How to set up a cage for a rodent
Environment parameters, equipment and a beginner checklist.
Rodents need space, safe bedding and things to gnaw. Many species (rats, mice) are social and suffer alone, while a Syrian hamster lives solo. Avoid pine/cedar shavings (harmful to airways) and wire floors (injure feet). Provide hides, a correctly sized wheel and materials to wear down the teeth.
What to buy
- Spacious cage with a solid floor
- Safe bedding (paper/aspen, not pine/cedar)
- Hides and nesting material
- Solid wheel of the right diameter
- Mineral stones / branches for the teeth
- Water bottle and a heavy bowl
Where to start (checklist)
- 1Check whether your species is solitary or social
- 2Avoid pine bedding and wire floors
- 3Keep the cage away from drafts and direct sun
- 4Remember rodents are escape artists