Pet Rat Cages - Things to Consider When Buying a Pet Rat Cages

In times gone by, little boys would keep their pet rats in an old shoebox. These days, we try to do a little better than that. If you are thinking about having a pet rat, here are some things to think about when you buy a pet rat cage.

First of all, the pet rat cage should be enclosed with a strong but fine wire mesh. Make sure the mesh is strong enough to withstand some nibbling by your rat's strong teeth.

Many rat cages come with mesh that has been coated with a fine plastic cover, which makes it harder for the rat to chew through the combination of plastic and metal.

Second, avoid fancy models that have glass enclosures. You are keeping a rat as a pet, not an ant colony. While the glass does allow for light, it can make cleaning the pet rat cage more difficult.

Keep in mind your pet rat may also like having some corners of the cage that are relatively dark, which is much easier to provide with a wire mesh than with glass.

The pet rat cage should be large enough to accommodate some toys, such as an exercise wheel. Rats do like to run and play, and there must be room to allow for that. A play tunnel will also provide both amusement and exercise for your pet rat.

There also needs to be enough room to place a container of sand or other materials that provide a place for the rat to burrow as well.

Food and water containers should also be included in your pet rat cage. Ideally, the containers will be constructed in such a way that you can easily refill them from outside the cage, as well as be easily cleaned from time to time.

If you have any doubts about exactly what to include in your pet rat cage, consult your local pet shop. Information about caring for your pet rat and what type of living conditions are best for your pet will be available.

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