Cages for Ferrets & Rats

Structure of Ferret & Rat Cages

The best type of cage to use for housing ferrets and rats is a wire cage. Wire cages allow for adequate ventilation and a good flow of fresh air. Wire cages will keep cool in hot weather, and the provision of a good amount of bedding will help the ferret or rat to stay warm in cold weather. Both rats and ferrets are sociable animals and a wire cage will allow them to be stimulated by viewing events outside of their cage. Toys can also be easily hung from the wire bars.

Aquariums can be used for rats but are not recommended, as they can build up heat and odours very quickly. The wire cage allows for the ventilation that stops the heat and odours from occurring. As rats and ferrets are active animals and can chew, the cage needs to be strong and sturdy and chew proof. The metal bars should be powder coated with non-toxic coating so that any chewing will not result in harm to the ferret or rat. The spacing between the bars must be small in order to prevent escape or the animal’s head becoming stuck in the bars. The bars on a wire cage will also enable climbing and rats in particular will appreciate this. Some models of cages have carry handles, whilst others have wheels. These features will be useful when you wish to move the cage.

Ferret and rat cages should have secure doors in order to prevent escape, but many models are available with multiple doors. Multiple doors will allow for much easier access for cleaning. The cage will need to be cleaned out at least once a week and the litter area cleaned out daily. The sides of the bottom section of the cage should be raised as this will help to keep the bedding inside the cage and keep the area in which the cage is kept clean. Some cages have a slide out tray at the bottom and others have a removable base, both of which are designed to make cleaning easier.

Many ferret and rat cages are available with two or more levels. This not only provides extra space but also extra stimulation for your animal. The size of the cage that you purchase should be as large as possible. A large cage will allow your ferret or rat to play and exercise within the cage. Both ferrets and rats are social animals that can be kept together, and an increase in the number of animals means that more space is needed in the cage. Bigger really is better when it comes to rat and ferret cages.

Inside the Ferret and Rat Cage

The ferret and rat cage will need to contain four distinct areas: a nesting area, a feeding area, a toilet area and a play area. The nesting area should provide a hiding place in which the ferret or rat can retreat to. Provide plenty of bedding, both for comfort and for warmth. The feeding area will need to contain a food bowl and a water bottle. The food bowls should be heavy ceramic bowls that will not tip over. Some cages have external access food bowls, for easy refill. A separate toilet area or litter tray should be provided that is away from the feeding area.

The play area of a ferret or rat cage can contain wooden shelves or platforms and wooden ladders or ramps. Wire floors can be harmful to the feet of ferrets and rats, so it is important to provide solid surfaces. Other things to add to the play area include tubes, ropes, tunnels and hammocks. Toys can be placed in the cage, and the available toys should be rotated often in order to keep the ferrets and rats interested. The layout of the cage can also be changed periodically in order to encourage new exploration. An important point to keep in mind is that falls must be prevented so plan the layout with this in mind. Both ferrets and rats have very active minds and so need to be kept busy mentally as well as physically.

Positioning of Ferret and Rat Cages

Both ferrets and rats can be kept indoors or outdoors. As rats like to nest, provide them with plenty of bedding and they will be able to keep warm whilst kept in an outside shed. If ferrets are kept outside it is best to allow some time for them to acclimatise before the cold weather of winter. A wire cage inside a shed is an ideal place for ferrets to live. Ensure that the cage is kept in a place that is away from heaters, direct sunlight or drafts. The animals should be exposed to activity and company, but also have periods of quiet and darkness.

Buy Ferret & Rat Cages Online

These stores are recommended for their range of ferret cages and housing which is also suitable for pet rats too.

PetPlanet

A wide range of cages and housing for ferrets and rats from PetPlanet. Take a look now.