(Two little babies enjoying a forage pot toy)

A few things to keep in mind when choosing a cage for rats:

• No tanks or solid wall containers whatsoever.  Rat cages must have bars and plenty of ventilation.  
• Bar Spacing MUST be no wider than 1/2. Anything wider is risky with escaping or getting heads stuck, primarily with babies.
• Avoid cheap plastic...this can be easily chewed.
• Be careful with bar flooring. This can be hard on the rats tiny feet.  IF you have a cage that has wired flooring, that is ok, you can easily purchase pan inserts, trays, or add lots of dig boxes, so that they aren't *always* walking on bars.  Rats also need some space to forage and dig, so a dig box or tray of bedding is recommended!
• Large doors are not necessary but I highly recommend them, as it is easier access to the rats and for cleaning!
• If buying second hand, please make sure to disinfect and avoid any rust!
• No cage should be less than 24 inches on ANY of its sides.  Ideal size example: 36" x 25" x 30"
• Make sure you measure and plan ahead of time where you will be keeping your cage.  Make sure it's kept in a draft-free area, well ventilated area.  

RECOMMENDED CAGES

• As mentioned above, the Midwest Critter Nations(Model 161) are our #1 recommendation.  These come in different sizes, a single unit, double, triple, and on! The single unit runs for about $190.  The double runs for about $310(extra units cannot always be purchased separately.

(Double Midwest Critter Nation Cage with stainless steel pans)

The pans can be purchased here:

Here

Or some Etsy shops sell custom fun colors also: 

Pandamonium pets is my favorite!

LOWES also has cement mixing tubs that fit perfectly into the Critter Nations! (Very inexpensive option, but watch for chewing, as tubs are plastic)

• Exotic Nutrition Has a few good options for rat cages also, a few which are listed below. You can find their cage options here: 

Exotic Nutrition Cages

• Prevue Hendryx Cage, This cage can be found from multiple different stores for about $179-199

Don't forget a carrier!

When you pick up your rats from the breeder, you will need a safe, secure carrier to transport them.  I will NOT hand off rats from my battery, unless you have an appropriate, SAFE, secure carrier or small travel cage. It's also a good idea to have one on hand anyways, in case you need to take them to the vet or confine them while cleaning their cage. Below are a few recommendations...(Some hamster cages can work well as temporary travel cages as well)

Air Quality

Rats tend to have very sensitive respiratory systems. That means fragrances(especially synthetic), cold air, drafts, too much humidity, too little humidity, or dusty air can harm them, and even trigger respiratory infections or decline. Many of these things can cause Myco Outbreaks as well.  All rats born outside of a lab have Myco in their systems. There is no avoiding this. It typically lays dormant in their system (asymptomatic). So keeping them from getting a myco flair up is very important and essential for their well being. For a rat, Myco flares are similar to humans having a cold or flu, but for them it can be life altering. It is very important to keep your rats in "HEALTHY" air! Here are a few tips to make sure your rats are breathing in good air and are housed in a safe environment:

• Do not place the cage in a cold, drafty room or near a door or windy that lets in a draft.
• Humidity levels should be between 40-60%.
• Ideal temperature is 64-78 degrees. (Make sure there is never a drastic heat change, such as 60 to 80 or 75 to 50, etc. Also watch your rats closely when seasons change and temperatures rise or drop and you are turning on your heat or your AC.) 
• If you have other animals in your home, I recommend keeping them roomed separately, (specifically if they are other small animals that have not been tested for pathogens)
• Use an air purifier near your rats cage! This will help keep their air clean for them and this benefits you because it will help with keeping dust and dander under control.  This also greatly helps with the odor!
• Avoid using detergents to wash hammocks or other toys.  A lot of laundry detergents aren't good for humans, yet a small animal.  Skip the heavy chemical detergents and use white vinegar or a free and clear/minimal ingredient wash.
• Never burn candles, spray air fresheners, diffuse essential oil, or use any other "fragrance" near your rats.  This is includes using a candle a room or two down the hall.....this can linger into the rats area. Make sure to close the door or keep them away from fragrances.  
• Avoid wearing cologne or lotions with fragrance when handling your rats, this also can upset their respiratory system.
• Be mindful when cleaning their toys and cage.....never use heavy chemicals and always make sure to rinse well (see vinegar info for more tips about this)
• If you move them to a different room, move to a different house, or take them really anywhere other than where they are used to, watch for them having sniffles or porphyrin. (This also goes for "New Home Sniffles" = when rats leave the original rattery environment and go to new homes)

Always just think "NO FRAGRANCES" around the rats.  It will be best for them! Keep the air as pure as possible.