The bigger the better!
When choosing a cage you will want to go with the cage with the most space, solid floors, and room for enrichment.
Below I have listed my favourite cages available in Toronto!
Critter nation cage - decorated
DOUBLE CRITTER NATION/ALL LIVING THINGS MULTI-LEVEL SMALL ANIMAL CAGE ($219.99 CURRENTLY)
This is my personal favourite.
Pros:
- Easy to clean. 30 minute clean time estimate with fleece.
- Easy to hang hammocks/cage accessories over all levels.
- Levels work well with fleece- large binder clips fit over levels.
- Tons of space!!! A DCN can fit up to 8 ladies and 6 boys. Lots of space to climb around.
Cons:
- Does not work well with bedding other than fleece. Pans are shallow and fleece falls through the bars. Deeper pans can be ordered online.
-Bars must be deep cleaned. A spray bottle with vinegar and water, steel wool, a cloth, a toothbrush and a toothpick are your best tools for doing an in-between-the-bars deep clean.
Recommended bedding : All fleece secured with binder clips (unless deeper pans are ordered.)
WARE INDOOR 4 LEVEL HUTCH SMALL ANIMAL CAGE ($139.99 CURRENTLY)
Pros:
- Great amount of space. Can home up to 6 girls or 4 boys. Lots of space to climb around.
- Works well with bedding bottom and fleece on shelves.
- Pretty good for hanging hammocks.
Cons:
- A bit more steps to the cleaning process. Will take around 30 mins to clean fully.
- Levels are a bit more difficult to fleece. Would suggest attaching fleece with safety pins. Fleece cannot go on bottom pan.
- Bottom level is easier to chew apart. Be sure to keep lots of distractions on the bottom level.
Recommended bedding: Aspen or carefresh for bottom bin and fleece secured by binder clips for upper levels.
All Living Things Rat Starter Kit
ALL LIVING THINGS RAT STARTER KIT ($79.99 CURRENTLY)
Pros:
- Great amount of space for 2-3 rats.
- Easy to hang hammocks and baskets.
- Easy to clean- 15-20 minutes clean time.
Cons:
- Plastic bottom is easier to chew apart.
- Cannot secure fleece to bottom pan, but works well for other types of bedding.
- Bars get messy faster, would recommend doing a bar cleaning (extra 10 mins of work) every week.
- Please do not use the "rat food" provided! It is not wholesome.
Recommended bedding: Aspen or carefresh for bottom bin and fleece secured by binder clips for upper levels.
If you are unsure if a cage is appropriate for rats, the following is a list of things to watch out for:
- Flooring must be solid. Barred floors are unhealthy for rattie paws and can lead to bumble foot which is painful for your rat.
-Space requirements. Rats generally require 4 cubic feet of space per pair of rats (2 cubic feet per rat) and in every case, the bigger the better. Cages under 4 cubic feet are inappropriate for rats.
- Walls should be barred. Tanks are not appropriate living spaces for rats unless used solely for quarantine or a very short adjustment period. Hamster cages, guinea pig cages or rabbit cages are not suitable living quarters for full grown rats.