About Cage Calculators

[ithinkican]

I have used a few different cage calculators, and have a question. They give a choice of 2.5, 2, 1.5 cubic centimeters of space per rat. How do I know which to choose?

[~*ChaoticSerenity*~]

its cubic feet and i usually go by 2 cubic feet per rat....it just depends on how much room youd like to dedicate per rat...like if you want 2.5 cubic feet per rat you wont be able to fit as many rats but each of that rats will have more room....1.5 youll fit more rats but less room for them...i believe 2 is the common one used

[Sun of Samsa]

I always assumed that the options depend on how you want to maximize your space. If you choose 1.5 square feet per rat, you'll need to make more use of your space (more levels, hammocks, etc.) thank if you choose 2.5 square feet per rat. Of course you'll want to maximize your space no matter how many rats you have in the cage. The more space the better is our rule of thumb!

[Rattiemama]

I usually go with 2 cubic feet. It gives them plenty of room. I have to admit I laughed trying to picture a rat fitting into 1.5 cubic centimeters . . . maybe a pinkie.

[chiropteragirl]

I would definitely go with 2 feet minimum. However, I have a two boys in a cage that, if going by the 2 feet rule, fits four rats, and would be happier if the cage was roomier.

In my books, for rats, there is truly no such thing as 'too much room'. It may sound a little extreme, but, IMHO, buy as big a cage as you can afford, period.