Can You Put Rats in a Fish Tank?
WouterWhile many people prefer to keep their rats in cages, others may choose to put them in an aquarium. For one thing, aquariums tend to be easier to maintain. Food and bedding are kept within the tank, making cleanup easier and less messy. They are also less drafty than a small cage. They also make a good environment for hairless rats, new litters, and ill rats.
Rats need clean water and fresh food, so you should provide them with plastic water bottles. You should also provide fresh green veggies on a daily basis, along with occasional treats of dry pasta and grain-based cereal. A varied diet will give them plenty of variety while still giving them the nutrition they need to survive.
A 15-gallon aquarium should be sufficient for two rats. If you have more space, you can try a 20-gallon tank. Make sure the cages are at least two feet square and made of small-mesh wire netting. Small gaps in the cages can trap the rats’ feet. A large number of chinchilla runs do not meet this criterion.
There are two types of rats: male and female. The female is smaller than the male and is less active. The male will sit on the shelf most of the time, watching you. Female rats on the other hand will build a nest and will run on a wheel. The male will sit longer in your hand, but the female will play more and will be more active.
