Is my rat cage big enough?

Question

I only have 1 rat, but I actually have 2 cages:

- One is 24" long, 24" tall and 14" deep. It's three stories tall, only the problem is that the tray is so shallow that he kicks out his bedding. I want to get rid of this cage because it's so much messier and also, every weekend he goes in the smaller one anyway when I go to my boyfriend's house. This way I dont' have to keep switching him back and forth between cages...

- The other cage is 21" long, 19" tall and 14" deep. So not too much smaller, only this one's really deep to prevent the bedding from flying out, it's only 2 stories but it does have an exercise wheel which he loves.

My concern is, is this cage big enough for him as a permanent home if I get rid of the other one??

He doesn't seem to mind being in the smaller one. Plus he loves the wheel, he's always in it....

Answer 1

The second cage is barely large enough for him, it's quite small for a rat.  Even with a wheel there isn't much room for playing.  This page does great calculations.

http://www.rattycorner.com/odds/calc.sht...

Also, rats are happiest with company.  It's so cute to see them sleep together, play, and groom each other.  With two rats they are never lonely, they always have a companion.  A same s*x friend would really make your rat happy.  However, you would definitely not be able to use the small cage for two.