Martins Cages:
http://www.martinscages.com/products/cages/rat/
Comments:
Cheap for what you get. I recommend only the R-680, R-685, and the R-695 for 2-3 rats. Spend the little extra for the powder coating. Galvanized absorbs urine smells and deteriorates much faster. For 20 dollars more, you get 2 or more years extra of use. I really like these cages. They are light enough to be maneuverable for easy cleaning. The doors in some models are narrower, making it hard to squeeze your shoulders into them for cleaning corners, but they will also often come with a flip top lid. I prefer the flip top for easy access even though it can be a pain w/ rats squeezing through and escaping. To prevent escape, I reenforced my flip top with mini-bungie ties purchased at Home Depot .
Critter Nation Cages:
http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com/category/default.aspx?submenu=2&catid=140
Comments:
The Rolls Royce of rat cages IMO. Each level houses up to 6 rats depending on size and personalities. This cage comes with the escape proof recommended 1/2 inch horizontal (rat climbable) bar spacing. It is sturdy and very easy to clean. However, it's large and heavy, making it difficult to move on a non flat surface in spite of the wheeled base. The pans are too shallow for pour in bedding and it can be difficult to find a way to secure flannel/felt lining to them. The single cage usually goes for $200 or so US dollars and the double goes for $400. I snagged my double for $225 including shipping and handling at CSN online store. The price fluctuates some month to month but they offer free shipping, so it comes out cheaper than most other places including pets direct. Be willing to shop around though. Deals pop up all the time.
http://www.csnstores.com/keyword.php?keyword=critter+nation&ust=&dept=0&command=dosearch
Ferret Nation Cages:
http://www.ferretnation.net/
Comments:
Made by the same manufacturers as the Critter Nation but notably cheaper. The bar spacing is 1 inch wide, which makes it unsuitable for juvenile or smaller female rats, though it works fine for big male rats. Also, the bars are vertically spaced making it difficult to attach hammocks for climbing. It can be modified by hand by wrapping it in hardware cloth. So while not pretty, if money is an issue, this might be a better option than the Critter Nation. Otherwise, identical cleaning and mobility issues as the Critter Nation.
Bass Cages:
http://www.bassequipment.com/default.aspx
Comments:
Intended more for large scale breeders, but can be purchased for pet owners. The pan that comes with a ferret/critter nation is too shallow for pour in bedding, so many owners will get a custom sized pan here.
PETCO Rat Manor Habitat:
This seems to be a fairly new cage offered at PETCO. You can purchase it directly from the store, and it has the adequate minimal size requirements for up to 3 rats and 1/2 inch horizontal bar spacing. It is comparable to the Martin's cages but of flimsier construction. It boasts a metal (rustable) pan vs. the Martin's durable plastic base. Base price is usually comparable to a Martin's but is less durable than a Martins. (As of this posting, you can purchase it at $20 off the regular price w/ free shipping @ the PETCO online site).
http://www.petco.com/product/106171/PETCO-Rat-Manor-Habitat.aspx#description-tab
Housing Considerations for Rats:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Housing_Pet_Rats
Atlanta based rat breeder who offers used cages at discount prices. Check with rescues and breeders in your area to see if they offer cheap cages. Also keep an eye out on Craiglist for cheap ferret cages:
http://www.pxrats.com/cageSALES.html
Cheap Rat Toy Ideas:
http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm#ramps
Home Made Rat Cage Ideas:
Wire Shelving:
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/careofrats/ss/myratcage.htm
Grotto Styles:
http://www.dapper.com.au/cages.htm
Hardware Cloth (Cheapest):
http://www.ratbehavior.org/CageDirections.htm
Hardware Cloth, PVC, and Zip Ties:
http://www.casualhacker.net/blog/build-your-own-rat-cage/
Round Cage:
http://www.ratfanclub.org/cagepln2.html
Bin Style Cage for Pregnant/Nursing or Sick rats:
http://jorats.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2756
DIY Cage Building Accessories:
https://bunnyrabbit.com/price/cagequip2.htm
Calculating Proper Size for Cage:
http://www.rattycorner.com/odds/calc.shtml
My boys seem to like this cage until I can afford it though
