Would a rat like their cage by a window?

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Christina

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Yes, this post might be as silly as it sounds. :)

I'm starting to get everything together for my new rat's living setup. I'll be buying the biggest/hopefully best cage I can find (if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know) which led me to planning out where I'll be putting it.

Would a rat enjoy their cage by a window? Or would it be frightening or perhaps even tortuous to look at the open fields outside? I want him to have the best life he possibly can.

Thanks!
 
I would suggest a double critter nation cage, or two single (or double) critter nation cages attached by removing the side panels because horizontal space is important for rats.

You do know that your rat needs to live with at least one other rat
Please see

Rat cages should never be in direct sunlight (too hot), and drafts can cause illness, so directly in front of the window would not be a good idea imo. Rats have very bad eyesight, so the view will not be important. Rats have a good sense of smell so rats would likely enjoy fresh air
 
Thanks! I was already planning on joining two of the largest size cages, maybe more! I was looking at the critter nation ones and they seem nice. It can be hard to judge by the reviews, so it's very helpful to actually tak to someone with experience.

I am aware of their social needs and plan on introducing him to another rat the proper way soon. Hopefully they take or I guess I'll end up with several separate housing units. I'm not so concerned with the view, more so the potential of being near a window making his space seem more open and therefore him vulnerable. Also, would not be putting the cage directly in front of the window but "by" a window. We're moving soon so I guess I'll just see how it goes.

Definitely going to be aware of direct sunlight, drafts, etc. I may be inexperienced with rats, but I don't take the care of another animal lightly. I can't tell you the hours I've spent reading websites, forums, contacting people, etc. I've been very excited to learn!
 
I think you'll get a sense if your rat likes it or not. I always avoided windows for my guys because of possible drafts but now I'm not entirely sure if that's really a bad thing except in our winters here. I say try it out. Making sure the sun spots in the cage is not too warm? Also, sunlight can damage paint colour and fade out toys and such.

btw...another vegan for the animals here. Woohoo!!!!!
 
I would start with one DCN as nice as they are you are going to get tired of cleaning them. I know, I currently have 2 DCN and 1 triple set up .... UGH!!!! However, I have always said rats are like potato chips you cannot stop at one :D, but we are currently at a low number of 13 (that is low for us).
 
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