Will my cage be good enough for two rats?

Question

I have one rat. I am afraid he is getting lonely so I want to get another rat. The current cage I have is 24"L x 13"W x 13"H. Will that be big enough for the two of them for a little while (like a month or a month and a half) till I buy a bigger one?

Answer 1

Best way to check if your cage is the correct size is to make use of the rat cage calculator: http://www.rattycorner.com/odds/calc.sht...

Choose 2 cubic feet for females, 2.5 is a good size for males (or if you want to make sure your rats have a lot of space).  Your current cage is really only big enough for one rat.  The Rat Tower is a good choice for two rats.  (Martin's Cage http://www.martinscages.com/products/cag... )  You'll need to cover the wire floors with something, I'd recommend cheap tile linoleum you can find at a hardware store.

I'd really recommend getting a new cage before obtaining the second rat.  Your current rat would benefit from a larger, taller cage to climb in.  Is your current cage an aquarium (sounds like the dimensions)?  Aquariums are really not recommended for rats as they do not have enough airflow.

This is a good site to check out regarding rat cages:

http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/information/...

Don't be discouraged by my assessment!  I'm happy to hear you're thinking of getting your guy a friend.  Rats really need a buddy to be psychologically healthy.  Consider adopting a rat from your local humane society.  The cost is similar, but you're saving a rat and the money goes towards helping other animals.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

yes, its ok i have the same size, but they like to run around, but i let them run in my shirt, lol

Answer 3

Ya, just don't make it a perminant home for two rats.  

Answer 4

Yeah so long as they get along fine they will do good in that for a bit. Bigger is Better but rats are also social animals so gettting yours a bud asap is a great idea. I personally have 4 females from the same litter and they have a blast with one another.

Answer 5

Should be ok for now, but I would recommend getting a bigger one as soon as you can afford it.  Depends on if you have girl or boy rats. Boys are really kinda lazy and are pretty content.  Girls have to have a lot of room to move around in and toys to keep them entertained. Personally, I like boys better. They have a better temperament. I would suggest getting another. Rats are social creatures and do not do well alone. But make sure you buy the same s*x, whatever you do. they make babies really really really fast.  

Answer 6

should be ok for about a month or so but no longer though they need a big cage but ye for a month or so