Temporary Cage size for three rats?

[Rmv1983]

I have two adult rats whose cage measures about 2 X 3 feet, it was actually an old rabbit cage . My problem comes in the fact that I have a female baby rat that I am attempting to introduce to them. She has been in her own cage for a two week period to make sure she isn't ill, and all is well (I thought for a while she might be pregnant, but luckily she isn't XD. The problem stems from the fact that they are bonding and I was debating housing them together, as she seems lonely. She is currently housed in a 10 gallon aquarium temporarily. I would like to house them together, but the baby can quite literally squeeze through the bars of the adult's cage    I would assume that a 10 gallon aquarium would be to small for even a couple of weeks for three rats. Can anyone suggest a very temporary solution that is fairly cheap? =/. Or should I just wait for the littlest one to grow a bit more?

[RatAttack59]

I would try the converted plastic tub idea (see the homemade cages stickie for a link to the directions)

I inherited one of those with a pair I adopted from college-bound friends whose mother wouldn't keep them.  I use it when cleaning, for intros, and as a maternity ward.

[LivingPinCushion]

Ive tried a converted plastic tub and the male at a hole threw it in three days. I would modify the rabbit cage you have the adults in with hardwire cloth and use that

[Scubbs]

Just to let you know, even a temporary cage has to be the appropriate size for the amount of rats you put in it.  Simply because it's not forever, doesn't mean you can skimp on size.

[strangeduck]

I presume the males are neutered or the female is spayed?  You don't specify and it always makes me nervous.

A ten gallon aquarium isn't big enough for even one rat, and totally inappropriate besides because rats need to climb and run and jump.  They can't do that in an aquarium.  Besides ventilation is quite an issue.

The problem with the rabbit cage is more than just a wiring issue.  With no shelves or ramps it just isn't going to provide enough floor space for three rats, unless it's huge.  I'd suggest selling the rabbit cage and buying another cage.  The Super Pet Exotics cage is big enough for 4 and the Petco Rat Manor can house three. 

[Rmv1983]

I want to thank everyone, but I actually convinced my mom to buy me a rat manor  It came in the mail yesterday and my girls love it. And to clarify all of my rats are girls, I would never mix the sexes.

[JustJenna]

Congrats on the Rat Manor and your new girl!  I have a Rat Manor and really like it - hope you enjoy it, too!