Choosing rat cage accessories can be as important as picking the right rat cage. Rats are complex little creatures and they need a living space that can meet their varied needs. Offer them a choice of surroundings and give them somewhere to be alone if that is they want. Think of your rats cage as a house, it will help you create different rooms for your rat to live in.
Ferret
Food bowls and water bottles - The kitchen
Food and water are the most important things you will need to provide for your rats. Water bottles designed for small animals are readily available in all sizes. If you have 3 or more rats it is worth getting two smaller water bottles rather than one large one. This will stop your rats squabbling if they want a drink at the same time, which does happen a lot.
Although there are lots of different food bowls available, always choose one that is either attached to the side of the cage or a heavy ceramic one. Rats will stand on their food bowls and if they are not sturdy or secured in some way they will tip them up.
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Imac 'Play Time' rat cage
There is an increasingly wide range of cages in all shapes and sizes available in pet shops and on line, but only a few of them are suitable for rats. The cage you choose is going to be your rats home for the next 2 - 3 years and it is important that they are safe in it and that they feel comfortable. In our own homes we have several rooms; somewhere to eat, our bedroom, the lounge and it is important to consider how and if you’ll be able to create separate environments for your rats in one cage.
Why Not to Use Aquariums
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Rats Like Socialising
Rats are by nature social animals, living in colonies in the wild. Though it is a common mistake, particularly of first time rat owners, myself included, getting a solitary rat isn’t a good thing to do if you want a happy, healthy and well adjusted animal.
Willow & Badger
Things have changed so much over the years that most reputable pet shops will not sell lone rats. There are some people who still say that lone rats are more affectionate and bond with humans better, and while it may seem like this in some cases its not the full story. Anyone who has seen two or more rats interacting, grooming, or tussling with each other will see behavior that no amount of human interaction can replicate. On top of that there are those long lonely hours when the rat is left alone; school, work, social activities and of course every human needs to sleep.
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