How should rats be housed? - briefly
Rats need roomy cages with solid floors, adequate bedding, nesting material, and enrichment items, maintained at 20‑26 °C, 30‑70 % humidity, and a consistent light‑dark cycle. Provide at least 0.5 sq ft per animal, regular cleaning, and a diet of standard rodent chow with fresh water.
How should rats be housed? - in detail
Optimal housing for laboratory and pet rats requires attention to enclosure size, substrate, enrichment, ventilation, bedding, and health monitoring.
Enclosures should provide a minimum floor area of 0.5 m² per rat, with a height of at least 30 cm to allow climbing. Multi‑level cages increase usable space and promote natural behavior. Transparent walls enable visual observation without disturbance.
A suitable substrate consists of absorbent, dust‑free material such as paper‑based bedding or aspen shavings. Replace bedding weekly and clean the cage thoroughly at least once a month to prevent ammonia buildup.
Enrichment items must be varied and regularly rotated. Include:
- Nesting material (e.g., shredded paper)
- Chewable objects (untreated wood blocks, cardboard)
- Hideaways (plastic tubes, PVC shelters)
- Climbing structures (ramps, ladders)
Ventilation should maintain air exchange rates that keep ammonia levels below 10 ppm. Use cages with perforated sides or filtered airflow systems; avoid sealed containers.
Temperature should remain within 20–26 °C, with relative humidity of 40–60 %. Provide a stable light‑dark cycle of approximately 12 hours each.
Health monitoring includes daily visual checks for coat condition, activity level, and signs of respiratory distress. Record weight weekly; any loss exceeding 10 % of body mass warrants veterinary assessment.
Water must be supplied continuously via a sipper bottle with a stainless‑steel nozzle to prevent contamination. Food should be presented in a heavy, tip‑resistant hopper; a balanced rodent diet meets nutritional needs.
Cleaning protocol:
- Remove animals and place in a temporary, sanitized holding cage.
- Discard old bedding and wash the enclosure with mild detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly, disinfect with a rodent‑safe agent, and allow to dry completely.
- Re‑add fresh bedding, enrichment, and restore food and water before returning the rats.
Adhering to these specifications promotes welfare, reduces stress, and supports reliable experimental or companion outcomes.