Are Wire Cages Bad For Rats?
WouterWire cages are not good for rats. Rats need periods of darkness at night. Keeping them in a constant light can cause reproductive abnormalities, including cystic ovaries in females. This is a fatal condition. For this reason, cages with a dark bottom and glass top should be avoided.
Wire cages are also very drafty, which is a concern for rats. If possible, keep the cage away from open windows, overhead ducts, and fans. Another drawback of wire cages is their flimsiness. Adding ledges and levels can help reinforce the cage. Also, cable ties are excellent for securing the cage.
Another advantage of wire cages is that they are durable and provide plenty of space. Even a small cage can house two rats. You can buy a 24″ cage from Martin Pet Products. It has two balconies with ramps. The balconies provide extra floor space and provide exercise opportunities. It is available in galvanized or powder coated finishes.
The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals also noted that wire-mesh cages are not always the most effective housing for rats. Rats tend to prefer solid-bottom caging. To minimize this problem, some IACUCs have introduced solid flooring or raised platforms to wire mesh cages. These platforms give the rats a solid surface to sit on. However, rats will move off of the platforms in order to urinate. This leads to higher incidences of hind paw lesions.
