Ferret cage for pet rats?

My hubby and I recently decided to get a small pet for our young kids. Originally I was going to get an aquarium, but our pet store was way overpriced and there's not a whole lot of interaction from fish. So, long story short, we came home with a pair of adorable young boy rats.

As you might have guessed from the "overpriced" comment on the aquariums, we weren't planning on spending a whole lot on these guys. I've had mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs so I figured the basic cage setup that the petstore associate recommended would be okay. However, we've had these little guys home for a little over a week now and are already SO in love with them. My hubby decided that they need a bigger cage and more room to run, jump and climb (they're extremely active and friendly, so much more than my old rodent babies!).

So, to the experienced rat owners out there, would a ferret cage be okay for rats? The one my hubby wants has bar spacing that is the same as the one we already have, so they shouldn't be able to escape. http://www.petco.com/product/108256/Super-Pet-Habitat-5-Level-Defined-Home-for-Ferrets.aspx?CoreCat=MM_Ferret_CagesHabitats is what he ordered; do you think it will be okay for them? Is there anything I've overlooked that might be a problem?

2012-06-13T00:36:06Z

The cage they're in right now (I believe it's a SuperPet My First Home something or other) has bars that look like they're about an inch apart. As of right now, the boys can stick their heads out, but it seems like they have to put some effort into it and they seem to only do it when someone is talking to them or playing with them through the cage...

What modifications could I make to make it more escape-proof? I've never heard of hardware cloth... I asked the pet store associate if I could use screen or chickenwire to secure it better and she said that it was a bad idea because they could chew through and get hurt. What would you recommend if they do start trying to get out?

2012-06-13T00:40:57Z

Editing to add more questions .

Burrito2012-06-13T00:22:06Z

Favorite Answer

Ferret cages are actually the preferred cage for rats. Most other small animal cages are far too small for them. Sometimes there is an issues with the bar spacing, because ferret cages (along with the one you linked to) usually have 1 inch bar spacing, and small rats can get through, but with boys it shouldn't be a problem. Only babies and smaller females can get through, and then it can be easily modified with hardware cloth. That cage looks great for them, they'll probably be really happy in it. Put it some hammocks, houses, ropes, etc and they'll have a lot of fun in it.

Edit: Just search hardware cloth on google to see what it is, you can usually find it at a hardware store easily. It is basically just wire mesh, you can get it in 1/4 inch so no rats can escape from that regardless of their size. Just use ties to secure it around the outside of the cage. Here is an example of it, but when you order online the sizes are usually bigger, so if you go to a local store you can get it smaller and cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/308247B-24-Inch-50-Foot-4-Inch-Galvanized/dp/B000RZCI2G/ref=pd_cp_hi_3/189-9083504-0171065
But really most adults cannot get out of 1 inch spacing, so if you think its ugly around the cage you should be able to take it off in a few months. Out of my 5 current adult females (females are almost always smaller than males), only 1 of them was thin enough to fit through 1 inch, and recently she was spayed and the change in hormones made her gain weight so she can't either now.

Yes, the superpet my first home is 1 inch as well, so if you aren't having problems it might be fine. Just beware that you haven't had them long so they are shy now. When they get more confident with their surroundings in a few weeks if they are still small, they might try escaping, so it might be worth it to cover the cage.

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Anonymous2016-09-30T10:08:56Z

Super Pet Ferret Cage

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?2016-07-17T04:31:17Z

A ferret cage is superb for rats! Provided that the bars aren't too a long way aside that's. Regardless of wellknown belief rats want much more room than a bit of aquarium. Recall that rats are exploratory and lively by using nature. Forcing them to reside in a small, limited house can also be merciless. The cage you chose seems like a best choice to your rats. The hyperlink in my supply gives you extra information. Have fun raising your new ratties!

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Anonymous2012-06-13T00:17:49Z

A ferret cage is superb for rats! So long as the bars aren't too far apart that is. Despite popular belief rats need a lot more room than a little aquarium. Remember that rats are exploratory and energetic by nature. Forcing them to live in a small, confined space can be cruel. The cage you chose seems like a superb choice for your rats. The link in my source gives you more information. Have fun raising your new ratties!

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