ferret Nation and Critter Nation cages available in the US. This cage has several levels, which are customisable, and claims to be able to hold up to 12 rats. It's advisable to keep your limit at 10 to be on the safe side. They retail from $295, but can be found for cheaper if they're second hand. The current GSR setup is a FK that's been reduced to a one level cage (see image).
In Australia your options are very limited if you want to keep more than 3 rats in one cage. one way to circumvent this is to modify a cage or make one yourself. The Dapper Rat has a lot of examples of grotto-style cages which can easily made at home often under $200. If you want to modify a cage, you can do it by joining two together if you're handy. A good cage to use for this is the PetOne cage, as its construction is simple and roomy.
If you're prepared to spend a little more money, you can make your way to eBay and have a look at the different cages there. An extremely popular cage among rat fanciers is the Ferret Kingdom. It is similar to the Ferret Nation and Critter Nation cages available in the US. This cage has several levels, which are customisable, and claims to be able to hold up to 12 rats. It's advisable to keep your limit at 10 to be on the safe side. They retail from $295, but can be found for cheaper if they're second hand. The current GSR setup is a FK that's been reduced to a one level cage (see image).
Please note: I have not included a section here for lone rats, as it is widely agreed that as rats are very social animals, it is stressful and unkind to leave them in a cage by themselves. For long term living arrangements, a rat must have at least one other rat to keep them company. Human affection alone will not be enough.