Low Budget DIY Small Animal Cage

I made this cage as a quarantine/sick cage for my pet rats.  It is a low cost way to have a cage on hand for sick rats who need to be kept in a separate cage to heal, for new rats that need to be quarantined, and for travel.  Some people also use this type of cage as a breeding cage for mothers with a litter as well. Its a good option, because it is cheap, easy to clean, and transportable.  

I do NOT suggest this type of cage for rats as a long term option.  Rats do much better in large wire bar cages that provide climbing space and excellent ventilation. I recommend multiple story cages, such as the ferret nation cages.  Rats are very smart, so they need space to play and explore in-order to be happy. They are also prone to respiratory problems, so ventilation is important for the long term housing. There are some other small animals that may do well in this type of cage long term, but it should be researched first.

I got this idea from this site.  They used slightly different materials, but in general it is the same concept.

 I heated my knife blade in the stove's flame, so that it melted the plastic as it cut.  This made it much easier to cut through! 

I used a metal stick, heated in a flame, to poke these extra holes.  I had old window screens on-hand, so that is what I used to cover my cut-out.  Hardware stores sell other metal and plastic mesh materials that can be easily cut to size.  My screen is the same size as the lid and the lid clips on over top of it.  Check this site for instructions with using other mesh materials.

I drilled holes in order to secure a water bottle.  The spout goes through a hole to the inside of the cage.  Rats tend to chew through plastic water bottles, so it is suggested to hang them on the outside of the cage. The type of bottle and its securing mechanisms will determine the number and size of the holes that need to be drilled into the plastic.  You can also try hanging one from the mesh top or hanging them in a holster off the side of the cage.  It will take a bit of creativity  =) 

This is my finished product!  If I feel the hole in the lid is not enough for ventilation, I may make it bigger.  I think this should work fine for short term housing though.  

For anyone interested in getting a rat as a pet, here are some sites about them:
The Dapper Rat
Discover Rats
About Rats
I am also happy to answer any questions.  I adore my rats.  They are very smart and affectionate.  I compare them to tiny dogs.  They do not bite like hamsters and gerbils and they actually enjoy being with you. They are very social and should be kept with at least one other rat.  Buying just one is considered inhumane for these guys.   Give these little guys a chance...they get a bad wrap! 

My female rat "Fleece" kissing my cat "Catalina"