materials for building a rat house

Question
My husband and I want to build a rat house. I was wondering what kind of wood I should use to build it. I was also wondering if there is something we can do to the wood to make it easier to clean but would still be safe for rats.

Any ideas would be great. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Using wood is not a good idea at all because it will retain an odor, regardless of how well you keep it clean.  Constant exposure to moisture such as from their water bottle dripping, food, urine etc...

Your rat cage should be a minimum of 18" X 30" X 18, and even larger and tall enough to include toys to climb on, toys such as tubes and shelves, of course a hammock or two, a nice clean dry place for them to eat and a place for their litter pan (or two) usually allowing them to make up their own mind by going in the same place all the time but thats another story for later...lol!) A good rule to follow is the more time your rats spend in their cage, the bigger is should be. although a large cage shouldn't take the place of daily time out to interact with their owner.  

How many rats do you have that will be living in the new ca

Here are some great ideas for building a rat safe cage.


Here is a great idea, but again, I would make it bigger! Bigger is better!
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/careofrats/ss/myratcage.htm


Scroll down to the very bottom to see the cage I think is nice, although I would make it much bigger too!
http://www.erodent.co.uk/degucages.htm

Also, be sure to litter box train the rats. This is SO SIMPLE and cuts back on cost as far as having to spend tons on yesterdays news or aspen (since pine and cedar and toxic and should not be used ever!)  Check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com and scroll down to the bottom of the menu to find the link that will take it the page on litter box training. My site has more info that you may find helpful as well.  

Hope this helps!