Rats are very gentle and intelligent rodents that just love human companionship and are masterful escape artists. Being small but not too small they serve as a great starter pet for any young child or classroom. But, before you buy your new friend his permanent home, consider all the options out there and know the ups and downs of each habitat.
***When buying cages it is a good rule to buy the largest cage you can both afford and accommodate into your home.***
Glass aquariums are an affordable option but they are not a good first choice as the walls can be to high resulting in poor circulation and respiratory problems for the animal. Aquariums made for fish must be taller than average to have room for pumps, filters and heaters. Ammonia build up from urine can harm your rodents lungs if there is not good air circulation.
Reptile/small animal aquariums, glass aquariums made JUST for small animals, are a great second choice as the walls are proportionally smaller than an aquarium made for fish. The shorter walls allows the airs to flow and for your pet to breathe easier.
The best choice in a rodent home is an open cage with bars. The open bar design allows for complete air circulation. It also allows for more contact between you and your new pet because there is no glass wall. Just make sure that the bars are not spaced too far apart because your new pet can escape and your home is full of dangers.
By Staff Writer Trish Harding
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