What is needed for rats in a cage? - briefly
A suitable enclosure requires a spacious, well‑ventilated cage with a solid floor, absorbent bedding, a balanced diet in a secure feeder, a clean water bottle, multiple hiding places, and chewable enrichment items. Regular cleaning and health monitoring complete the basic care requirements.
What is needed for rats in a cage? - in detail
A suitable enclosure for laboratory or pet rats must meet several essential criteria. The cage should provide ample floor space, allowing each animal at least 0.5 square feet of unobstructed area; multi‑level designs increase usable surface without expanding the footprint. Solid flooring covered with absorbent, non‑dusty bedding—such as shredded paper, aspen, or coconut fiber—supports hygiene and comfort while preventing respiratory irritation.
Essential accessories include:
- A secure, chew‑proof water dispenser that delivers a continuous supply of fresh water; stainless‑steel bottles with metal sipper tubes are preferred for durability.
- A sturdy feeding station holding a balanced rodent diet; elevated dishes reduce contamination from bedding.
- Multiple hideouts constructed from untreated wood, PVC, or thick cardboard; enclosed shelters enable natural burrowing behavior and reduce stress.
- Enrichment items such as tunnels, climbing ladders, chew toys, and nesting material; rotation of objects maintains interest and encourages physical activity.
- A solid, lockable lid with ventilation slots that allow airflow while preventing escape; fine mesh should not create gaps large enough for a rat to squeeze through.
Environmental parameters must remain within optimal ranges: ambient temperature between 18 and 24 °C, relative humidity of 40‑60 %, and a regular light‑dark cycle of approximately 12 hours each. Daily observation of waste levels and weekly deep cleaning of all surfaces help control odor and disease risk. Regular replacement of bedding, water, and food, combined with periodic inspection of cage integrity, ensures a safe, comfortable habitat that supports the health and natural behaviors of the animals.