Rat Cage Calculator
This rat cage calculator calculates whether your pet rodent (sometimes called fancy rats), has enough space to roam around their home.
You may have wondered what size rat cage should be. This article will show you how to calculate the size of a rat enclosure that will keep your pet happy.
How to calculate the size of a rat’s cage
First measure the dimensions of your rat cage to determine its size. These measurements can be multiplied together to get the volume.
volume = width * height
To determine if the cage is suitable for the intended rat population, it must be measured in terms of how much space there is. has a more detailed explanation of the formula. For more information, visit our volume calculator .
You now know how big your rat cage should be. Is it safe for your furry friends? Let’s see how big a rat cage should be and how much space a rat needs!
What is the rat’s space requirement?
The cage must be large enough to comfortably accommodate the rat. Although the size of the rat will vary depending on its size, the optimal living space for them is 2.5 square feet or 70.8 Liters. However, more space is better for climbing and roaming. Rats are social animals and it is best to keep them in groups or pairs.
What does a rat need in a cage?
While it is obvious that rats need more space, what are they doing with the extra space? These are some tips to make sure your rats are happy.
- Wire platforms and cages – This layout allows rats to exercise their natural climbing instincts by having different levels.
- Tunnels and boxes – These can be added to your enclosure to allow rats to explore, hide, and scurry around;
- Bedding: Avoid using wooden shavings. Instead, use paper or cardboard bedding for rats’ safety.
- Toys: Anything rats can chew on, but avoid small plastic items that could cause them to choke.
Can I use a hamster cage instead?
Hamster cages are not a suitable alternative, as hamsters have different needs. So how big should a rat cage be? 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, with territorial aggression being less of a concern.
For more information about how much space animals require, please visit our other calculators turtle tanks or cattle per annum.
Is it important to know the type of rat?
The difference in size between fancy rat breeds is not as great as with other animal breeds. The breed of domestic animals can have a significant impact on many traits such as the lifespan in dogs or birds. Any differences in rat breeds are not due to inherited traits.
Only fur color and markings are used to distinguish rats from each other. Here are some examples of common rat types according to the National Fancy Rat Society standards.
- Agouti Fur is dark grey to black with their bellies colored light silver.
- Berkshire The top half is colored, while the belly and chest are white
- Himalayan These rats look similar to the Himalayan cat. They are white with color points at their ears, faces, tails, legs and ears.
- Pink-Eyed white – This is one of the most familiar images of a Rat. These pure white rats have distinct pink eyes.
- Hooded These markings look like a jacket. The pattern runs down the back of the rat to the tail.
Although physical characteristics can vary, they tend to be related to the ears and the tail, rather than to size or build.
- Dumbo rats are distinguished by their large ears, which are lower than their heads. This is reminiscent of the cartoon character after whom they were named;
- Manx Rats are a type without tails and named after Manx cats because of their similar appearance.
The enclosure it chooses to live in is not influenced by how the rat looks, other than its size. It will find comfort in its new home if it has enough stimulation and activities available.