What should be placed in a rat's cage? - briefly
A rat's enclosure should contain absorbent bedding, a secure hideout, chewable enrichment items, a water bottle, and a balanced food supply.
What should be placed in a rat's cage? - in detail
A rat’s enclosure must contain elements that satisfy its need for shelter, foraging, chewing, climbing, and hygiene.
Bedding material should be absorbent, dust‑free, and safe for ingestion. Good options include shredded paper, aspen shavings, or tissue‑based bedding. Avoid pine or cedar because aromatic oils can irritate the respiratory system.
A secure hideaway gives a sense of security. Plastic or ceramic houses with a small entrance, or natural logs and cork tunnels, work well. Provide at least one enclosed space per two rats.
Chewing objects protect teeth from overgrowth. Offer untreated wood blocks, wooden chew sticks, mineral chews, or cardboard tubes. Rotate items regularly to maintain interest.
A water dispenser must be a metal bottle with a stainless‑steel spout that prevents leakage. Check the bottle daily for proper flow and clean it weekly with mild detergent.
Food should be presented in a sturdy bowl that cannot be tipped over. Provide a balanced diet of commercial rat pellets, supplemented with fresh vegetables, fruits, and occasional protein sources such as boiled egg or mealworms.
Exercise equipment includes a solid‑surface wheel (minimum 12 cm diameter) to avoid spinal strain, and climbing platforms or ladders made of wood or rope. Ensure all structures are anchored securely to the cage frame.
A litter area helps maintain cleanliness. Use a shallow tray filled with paper‑based litter or sand, placed in a corner away from food and water. Spot‑clean daily and replace the litter weekly.
Enrichment items such as puzzle feeders, hanging ropes, and small tunnels encourage natural foraging behavior and mental stimulation. Introduce new toys gradually and observe for any signs of stress or injury.
Regular maintenance is essential. Remove soiled bedding, uneaten food, and waste at least once a day. Perform a full cage cleaning weekly, disinfecting all surfaces with a rodent‑safe cleaner and rinsing thoroughly before adding fresh bedding.
By combining appropriate substrate, shelter, chewable objects, reliable water and food dispensers, exercise accessories, a designated litter zone, and varied enrichment, the habitat meets the physiological and behavioral requirements of domesticated rats.