Where should rats live? - briefly
Ideal habitats for rats provide secure nesting sites, reliable food, and water, such as purpose‑built laboratory enclosures or regulated municipal waste systems. Human residences should be kept rat‑free to prevent health hazards.
Where should rats live? - in detail
Rats thrive in environments that provide shelter, food, water, and opportunities for social interaction. In natural settings they occupy burrows, dense vegetation, and underground tunnels where temperature remains stable and predators are limited. Urban populations exploit sewer systems, abandoned structures, and waste disposal areas that mimic these conditions, offering concealed nesting sites and abundant refuse.
For laboratory use, standards require individually ventilated cages with a minimum floor area of 0.1 m² per animal, bedding material that absorbs moisture, and enrichment objects such as tunnels, chew sticks, and nesting material. Temperature should be maintained between 20 °C and 26 °C, humidity between 30 % and 70 %, and a 12‑hour light/dark cycle. Group housing is recommended for social species, provided space per individual meets the minimum requirement.
Pet owners should supply cages of at least 0.5 m³ for a pair, with multiple levels, solid flooring covered by absorbent substrate, and regular cleaning to prevent ammonia buildup. Access to fresh water, a balanced grain‑based diet, and daily handling promote health and reduce stress. Enclosures must be escape‑proof, with secure lids and ventilation gaps small enough to prevent entry of other rodents or insects.
Key considerations for any setting include:
- Adequate space per individual to allow movement and exercise.
- Continuous access to clean water and nutritionally complete feed.
- Materials that permit gnawing to maintain dental health.
- Environmental controls that keep temperature and humidity within the species’ tolerance range.
- Opportunities for nesting and social bonding, respecting hierarchical structures.
Selecting an appropriate habitat depends on the purpose—wild conservation, research, or companionship—and must align with these physiological and behavioral requirements to ensure welfare and prevent uncontrolled proliferation.