The best cages for dwarf rats!

Dwarf rat cages at DRD Rodent Shop®

A good cage is the foundation for a happy and healthy life for your dwarf rat . At DRD Rodent Shop®, you'll find a wide range of dwarf rat cages , specially designed to meet the specific needs of these active and curious animals. Whether you're looking for a compact cage or a spacious multi-level cage, you'll always find a suitable home here.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a dwarf rat cage?

Dwarf rats are sociable, climbing animals that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. A suitable cage offers sufficient space, varying heights, and safe materials. When purchasing a cage, consider the following:

• Size and Height – Dwarf rats love to climb, so a tall cage with platforms and ladders is ideal.
• Safety – The bars and spacing must be suitable for small dwarf rats to prevent escape. For young animals, the spacing should be <0.7 cm and for adults, no larger than 1 cm.
• Material – Metal cages are durable and easy to clean, while wooden cages provide a natural look.
• Accessories – The ability to add houses, wheels, platforms and play equipment is essential for a stimulating stay.

Types of Dwarf Rat Cages

At DRD Rodent Shop® you will find various cages to suit different preferences and living conditions:

• Standard metal cages – Sturdy, easy to clean and suitable for daily care.
• Spacious tiered cages – With multiple levels for extra climbing and play space.
• Terrarium cages – Ideal for a calm environment with extra control over temperature and humidity.

Why a good cage is important

A well-equipped dwarf rat cage encourages your pets' natural behavior. Climbing, running, playing, and nesting are essential for their well-being and mental health. A spacious cage with multiple levels, safe hiding places, and plenty of accessories will keep your dwarf rats active and happy.

In addition, a well-cleaned cage is important for the hygiene and health of your animals. With the right bedding, houses, and accessories, you can create a living environment that is both functional and enjoyable for your dwarf rats.

Discover our range of dwarf rat cages

At DRD Rodent Shop®, you'll find high-quality, safe, and durable dwarf rat cages . Choose a cage that suits your pets' size, activity level, and your furnishing preferences. This way, you'll give your dwarf rats a comfortable, stimulating, and healthy home.

Dwarf Rat Housing: Cage or Terrarium?

Pygmy rats are a relatively new and smaller variety of the familiar pet rat. While an adult rat typically weighs between 250 and 600 grams, pygmy rats remain much lighter: only 120 to 165 grams. Their size requires appropriate housing, but their natural behavior—curious, sociable, climbing, and active—remains the same. In this blog post, we explain what pygmy rats need and compare the advantages and disadvantages of a wire cage and a terrarium.

How big should the cage be?

For common rats, the LICG recommends a cage of at least 100 x 50 x 70 cm for two animals. Because dwarf rats are smaller, the cage can be slightly more compact, but they still need plenty of space to move around and climb. A good starting point is at least 100 x 40 cm with a height of 60 cm for two dwarf rats. Provide multiple levels, platforms, and climbing structures so the animals can move around freely.

For each additional animal, you'll need about 20% more land area . Bigger is always better, of course.

Furnishing and enrichment

Dwarf rats are incredibly active and intelligent. A bare cage simply isn't enough. When furnishing your cage, consider:

• Climbing options: branches, ropes, steps and platforms
• Toys: cardboard, tubes, small glass jars and tunnels
• Sleeping places: multiple houses (always more houses than animals), filled with safe nesting material such as paper or tissues
• Running wheel: a closed running wheel with a diameter of 20–25 cm, so that the back remains straight

Rotate toys regularly so your rats don't get bored.

Ground cover

Use a dust-free bedding that is safe for the respiratory tract. Suitable options include paper pellets, beech chips, hemp, or corn. Avoid sawdust and conifers, as these can be harmful.

Hygiene and placement

A healthy living environment is crucial:

• Provide good ventilation and fresh air
• Do not place the cage in the sun, not next to a heater and not in a draught.
• Refresh water and food daily
• Clean the cage regularly with an odorless, safe soap

Terrarium for dwarf rats – is that possible?

Many pet owners wonder if a terrarium is suitable for dwarf rats. The answer: yes, but only under strict conditions .

Benefits of a terrarium

• Keeps ground cover inside better
• Beautiful design with many climbing branches and platforms possible
• No chance of escape through bars

Disadvantages and risks

• Ventilation : often limited, causing the air to quickly become stuffy
• Climbing behavior : dwarf rats lack the ability to climb bars
• Cleaning : A large terrarium is heavy and difficult to clean.

When is it suitable?

A terrarium can work if it:

• is large enough (at least 100 × 40 × 60 cm for two animals)
• has sufficient ventilation (grilles on the top and sides)
• is richly equipped with climbing equipment and platforms

However, in most cases a barred cage remains more practical and healthier, because the air circulation is better and maintenance is easier.

Despite their smaller size, dwarf rats have the same basic needs as regular rats: space, exercise, climbing opportunities, and companionship. A spacious, multi-level wire cage is often the best choice, but a well-ventilated terrarium can also be suitable under certain conditions. The most important thing is to provide your dwarf rats with an environment where they can be active, healthy, and happy.