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Dwarf Rat Cages – Spacious, Safe and Smart to Design (Cage or Terrarium)
Choosing a dwarf rat cage: space, bar spacing and smart design
A good cage is the foundation of your dwarf rat habitat. Dwarf rats are social, active climbers: they want to navigate routes, use heights, and be able to retreat peacefully between visits. That's why we select cages that are easy to maintain and, above all, cleverly designed with platforms, perches, houses, and enrichment. You've been shopping at DRD Rodent Shop® as a Specialist since 2011 .
✔ Sufficient floor space
✔ Multiple levels/platforms
✔ Logical walking routes
✔ Good bar spacing
✔ Sturdy doors/locks
✔ Can be cleverly combined with accessories
✔ Drawer/bottom tray easily accessible
✔ Ground cover stays in place better
✔ Easy zone cleaning
Selection guide: how to choose a dwarf rat cage
Start with these 3 questions:
- How many dwarf rats? Group animals need space for routes and rest areas.
- Do you primarily want climbing or also plenty of ground cover? This will determine whether a wire cage or a (well-ventilated) terrarium is more appropriate.
- How do you want to clean? A pull-out drawer and easily accessible bottom tray save a lot of time.
Handy to take with you immediately: ground cover , houses , ratscaping and food .
Size & bar spacing: the most important basics
It's better to choose a larger cage than a smaller one. A practical starting point for two dwarf rats is a cage with a minimum floor size of approximately 100 x 50 cm and a height of approximately 60 cm , provided you use platforms and routes wisely. Expanding your group? Then factor in additional living space.
Safety: pay attention to the distance between the bars
Dwarf rats are small and resourceful. Therefore, always ensure appropriate spacing between bars:
✔ Young animals: preferably < 0.7 cm
✔ Adult dwarf rats: maximum approximately 1 cm
Also check locks and doors: “just clamping” is often an invitation for dwarf rats to test.
Cage or terrarium: which is right for your dwarf rats?
1) Bar cage (most popular)
- Plus: lots of ventilation and plenty of climbing opportunities.
- Plus: ideal for hanging places, ropes and routes.
- Note: use ground covering that stays in place (and possibly a higher base/plexiglass edge).
2) Terrarium (possible, provided it is well ventilated)
- Plus: Retains ground cover and scaping materials better.
- Plus: quiet image and easy to zone.
- Note: Ventilation is crucial; choose grilles that provide sufficient air circulation.
Going for a terrarium? Then be sure to include climbing routes, platforms, and hiding places. This is a perfect fit for ratscaping for dwarf rats .
Setting up: turn your cage into a dwarf rat route
An "empty" cage is never the goal. Set up multiple zones:
- Sleeping area: several hiding places (preferably more than the number of animals) with soft nesting material.
- Action zone: platforms, ladders, ropes and bridges.
- Foraging zone: spreading/hiding food often works better than one fixed feeding spot.
- Extra exercise: combine with a suitable exercise wheel as an addition.
Maintenance & hygiene (easy to maintain)
- Daily: remove wet spots, check water/food.
- Weekly: Refresh parts of the ground cover and move routes slightly.
- Periodic: major cleaning, without stripping everything down at once if that isn't necessary.
Choose a nice base of dwarf rat bedding and add hiding places with houses .
Checklist: buying a dwarf rat cage
✔ Spacious floor space + height/platforms
✔ Bar spacing suitable for (young) dwarf rats
✔ Doors/locks sturdy and practical
✔ Easily accessible for cleaning (drawer/bottom tray)
✔ Possibility of furnishing: houses, hangouts, routes
✔ Ground cover zone + foraging areas
FAQ – Dwarf Rat Cages
What is a good bar spacing for dwarf rats?
For young animals, a finer bar spacing is important (preferably <0.7 cm). For adult dwarf rats, a practical upper limit is about 1 cm.
Is a terrarium suitable for dwarf rats?
That's possible, provided the terrarium has adequate ventilation and you furnish it with platforms, routes, and hiding places. For climbers, a wire cage is often the most practical.
What do I need as a minimum to properly set up the cage?
Start with ground cover , multiple houses , routes (platforms/ladders/ropes), and food/water. Make it extra fun with ratscaping .
Which categories fit best here?
Combine with: dwarf rat food , exercise wheels , houses and ground cover .
✔ Space, routes and rest zones – exactly what group animals need
✔ Selection aid for size, bar spacing and layout
✔ Specialist since 2011 – carefully selected range
✔ Ordered before 5pm, shipped the same day!
✔ Delivered from our own stock
