Does anyone have any experience with rats and PVC coated cages?

Question

Did they chew all the PVC off? how long did the cage last? are bucks big chewers?

Answer 1

Galvanized cages are not recommended for rats as some, but not all rats, chew the bars. Rats have a tendency to chew bars far less then other rodents. Galvanized wire leads to zinc-poisoning in rats.

PVC-coated cages are easier to clean, don't pick up the smell that galvanized does and they stay bright and new-looking for a long time. However the PVC can eventually be chewed off by compulsive chewers, revealing the galvanized wire exposed. There is no-way to re-PVC these cages once this happens.

I've never paid attention as to when the PVC was worn off because my cage was second-hand.

No, bucks chew the cages far less then females. Bucks are home-bodies and they are content to remain in their cages. Females have the urge to explore and I've seen them chew the bars in their desire to get out. I use these cages only for the males for this reason.

Sandra Beasley and the Spaz Rats
(Rattery, Rescue, and Rat-care Expert)
http://spazrats.tripod.com
"my life has gone to the rats"

Answer 2

Hello. I have bred rats and mice for many years. I have used these cages for years as breeding cages and long term housing alike. I have only had one rat ever chew them. Give the rats chew toys and they will be fine. Mice are much more apt to try to chew and escape. Rats are much more relaxed and don't seem to have these types of issues. I have bred generations of rats and only had one rat who liked to do this kind of chewing. I gave him more chew sticks, fed him late in the evening (the most active time for rats) and he soon stopped. The chance of them eating enough to harm themselves in highly unlikely. Rats are very smart and are going to catch on that this is not a sensible idea. I have used my cages like this over 4 years, disinfecting it, scrubbing it, etc. They hold up well. I have never noticed the tendency of males to be any more prone to chewing than females. I would recommend this type of cage much more often than aquariums and those with less air circulation. It helps them be less prone to disease, too! Good luck and have fun with your rats.

Answer 3

WE have had rats and I dont think they chew the cage. if you have a toilet paper roll lnside it prefers that. It would take a lot to chew threw a cage anyhow... Nice pets though....