What should be placed in rat cages? - briefly
Provide absorbent bedding, a secure hideout, chewable toys, a balanced diet in a feeder, a water bottle, and enrichment items such as tunnels or climbing structures.
What should be placed in rat cages? - in detail
A well‑equipped rat enclosure must provide comfort, safety, and stimulation. The essential components are:
- Absorbent bedding – paper‑based or aspen shavings, changed weekly to control odor and moisture.
- Hideouts – solid plastic or wooden shelters, at least one per rat, allowing retreat from stressors.
- Chew items – untreated wooden blocks, safe cardboard tubes, or mineral chews to satisfy gnawing instincts and protect cage bars.
- Climbing structures – rope ladders, PVC tubes, or wire mesh platforms that encourage vertical movement.
- Exercise accessories – solid‑surface wheels, tunnels, and balls that permit locomotion without risk of injury.
- Feeding stations – heavy ceramic or stainless‑steel bowls for pellets, supplemented with fresh vegetables, and a leak‑proof water bottle with a metal sipper tube.
- Cleaning tools – dedicated cage scrubbers, mild enzymatic cleaners, and disposable gloves to maintain hygiene without disrupting the animals.
Additional items that enhance welfare include:
- Nest material – shredded paper or cotton squares for building nests, especially during breeding cycles.
- Foraging puzzles – treat‑dispensing toys that promote problem‑solving and natural foraging behavior.
- Environmental enrichment – scent objects (e.g., a dab of vanilla) or rotating toys to prevent monotony.
Each element should be inspected regularly for wear or contamination. Replace damaged chew toys, clean water bottles daily, and monitor bedding depth to avoid excess moisture. Proper arrangement—hiding places on one side, climbing structures on the opposite—allows rats to choose preferred zones, reducing stress and encouraging healthy activity.