How to Calculate a Rat Cage Size
As rats are naturally active animals, this rat cage calculator determines if your beloved pet rodents (sometimes referred to as fancy rats) have ample space to move around their home. If you've ever wondered how big a rat cage should be, wonder no more! Here you will learn how to calculate a rat cage size that will keep your pet happy.
How to Calculate Rat Cage Size
To understand how to calculate rat cage size, you should first measure your rat cage for its width, length, and height. Multiplying these together gives you the volume:
volume = width × length × height
Finding how much space is in the cage is necessary to determine whether or not it is suitable for the intended number of rat residents.
How Much Space Does a Rat Need?
A rat cage needs to accommodate its inhabitant's size comfortably. Though the size needed depends on the rat's size, they have an optimal living space of about 2.5 cubic feet, or 70.8 liters, but more space is always preferred for roaming and climbing. It is recommended to keep rats in pairs or larger groups as they are social animals.
What Do Rats Need in Their Cage?
- Wire cages and platforms — This layout has different elevations that allow the rats to satisfy their natural propensity for climbing;
- Tunnels and boxes — Add these in your enclosure to give rats places to explore, hide and scurry through;
- Bedding — Avoid wooden shavings, get paper or cardboard bedding instead for the rats' safety; and
- Toys — Anything that rats can use as chew toys, but stay away from small plastic materials they may choke on.
Can I Just Use a Hamster Cage?
Hamster cages are not a suitable alternative, as hamsters have different needs. Consider that rats are larger and generally considered more intelligent rodents, requiring more than simple tubes and a hamster wheel to keep them occupied. Surprisingly, they are also less likely to bite than hamsters and are social creatures, making it easier to introduce multiple rats in the same habitat.
Does the Kind of Rat Matter?
Fortunately, fancy rat varieties don't come in vastly different sizes. The only distinctions between rats tend to be based on fur color and markings. Common varieties according to the National Fancy Rat Society's standards include:
- Agouti — Fur is a dark grey to black color with their bellies colored a light silver;
- Berkshire — The top half of the rat is colored while its chest and belly are white;
- Himalayan — White with color points on their faces, legs, ears, and tail;
- Pink-Eyed White — Pure white rats with distinct pink colored eyes; and
- Hooded — Markings that look like a hooded jacket, traveling down the rat's back to the tail.
Regarding physical variants:
- Dumbo rats — Have distinct large ears set lower on their heads, reminiscent of the cartoon character;
- Manx rats — A variety without tails, named after the breed of Manx cats.
Ultimately, how a rat looks (apart from its size) does not play into its ideal enclosure. With enough activities and stimulation available at a rat's disposal, it is sure to find comfort in its new home.