How Much Space Do Rats Need?

Rats should be kept in pairs, and they need at least 2.5 square feet of floor space in their cages. If you want to keep more than one rat in a cage, make sure to use a rat cage size calculator to determine the exact size you need. A larger cage will keep your rat healthier and prevent obesity and muscular dystrophy.

A rat needs a lot of space to move around and exercise. A good minimum cage size is 6 cu ft for a pair of rats, with 2 cu ft of space for each additional rat. Female rats, as a rule, require more space, compared to males, but overall space requirements are the same for both sexes.

Rats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. They also enjoy human interaction, so they don’t want to keep you up at night. However, if you have a rat in a home that is too dark, you may want to consider an open-air environment.

The bars of the cage should be at least 1 inch wide. If you’re using a rat cage with hooks, consider using solid construction bars. They are more durable and easier to zip tie together. The spacing between bars should be at least 1/2″, although smaller rats may not fit through narrow bars.