A dumbo rat’s cage isn’t just a home—it’s their playground, gym, and safe haven. Planning it well means happier, healthier rats and fewer behavior issues.
📏 Size Matters
Rats are active, social animals that need space to climb, dig, and explore. The minimum for two rats is:
- 4 cubic feet of space
- A tall cage with multiple levels is ideal (e.g. 3×3×3 ft)
More rats = more space. Always go bigger if you can.
🧱 Bar Spacing & Materials
- Bar spacing should be no more than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to prevent escapes.
- Choose powder-coated metal cages over plastic or wood (which they’ll chew).
- Avoid aquariums—they lack ventilation and enrichment space.
🛏️ Bedding & Substrate
Use paper-based bedding like Carefresh or shredded cardboard. Avoid:
- Pine or cedar shavings (toxic oils)
- Dusty materials (can cause respiratory issues)
Spot-clean daily and do a full clean weekly.
🧗 Enrichment Essentials
Your cage should include:
- Hammocks and fleece tunnels
- Ladders, ropes, and platforms
- Chew toys (wood, cardboard, coconut shells)
- Dig boxes with soil or shredded paper
- Foraging toys and treat puzzles
Rotate toys weekly to keep things fresh.
🍽️ Food & Water Setup
- Use ceramic bowls (not metal, which can create ultrasonic noise)
- Place multiple water bottles at different heights
- Scatter some food to encourage foraging
🧼 Cleaning Routine
- Daily: Remove soiled bedding, wipe surfaces
- Weekly: Replace bedding, wash accessories
- Monthly: Deep clean with pet-safe disinfectant
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