Safe mesh spacing for a pet rat cage?

Question

I'm currently looking at building a cage myself for two male rats, and I need some advice about the spacing of the mesh parts for the door. I intend to get 6 week old or similar age rats from a breeder but I believe 1" square mesh will allow them to get out easily, but I'd rather not have 1/2" square mesh as I feel this would obstruct my view of them and their cage too much. I read somewhere that 1"x1/2" mesh (which would be ideal really) is dangerous as it can trap their feet, but would this happen in both orientations or is it safe one way and dangerous the other? Thanks

Answer 1

Yes, you are correct that 1" x 1/2" mesh is dangerous and should never be used. Heads can become trapped in the spaces which can lead to panic and hanging. Also, little limbs/feet can become seriously injured and/or broken if they get caught in the spaces. The AFRMA discusses these problems:



http://www.afrma.org/house4mousep3.htm



As far as the mesh obstructing your view of the rats, adding the proper size hardware cloth to the cage walls to prevent any unsupervised free range time should not be an issue. Mesh is not cheap, though, and can be difficult to work with so your money and time might be better spent getting a cage that does not require any modifications. We ended up with a Martin's type cage, but I really regret not getting the CritterNation cage instead. My husband had to put Plexi-Glas on the shelves which was a hassle as it had to be unassembled to clean. Also, the cage itself was far too flimsy unlike the sturdy CN. PetInfoPacket reviews the major cages available that might interest you if you are still unsure about housing. They have additional cage articles listed in the "Conclusion" section along with multiple rat cage calculators. Rat forums are another resource you can use on cages by checking the "Housing" categories:



http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratcages.html



http://www.ratforum.com/



http://www.goosemoose.com/rfc/index.php



Did you see the DapperRat page on making "The Grotto"? I shall add it in case you did not as you can get ideas on making a cage. I shall also add a link on powder coated mesh although I stress it is for reference only. You need to use the powder coated mesh instead of galvanized same as with the wire on a cage because the latter can rust easily and has been linked to zinc poisoning when chewed:



http://www.dapper.com.au/grotto.htm



http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/powder-coated-welded-wire-mesh.html

Answer 2

Martin's cages uses 1"x1/2" mesh for their cages, and 1/2"x1/2" for the balconies and full middle floors. I have Martin's cages, and so do many rat owners - i have yet to hear of a rat trapping feet any more than with other cages.



http://www.martinscages.com/products/cages/rat/



Be aware that home made cages are harder and more expensive to make that you would think, IF you do them PROPERLY. More recently it's been said that they're not worth it (they never last, they take forever to construct, and aren't mobile or easy to clean depending on style) and it's better to just suck it up and buy a regular professional grade cage.



Couple of considerations:



- Untreated wood soaks up pee, so it stinks/rots quickly. It's hard to treat wood SAFELY and keep it properly treated considering rats can and do chew it. It's almost impossible to keep from smelling.

- Wire mesh is the same as wood: it will rust/rot/stink pretty quickly and it can be costly and/or time consuming to coat it properly. Powder coating can be expensive. Rustoleum might work BUT it might not coat properly and it takes 2-3 weeks to cure. PVC coating gets chewed off easily.

- Book shelf style cages or anything with multiple solid sides are a no-no because they, like tanks, don't offer enough airflow. Which can cause respiratory problems. They're also hard to properly decorate and clean and move.



Just wanted to throw that out there for you. I know some people who have made cages. Not all of them where happy (many where not.)

Answer 3

I have a playpen with 1in by 1in bar spacing and my young male rats could not get out. Adults definitely could not get out. I housed my adult males in a ferret nation which is 1in by 5in. 1in by 1/2in is fine. You will want a solid bottom. I think 1/2 in by 1/2 in (or smaller) is considered safe but they really should have a solid floor. I know I wouldn't want to walk on wire.