Lavender Haven Rattery and Rescue-Housing

Housing

In my experience I have found that wire mesh cages work the best for ratties. They seem to be happier and healthier. Many people have success with an aquarium but it is crucial to keep it clean and plenty of ventilation.

We use Martin's Cages. They are the durable, easy to clean and the rats seem to enjoy living in them. The powder coated cages are the most affective with ratties. They cannot chew the coating off and yet it is very resistant to urine and easy to clean. The bars also make it easier to hang hammocks and toys. Check out our Martin's Cages in the Rat Room.

Pets: PRH Rocky Balboa and PRH Vincent Blackknight

One of the most crucial parts to housing your rats is the bedding you choose. Pine shavings can be toxic to rodents. Even though Pine Bedding is located in the rodent section of every pet store it can cause upper respiratory problems and even lead to death. The best products available are from recycled paper products such as care fresh or cell-sorb, and aspen. I prefer aspen due to it being easy to clean and is soft for the rats to walk on. It also seems to last a little longer. It also comes in larger amounts which is important for breeders with many cages to clean.

Our cleaning schedule is based on a few simple steps. Once a week I change the bedding, washout the bowls, launder hammocks and rinse out all the water bottles. All water is changed daily along with fresh food. Every other week each cage is disassembled, sprayed with bleach water and rinsed thoroughly. I also replace hammocks as needed, regularly.

Rats enjoy toys. I have found that cat toys work well for inside cage use. They are clean-able and last a good amount of time. The rats also enjoy the noise the bell toys make. Toilet Paper tubes make good entertainment too!