What to Consider when Setting Up a Cage for Your Pet Rat

While some pet rats free range, most rats are kept inside a cage. There are currently a wide variety of cage options on the market, but all cages are not created equal. There are several important things to consider when choosing and setting up your rat's cage.

1. Rat's like to climb. It is best to provide a cage that has both vertical and horizontal cage bars. For this reason, as well as for proper ventilation, your pet rat will be much happier with a wire cage than with an aquarium.

2. While wire cages are best for climbing, wire bottom cages can be extremely hard on rat feet. A condition known as bumblefoot can be caused from rats spending hours standing on wire bottom cages. This condition is painful and difficult to treat. It's important to purchase a cage with plastic or wood shelving, this will be much more comfortable to your pet rat. You may also cover wire bottom cages with wood or a thick cloth.

3. Rats need space. They may be small, but it is best to have at least two square feet of room per rat.

4. Rats can stand on their hind legs and will appreciate the ability to do so. It's important to leave at least one area where your rat can stretch it's back.

5. Rats love to lounge. Hammocks are wonderful ways to add space and comfort to your rat's home.

6. Ramps, ropes, houses, and other things to climb on and inside are important to a happy rat. You do not have to purchase expensive toys, simple pieces of scrap wood or milk jugs with holes cut in them will make your rat just as happy as expensive store bought items.

7. Bedding. Unlike rodents kept in tanks, bedding is not absolutely necessary for the keeping of a pet rat. Bedding may be difficult to keep inside of a wire cage, as it may fall from shelves and scatter outside the cage. Most wire cages, however, have pans at the bottom that can be filled with bedding. The use of bedding is up to individual rat owners and is not necessary for happy, healthy rats. If you do choose to use bedding, wood chip bedding should be avoided because it can cause respiratory infections in rodents.