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Rat summer products – safe cooling & comfort in hot weather
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Rat summer products – safe cooling & comfort in hot weather
Warm weather requires extra attention. Pet rats have a harder time dissipating heat and benefit from a cool, well-ventilated environment with fresh drinking water at all times. In this category, you'll find a carefully selected range of summer products for rats: from cooling packs and cooling stones to aluminum cooling trays and cool hiding places. Practical, safe, and above all: tailored to the natural behavior of rats (resting, hiding, lying together, and being active in between).
Always combine cooling with plenty of fluids. Check out our water bottles and bowls for a practical setup (especially in warm weather).
Rats like to seek out cool substrates. Consider cooling stones or aluminum roosting areas. Also add platforms and ladders for additional resting and viewing areas.
Ventilation, shade, and hiding places make all the difference. Combine with rat cages , houses , and tunnels & tubes .
Which cooling method is right for your rats?
Not every rat uses cooling in the same way. Some like to lie down on a cool platform, while others prefer a cool hiding spot. That's why you'll see several types of products in this category:
- Ice packs / ice pods – ideal for creating a cool zone that rats can access on their own.
- Ceramics & terracotta – cooling stones or cool hiding places naturally stay fresh for longer.
- Aluminum cooling platforms – cool quickly, easy to maintain, and a great place to lie down (especially on warmer days).
Tip: Create zones in the enclosure. Not one big "cold cage," but a cool area and a normal area. This way, rats can choose what feels comfortable for them.
Heat plan in the house: how to help prevent heat stress
At high temperatures, every adjustment counts. With this basic guide, you'll quickly make a difference:
- Place the enclosure out of direct sunlight and not near a south-facing window.
- Provide good ventilation , without strong draughts on the animals.
- Always provide multiple water points (especially for groups).
- Provide enrichment at cooler times of the day and offer rest during the day.
Need more inspiration? Combine summer products with the challenge of playing and foraging (for example, in the evening, when it cools down).
Cool decor: shade, shelter and comfortable sleeping areas
Rats like to lie together. In the summer, you often see them temporarily swap their "pile naps" for more loose sleeping or a cool surface. Help them with this by:
- Cool houses/shelters (ceramic/terracotta or cool material).
- Hammocks and airy sleeping places for a spot higher up in the cage: rat hammocks .
- Hygienic underlays on trays to make keeping things clean and fresh easier: pee mats .
Maintenance & hygiene in warm weather
- Change the water daily and clean bottles/containers extra well (heat = faster biofilm formation).
- Remove the cooling elements/cooling stones and replace them dry.
- Create a permanent , cool, resting zone that is easy to keep clean.
- Check bedding for “wet corners” and smartly improve potty training with toilets .
Checklist: Summer-ready habitat for rats
Run through this list as soon as it gets warm:
✔ The accommodation is out of the sun, in a quiet place
✔ Minimum 2 water points (preferably more for groups)
✔ One cool place to lie down (cooling stone/aluminium) available
✔ One cool shelter available (cool house/tunnel)
✔ Daily check for shortness of breath, lethargy or "lying stretched out"
✔ Extra rest during the day, enrichment especially in the evening
Safety warnings
- Place cooling elements in such a way that rats can choose whether or not to lie down near them (no forced contact).
- Avoid placing cool packs on wet ground cover and avoid condensation in places where they could become wet for extended periods of time.
- Avoid extreme cold: "too cold" isn't pleasant either. Gradual cooling is preferred, using stone, aluminum, or a cool zone.
- If you see signs of serious overheating (e.g., lethargy, shortness of breath, or unsteady behavior), contact a veterinarian immediately.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Rat Cooling
What's better: a cooling stone or an ice pod?
Both are possible. A cooling stone is low-maintenance and stays cool naturally; an ice pod/cooling element often provides more (temporary) cooling. Many customers combine both: a stone as a permanent cooling surface, and an ice pod for really hot days.
How many cool places do I need?
Provide at least one cool spot for every two rats as a starting point, and observe. In groups, providing more space is helpful so everyone can choose without jostling.
Can I also put a fan on the cage?
Preferably not directly on the animals (draft). It's better to keep the space cooler, create shade, and use safe, cool areas in the enclosure.
What else helps besides cooling?
Consider a smart design with multiple levels, airy sleeping areas, and plenty of distractions during cooler periods. Also consider cage accessories (and change them regularly).
Why buy summer products from DRD Rodent Shop®?
✔ Specialist since 2011
✔ Ordered before 5 PM = shipped the same day
✔ Delivered from our own stock
✔ Smartly selected range for well-being & safety
