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Rat hammocks & hanging shelters – sleeping together high up, warm in winter and cool in summer
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- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Rat hammocks – sleeping together high up (warm in winter, cool in summer)
A good rat hammock is more than just a "soft spot." It's a permanent resting zone where your rats like to lie together, preferably a bit higher up in the cage. Rats are adept climbers and often feel extra safe when they have a comfortable sleeping spot high up. In this category, you'll find hammocks and hanging shelters suitable for social animals: spacious enough, easy to hang, and designed for daily use.
At DRD Rodent Shop® , you'll find not only a selection but also clear tips: which size works best in practice, how to hang it safely (without wobbly paths), and how to control dust and odors with a smart washing and changing routine. Specialists in rodents and rabbits since 2011.
Choose at least one spacious hammock where your rats can all lie down together. Extra hammocks = more peace and quiet.
View rat hammocks →
Many hangouts are two-sided: warmer for colder days and airier for summer. Switch them up wisely with the seasons.
Rat summer products →
Hammocks are soft (so not chew-proof). Provide plenty of chewing and demolition material, as well as nesting material for a "bed of their own."
Nesting material & cushions →
Choosing rat hammocks – quick selection guide
Start by asking yourself: do you primarily want an open hammock (nice to stretch out), or a hanging hideaway (more of a "nesting" feeling)? For group rats, a mix often works best: one spacious hangout spot for both, plus additional spots throughout the cage.
1) For co-sleeping (group)
- Choose a large hammock (better large than small) so that several rats can fit at the same time.
- Prevent “claiming” by offering additional hanging spaces: spread over different heights and zones.
2) For peace and shelter
- Opt for hanging shelters such as sleeping bags, cubes or teepee-style: ideal for rats that like to sleep "hidden".
- Always combine with a permanent hiding place on a plateau or in a house for choice and peace: rat houses .
3) For seasons (comfort)
- Warm weather: choose airier/thinner options, hang them a bit more spaciously, and offer multiple locations. Also see Rat summer products .
- Colder periods: choose warmer (fleece/plush) and combine with Ratten winter products or extra soft items.
Practical tip: get a spare hammock right away. This way you can change (wash/dry) without your rats losing their favorite sleeping spot.
What types of rat hammocks can you find here?
Rats like to sleep high up and together. That's why you'll find different types of hangouts in this category:
- Flat hammocks – ideal for relaxing or just cuddling together in a rat-clump.
- Double-tier hammocks – extra space to lie down without sacrificing a lot of cage space.
- Hanging shelters (sleeping bag/cube/tent) – more cover and a sense of nesting, popular with rats that like to “hide away”.
- Hanging tunnels – sleep and play; also great as a passage between routes.
- Hanging houses/shelter pods – sturdy, elevated shelter as an alternative or supplement to textiles.
What size hammock is suitable for rats?
Rats prefer to sleep together. Therefore, "a little more space" is almost always better. As a practical guideline, larger hammocks (from about 28–30 cm ) often work better, and for larger groups, an even larger size is especially beneficial.
- Group? Provide at least one spacious hangout spot that can accommodate several rats at once.
- Choice = peace: add extra places to hang out so that not everything is “crowded” in one favorite spot.
- Combine cleverly with fixed routes and rest zones: platforms & ladders .
Hanging & installation – high, but safe
Hammocks are best hung a bit higher (rabbit routes!), but ensure the risk of falling remains low. Think in "safety layers": hang the hammock above a plateau or a softer area, and make the route to it logical.
- Stable: hang with all attachment points so that the hammock does not pull to one side.
- No bottlenecks: leave enough space around the area so that rats can pass each other.
- Building a route? Combine it with tunnels and tubes and extra rest stops.
Maintenance & washing – how to keep hammocks fresh
Rats can mark, and textiles absorb odors more quickly. A simple routine will keep things pleasant for you and your rats:
✔ Work with 2 sets (in use + in the wash) and change at fixed times.
✔ Wash according to the care label, preferably with a mild, rinse-free detergent. Let dry completely before replacing.
✔ Spot-clean in between: remove small wet spots and hang the hammock out for a while.
✔ Extra hygiene in the cage also helps: use toilets and/or pee mats in favorite corners.
Checklist – Rat Hammocks That “Rock”
✔ Spacious enough for co-sleeping (better bigger than too small)
✔ Multiple hanging places spread throughout the cage (choice = rest)
✔ Securely hung: stable, not crooked, no pinch points or risk of falling
✔ Washable and practical: preferably with a spare one to change
✔ Enough distraction to limit gnawing: Playing & Foraging , gnawing material
Safety
Check hammocks regularly for fraying , loose stitching, open edges, and damaged fasteners. Remove hammocks if large holes develop or if your rats are pulling excessively on the edges. Always hang them securely (at all points) and build the cage so there's no hard "fall zone" underneath the hanging spot. Not sure which hanging spot is best for your cage and group? Check our service page or contact us.
FAQ – rat hammocks
How many hammocks do I need for my rats?
Count on at least one spacious hangout spot for co-sleeping, plus additional hangouts throughout the cage. More choice usually leads to more peace and quiet.
Are hammocks suitable in every season?
Yes. Many roosting spots can be rotated: warmer for colder days and cooler for summer. Always offer multiple roosting spots so rats can choose for themselves.
My rats are chewing up the hammock – what now?
Hammocks are soft and therefore not chew-resistant. Provide additional distractions with chewing materials , foraging toys , and plenty of nesting material . Alternating with a spare hammock also helps.
Hammock or house: which is better?
Preferably both. Hammocks are favorite chill spots high up, while houses offer a permanent shelter lower down or on a plateau. Together, this creates more comfort and less "crowding" in one place.
✔ Rat hammocks for sleeping together, chilling and peace in the group
✔ Selection aid for size, safe hanging, seasons and washing
✔ Specialist since 2011
Order before 5 PM, shipped the same day | Delivered from our own stock | Specialist since 2011
