Rat hutch idea

I've been playing around with some different ideas for large outdoor rat cages (My mom hates having them in the house),and after looking at some rabbit hutches I've decided to try and make one specifically designed for a large colony of rats. Let me know what you guys think and if there's something that needs to be improved. (Sorry for the messy text by the way. XP )

The inside of it is going to have different levels and everything,which is why it's so tall. There wont be any screen on the bottom,so I think I'm going to attach some stakes to the bottom edges that way they can't get out. Or would it be fine without them? For the entire bottom of the actual hutch part I'm gonna try and make a tiled litter pan that will fit inside,that way when it's time to clean it all I have to do is take it out. The two doors will be the entire back for this thing,instead of just making a small one. I decided to go with the screen design so that I didn't have any escapees trying to jump out right when I open the doors. XD

I wont be making it until Spring rolls around so I'll have plenty of time to make adjustments and get supplies~ (Not to mention rats~ :3 This should hold at least 20-25 females and a couple males? )

Probably shouldn't have done some of it in yellow. XP

Cool idea. I used to breed rabbits in something similar (obviously much larger) and the one thing I can tell you is that it was disgusting until I tore out the bottom and used hardware cloth for the entire bottom. Nice plans though! I think you have plenty of time to perfect it by spring!! Good luck!

Originally Posted by AdamR

Cool idea. I used to breed rabbits in something similar (obviously much larger) and the one thing I can tell you is that it was disgusting until I tore out the bottom and used hardware cloth for the entire bottom. Nice plans though! I think you have plenty of time to perfect it by spring!! Good luck!

Thanks. ^^
Oh I know,my brother and I used to have pet rabbits and it sucked cleaning out the back. That's way I'm gonna try and build the litter pan so that it covers the entire bottom.

I liked the idea for the racks but I figured this would work best since they have to be kept outside,it also gives plenty of room for toys so they stay fit and don't try to take their boredom out on the wood. XD

If there is any place that's not wired, they'll dig out.

Also, I'm wondering how you'll be able to catch rats if they aren't near the doors?

If the inner screen slides into a slot, the slot can be filled/blocked with litter, so be aware of that. A screen that you remove would probably be easier than a complex sliding one.

Rats will generally chew on wood. You might think of lining the inside with wire, so they can't chew on the wood itself.

Good luck!!

Originally Posted by Wolfy-hound

If there is any place that's not wired, they'll dig out.

Also, I'm wondering how you'll be able to catch rats if they aren't near the doors?

If the inner screen slides into a slot, the slot can be filled/blocked with litter, so be aware of that. A screen that you remove would probably be easier than a complex sliding one.

Rats will generally chew on wood. You might think of lining the inside with wire, so they can't chew on the wood itself.

Good luck!!

That's what I thought,I might just build a litter pan for that part as well. This is true,I didn't think of that. XD I think where the bottom part extends I'll make that whole top part a hinged top and put one on the top screened box as well. I'll do the wire lining as well. :3

For the screen slot they'll be a strip of wood on the inside edge,so that should cut down on that. Originally I was considering doing one that just comes off but I figured a sliding one would work good for keeping everyone in if I just wanted to opening it a bit and pull the ones I need.

Thanks for the advice though. ^^

it might be some trouble with the rats eating throught the wood, they can chew through steel, (so Ive heard).