Rat cage recommendations

[Rnm62x]

Hi everyone,

Debating on getting 2 or more pet rats

Any recommendations on suitable cages?

Thanks

We've got the CosyPet rodent cage RC03. It's big enough for 6 rats but we wanted to make sure they have plenty of room. Good in general, maybe go for similar where both doors open out as easier to clean, whereas this one doesn't. Took out most of the shelves and metal ladders and replaced with lots of rope, wooden ladders, toys etc as rats need lots of clutter and stimulation. The cages they sell in pets at home are way too small.

Coco large is perfect for up to 6 rats. It's a great value for money cage. Source yourself some reputable NFRS registered breeders. Stay away from gumtree, pet shops etc. Pet shops get their rats mainly from rodent mills, especially the big name pet shops. Smaller ones get from back yard breeders, similar to folk you will find on gumtree etc. They don't breed for healthy genes and temperament with an aim to improving lines, the way that most NFRS breeders do.

Join Rat Care UK on Facebook and if you are in Scotland, Scottish Rat Owners. Look up Isamu Rats on YouTube for loads of advice.

You will also need to have access to an exotics vet, not just a normal one as many of them aren't great with rats and give outdated advice (not all). Vet bills can be expensive.

They make the most amazi, clever little pets and will give you endless love.

Thank you for the replies! That helps a lot

I agree regarding the cages sold in pets at home

Far too small. Makes me wonder how they get away with it?

I remember buying a hamster years back & the cages that were in the store at the time were awful! Ended up getting a savic hamster heaven which is a good size

Do male rats tend to be more cuddlier, calm?
Wouldn’t know whether to get 2/3 girls or boys
Heard males tend to smell more?

My son's rats chewed through the plastic base of the first cage we got them, so replaced with one with a glass base, if that's a handy tip before you start out!

There really isn't much difference between male and females. Females are a bit busier but my boys are wild too. The only ones who really snuggle are the old ones or poorly ones. They are incredibly affectionate though. You will need to prepare to be dribbled on a lot, they scent mark like crazy but you get used to it.

I have girls and they are very affectionate and snuggly - but I work from home and have them out with me all day... they have various blankets and cosy pod things on the sofa and they tend to run around like mad for a bit and then go to sleep one each side of me.

The more effort you put in with them, the tamer and more snuggly they are.

We use strawberry or apple yoghurt drops (amazon or ebay) as treats and they know the rustle of the bag which is very handy if they have gone on a free roam and I need to get them back. It's like a heat-seeking missile attack when I rustle the plastic.

They are chewers so don't let them near cords (headphones, charger cables etc - they love them). Also don't believe anyone who says they don't like peppermint or eucalyptus... mine would sell their sibling for a cough sweet!

Supreme Science Selective Rat food is what mine have as their main diet - looks very dull but they love it and Amazon delivery.

We have this cage: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B097T7S7B2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's no use for teeny ones, but once they get adult size it's perfect. I have this one for babies (it's not that big, but mine spend a lot of time out of their cages): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KT4RVVY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I spend a small fortune on hammocks - they love sleeping in them, and ripping them to shreds. Some last longer than others!

They are the sweetest, nicest, funniest animals I've ever had - but they have very short lives so a lot of heartbreak.

If you have ones that are a bit nippy, squeak at them and they seem to get the message fast. I've never had a biter but the babies can get a little enthusiastic playing. Mainly you will be licked to death.

Definitely find a vet that will see rats - sadly you will need one every now and then.

I haven't kept rats for years but they do make lovely pets. I would defintely find a proper breeder as the young rats are more used to being handled.

I have heard that the female ones smell more than the males, but couldn't say for certain.

You do need to be prepared to get another rat if (when!) one dies as they shouldn't be kept alone.

They definitely need company.

We have 3 at them moment - two bought as companions for the other when her sister died in March. However she hated the babies from the start. Done huge attempts at intros and we now have a situation where she and the beta baby can be together supervised for about 5 minutes. The alpha baby however just wants to fight her and she's rather an elderly frail lady these days.

So she lives upstairs alone in one cage and they live together downstairs. Old lady gets a lot of free roam and will come and investigate them in their cage. She seems totally happy and cheerful with life, so occasionally you do get one who would rather be an only rat (she did adore her sister).

Thank you for all the replies!

Thinking to get at least 3, although would love 4

I’ve read that lots of hammocks, ropes, hidey places, tissue paper etc they will love?

Read a lot about bumble foot as well so know how to prevent that

What fruit / veg do they love the most? & what to avoid?

We have this one, it’s great and they seem happy. 4 in it. As with all rodents the cleaning it out isn’t that fun, takes about an hour. Ours love apples and bananas, broccoli, cucumber. Dried banana and pasta. They are amazing how connected to you they can be - they really regard you eye to eye in a way I’ve never known hamsters etc to do.

www.petplanet.co.uk/p28577/rat_and_ferret_cage_by_petplanet.aspx

Would it also be recommended to put a cut up piece of clothing in so they can get your scent etc?

Want as best of a bond with them as possible so any tips / advice would be appreciated

They are adorable, & so clever!

Mine aren't a massive fan of fruit and veg.

They like sweetcorn, love frozen peas (but spit the shells out everywhere), like a bit of avocado. Otherwise they've chewed the odd bit of banana and strawberry but don't go nuts about them.

They really like BAD things - will steal chocolate if they get the chance (few things funnier than watching a rat make off with a wrapped Lindt ball), also honey mixed with yoghurt. Plus bits of pizza, pasta, crisps... you have to watch them a bit as they really like junk food. Bones go down well for gnawing.

No citrus (especially for boys), no raisins and no blue cheese (rats are not that interested in cheese).

Two of mine like the nut bars that you hang in the cage, but won't touch the grass pellet toys.

All of them adore yoghurt drops.

Two of mine liked water and would try and join you in the bath given half a chance. The other two think it's very dangerous and squeak like crazy if they get wet.

I don't think it makes much difference. Lots and lots of handling, treats, play with them.

I have cheapy throws on the sofas and just let them run around on there (they're not awfully brave and only one of mine will venture off, the other two just run around on it) then bung it in the washing machine every week. They will chew holes in everything unless you get very lucky so don't let them near anything you value. My blue girls are not massively chewy, but my other two were terrible.

Mine are pretty affectionate for girls, but prefer to snuggle up next to me rather than on me.