How do you hang water bottles for rats? - briefly
Attach a bottle holder or clip to the cage wall and fasten the water bottle with a zip tie or spring clip so the spout aligns with the rats’ head level. Inspect the attachment regularly to avoid leaks and adjust the height as needed.
How do you hang water bottles for rats? - in detail
Select a suitable bottle: use a 50‑100 ml plastic or glass bottle with a stainless‑steel sipper tube that fits the cage size. The tube should be no longer than 2 cm beyond the bottle opening to prevent rats from chewing it.
Prepare the mounting point: locate a solid bar, wire mesh, or PVC pipe on the cage frame. The material must support the bottle’s weight (approximately 100 g when filled) without bending.
Install the holder: attach a metal or plastic bottle holder to the chosen bar using a self‑tapping screw or a zip‑tie. Ensure the holder’s clamp is tight enough to hold the bottle securely but does not crush the glass.
Place the bottle: insert the bottle into the holder, aligning the sipper tube with the cage’s interior so the tip hangs inside the enclosure. Adjust the tube length so the tip rests just above the floor, allowing easy access while preventing the rats from pulling the bottle out.
Secure the tube: if the sipper tube has a removable cap, tighten it firmly. Some models include a small metal clip; attach it to the cage’s side bar to lock the tube in place.
Check for leaks: fill the bottle with water, observe the sipper for drips, and tighten any loose connections. Replace worn or cracked tubes immediately.
Maintain hygiene: clean the bottle and tube weekly with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and sterilize with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) before refilling.
Monitor usage: observe the rats daily to confirm they can reach the water and that the bottle remains stable. Adjust the height or position if the animals show difficulty accessing the water source.