Choosing Your Pet Rats’ Home

Pet rats are adorable, intelligent pets who should ideally live in same-sex pairs. Having two rats is not more difficult to take care of than one. They are infinitely more entertaining to watch at play. You can house more than two (same-sex) together if you have a roomy cage. However, in case you have only a male and a female, one or both of the rats can be spayed or sterilized so that they may live together.

Before we go into how you can choose a home for your rat, here are some things worth knowing about your pet rat's health;

Health issues

The two most common health issues that veterinarians will see in pet rats are respiratory disease and mammary tumours.

Respiratory disease in pet rats is commonly caused by a type of bacteria called mycoplasma.

Even though they don't show signs of the sickness till they are older, a lot of rats are exposed to this at a very young age

Respiratory disease notwithstanding can be treated with an antibiotic but could be challenging to treat, especially if a rat is older and has other health issues.

Hormone-dependent mammary tumours on the other hand target more of the female rat. Female rats are more at risk of developing if they are not spayed.  For this reason, it’s recommended that spaying is done as early as possible.

Finally, an uncontrollable health-related concern a potential rat owner will want to take into consideration: the small animal’s short life span, which is usually only about two to three years.

Now that you know how vulnerable to illnesses your cute little companion can be, this is how you choose and set up its home.

Choosing and setting up your rat's cage

Once you arrive home with your pet rat, ensure you take it slow getting it to acclimatize with your surroundings so that it doesn't end up getting stressed out.

Let your rat get used to his new environment and then begin offering him treats and handling him carefully. Some rats are shyer than others, but with time and patience, your new rat will come to know and trust you.

Before you choose your pet's home, ensure it has;

1. Different levels so your rats can climb on.
2. A secure and warm nest box to sleep in.
3. Enough ventilation. Remember, rats tend to suffer from breathing difficulties or lung infections so your pet will need lots of air to move through its cage.
4. Lots of toys and things like ropes, ladders, branches, shelves, and hammocks to keep your rat occupied.
5. No means of escape

Now that we've given you suggestions for choosing your fluffy little companion's cage, we have selected to cages we think you would love.

1. LIBERTA EXPLORER, DEGU, RAT, FERRET, CHINCHILLA, GERBIL CAGE

The Liberta Explorer cage is suitable for Degus, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Gerbils, Hamsters, and other similar-sized animals. The Explorer cage features two levels made of coated metal construction set on wheels with a deep metal base to include a pull-out cleaning tray and four large swing opening doors located at the front of the cage. The Explorer cage includes two platforms, three ladders, and two hammocks.

Click here to order: LIBERTA EXPLORER, DEGU, RAT

1. LITTLEZOO TREKKER CHINCHILLA FERRET DEGU CAGE

The Trekker Cage is also Suitable for fluffy little fellows. It features a Pull out lower tray and grill,  2 large front doors with 4 levels, and 3 ladders.

Click here to order; LITTLE ZOO TREKKER CHINCHILLA FERRET DEGU CAGE