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Rat houses & rat homes – hiding places, sputniks and sleeping houses for tame rats
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
- Voor 17 uur besteld, dezelfde dag verzonden!
- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Rat houses & rat homes – safe hiding places where your rats like to sleep together
A good rat house is more than just "a place to sleep." It's a safe refuge within the cage, a permanent resting place for the group, and a practical way to organize the enclosure. Rats are sociable and often like to sleep together – that's why you'll find houses in this category primarily suited to group animals: spacious enough, easy to use, and suitable for daily cleaning.
At DRD Rodent Shop® , you'll find not only a selection but also clear tips: which materials work in practice, how to avoid "claiming" a single sleeping spot, and how to keep houses hygienic. Specialists in rodents and rabbits since 2011.
Choose at least one spacious hiding place where all your rats can lie in or on top of each other.
View rat houses →
More routes and rest areas? Combine with platforms, tunnels, and hammocks for multiple sleeping options.
Rat hammocks →
Rat marking. With toilets/pee mats and proper cleaning, houses stay fresh longer.
Rat toilets →
Choosing rat houses – quick selection guide
Start with one question: what do you primarily want to use the house for? Sleeping as a group, extra hiding places scattered throughout the cage, or perhaps a cooler/airier spot for warmer days.
1) For co-sleeping (group)
- Choose a spacious house or a large hanging shelter (e.g. “Sputnik” style) that can accommodate several rats at once.
- Prevent tension by also providing additional hiding places (not all in one place).
2) For rest zones & routes (cage equipment)
- Work with multiple levels: combine houses with platforms & ladders and tunnels & pipes .
- Tip: A little house “halfway” around the cage often works as a favourite chill-out spot.
3) For seasons (comfort)
- Warm weather: Choose airier or cooler-feeling materials and always offer several resting places. Also see rat summer products .
- Colder periods: combine houses with nesting material, cushions & baskets or rat winter products .
✔ Handy group tip: choose several medium-sized shelters rather than one “mega-house” if you notice that someone is claiming them.
What types of rat houses can you find here?
In this category you will mainly find houses that are often used in practice for tame rats :
- Hanging shelters (sputnik/igloo style) – popular because rats like to be higher up and “hang” together.
- Plastic/resin houses – easy to clean and useful for rats that like to mark.
- Wooden houses – warm and cozy; ideal if you're smart about hygiene (see maintenance).
- Cardboard & paper houses – perfect as a "scratch and swap house": fun, affordable, and easy to replace.
- Plush sleeping bags/soft sleeping pads – popular, as long as you wash them regularly and check for fraying.
- Terracotta/ceramic – sturdy and pleasant as an extra resting place, especially during warm periods.
How big should a rat house be?
Rats like to sleep in a "rat clump." A practical tip: provide at least one hiding place where the whole group can lie down comfortably, plus additional hiding places throughout the cage. This way, everyone has a choice and you prevent unrest.
- Multiple entrances or an open side often helps to reduce traffic jams and claims.
- Don't place everything on one level: rats love to use height. Combine with platforms and hammocks .
Maintenance & hygiene – how to keep rat houses fresh for longer
Rats leave small puddles to mark their territory. That's normal. You can make it easier on yourself with a clever layout:
✔ Use toilets and/or urinals in favorite corners.
Spot -clean daily (remove wet spots) and clean houses routinely.
✔ Wood/terracotta: Use a urine remover. CSI Urine Spray or Urine Buster are popular.
✔ Plush: Washable = comfortable. Wash regularly and let dry completely before replacing.
Checklist – Rat houses that “work”
✔ At least 1 spacious sleeping place for the entire group
✔ Extra hiding places spread throughout the cage (choice = peace)
✔ Materials that suit your cleaning routine (plastic is easy to use, cardboard is interchangeable, and wood can be used with proper maintenance)
✔ Safe placement: stable, no wobbly routes or risk of falling
✔ Combine with ground cover and furnishings for comfort and structure ( ground cover , Ratscaping )
Safety
Check houses regularly for gnawing damage , loose parts, and fraying (on soft materials). Ideally, choose hiding places without sharp edges and ensure that hanging houses are securely fastened. Clean with suitable cleaning products, rinse thoroughly, and let everything dry completely. Not sure what works best in your cage? Start simple: one large sleeping option + a few additional hiding places, and expand based on what your rats actually use.
FAQ – rat houses
What's better: rat houses or hammocks?
Preferably both. Houses provide a clear shelter, hammocks offer additional high-up resting spots. Together, you create a variety and less "crowding" in one place.
Are wooden houses suitable for pet rats?
Yes, provided you take markings into account. Spot-clean, use toilets/urinary mats, and clean specifically when necessary. This way, the wood remains perfectly usable.
How many houses do I need for my rats?
Expect at least one spacious sleeping area for the entire group, plus additional hiding places throughout the cage. More choice often leads to more peace and quiet.
What is useful in summer?
Offer multiple resting places and choose (also) airier or cooler-feeling materials. See additional summer products for more information.
✔ Rat houses for sleeping together, hiding and peace in the group
✔ Selection aid for size, material, placement and cleaning routine
✔ Specialist since 2011
Order before 5 PM, shipped the same day | Delivered from our own stock | Specialist since 2011
