Size of enclosure for two rats

[dontevenblink]

Hi, we're looking to get some small furry pets to join our big family, I've kept rabbits and guinea pigs before, and Dd (8) really wants guinea pigs, but I've been reading up on things and I'm really liking the idea of rats. I'm home during the day so would have time to look after them and I wonder if they might be more interactive pets for my 6 and 8 year old? I have a 4 and 1 year old too but I probably won't let them handle them till later. Do you think rats would make suitable pets? Obviously DH and I would be caring for them rather than the dc.

I've seen this cage on our local selling site (we are very limited on what we can get here and this is about the only second hand option) It says it is suitable for two rats but what do you think?
touch.trademe.co.nz/listing/view/1055163515

Hi, first of all - Yes definitely go for rats. They are amazing pets so sweet, friendly and interactive. My daughter has two and they are just adorable. As for the cage I would suggest it might be slightly on the small size width-wise.

We have this one:-
www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/small-pet/rat/rat-homes/furet-plus-rat-cage

and it is 'just' big enough for our two now they are fully grown. Hope this helps.

Id consider getting three, rats live to live with friends and if one dies the otjer would be incredibly lonely

I'd highly recommend getting at least three rats, if one gets ill and dies it can be difficult to get a new companion for the lasting rat!

Re cage, the bigger the better, if you Google "rat cage calculator" you can input dimensions to a calculator on a rat info site and it will tell you how many will fit comfortably. I'm on my phone otherwise I'd link you!

If say that the cage you link is an okay first cage but I would want adults in something bigger ideally. That wheel is probably unsuitable too, rats need big wheels as small ones can cause them damage. They are expensive and I haven't met many rats who actually use them, only one of mine used one on a regular basis, most use it as a glorified toilet ;)

Rats are wonderful pets. It's better if you can find them from a breeder, pet shop rats are often unsocialised and more prone to health issues.

Rats shouldn't have wheels at all as they can cause injury to the tail

Depends on the type of wheel. A silent spinner is about the only one I'd deem acceptable though tbh. Open construction, nowhere for the tail to get caught. The only risk with them is curved tail which wouldn't be an issue for most rats as they wouldn't use it enough.

The flying discs are supposed to be good alternatives but I've never seen one in person so I'm not sure on that front!

Never saw the point in them tbh. As long as the rats have plenty of space to clamber around and play and are allowed out they should get all the running they need