Female rats are high-energy, social, and curious. Unlike males, they tend to be more active, requiring extra space, climbing opportunities, and enrichment. If you’re looking for the best cage for three female rats, this guide will help you find the perfect option.
This guide covers:
- The ideal cage size for three female rats
- Best cages available on Amazon
- Key features to look for
- Common mistakes to avoid
- A free tool to check cage sizes
Minimum Cage Size for Three Female Rats
The general rule is at least 2 cubic feet per rat. For three female rats, the minimum cage size is 6 cubic feet, but since they are more energetic than males, a larger multi-level cage is ideal.
| Cage Type | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Cubic Feet | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Size | 30” x 18” x 24” | 6 cu. ft. | Temporary use |
| Good Size | 36” x 24” x 36” | 12 cu. ft. | Comfortable living space |
| Ideal Size | 48” x 24” x 48” | 16+ cu. ft. | Maximum space and enrichment |
💡 Not sure if a cage is big enough? Use this free tool: Rat Cage Calculator
Best Cages for Three Female Rats on Amazon
1. Midwest Critter Nation Double Unit (Best Overall)
Dimensions: 36”L x 24”W x 63”H
Bar Spacing: ½ inch
Levels: Two full platforms, ramps
Price: Around $250
This is the best cage for three female rats. The double-level design gives plenty of climbing space, and the full-width doors make cleaning easy.
Pros:
✔ Extremely spacious – Perfect for three or more rats
✔ Large doors for easy access – Cleaning is simple
✔ Multi-level setup – Encourages climbing and activity
✔ Sturdy metal construction – Lasts for years
Cons:
✖ Expensive – But worth it for quality
✖ Takes up space – Ensure you have room for it
👉 Check it out on Amazon: Midwest Critter Nation
2. Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret Cage (Best Budget Option)
Dimensions: 31”L x 20”W x 55”H
Bar Spacing: ⅞ inch (may not be ideal for baby rats)
Levels: Two full levels
Price: Around $180
This cage is affordable yet spacious. It has multiple levels, good ventilation, and a large front door for easy access.
Pros:
✔ Affordable – Large cage at a lower price
✔ Multi-level design – Ideal for active female rats
✔ Comes with ramps and a hammock – Great starter setup
Cons:
✖ Bar spacing is slightly wide – Not ideal for small rats
✖ Doors could be bigger – Cleaning can be tricky
👉 Check it out on Amazon: Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret Cage
3. Yaheetech 52” 6-Level Cage (Best for Climbing Rats)
Dimensions: 31.5”L x 20.5”W x 52”H
Bar Spacing: ½ inch
Levels: Six levels with ramps
Price: Around $120
If your female rats love climbing, this cage is perfect. The six-level design keeps them entertained, and it’s affordable for its size.
Pros:
✔ Tall, multi-level setup – Keeps energetic rats happy
✔ Budget-friendly – Large cage at a great price
✔ Wheels for easy movement – Move the cage effortlessly
Cons:
✖ Plastic ramps may need replacing – Can be slippery
✖ Assembly instructions can be confusing – Setup takes time
👉 Check it out on Amazon: Yaheetech 6-Level Cage
4. Aivituvin Extra Large Rat Cage (Best for Easy Cleaning)
Dimensions: 36”L x 23.6”W x 50.4”H
Bar Spacing: ½ inch
Levels: Three platforms
Price: Around $200
This cage has deep pull-out trays that make cleaning easier than most cages.
Pros:
✔ Super easy to clean – Large trays slide out for quick maintenance
✔ Multi-level design – Perfect for active female rats
✔ Secure latches – Prevents escapes
Cons:
✖ Takes up more space – Needs a dedicated area
✖ Plastic trays may wear down over time
👉 Check it out on Amazon: Aivituvin Large Rat Cage
What to Look for in a Cage for Three Female Rats
✔ Proper Bar Spacing
- Baby rats: ¼ inch spacing
- Adult rats: ½ inch spacing
✔ Multi-Level Design
Female rats love climbing, so multi-level cages with ramps, hammocks, and tunnels are best.
✔ Easy-to-Clean Features
Look for removable trays, large doors, and wipeable surfaces.
✔ Good Ventilation
Avoid glass tanks or plastic enclosures—they trap moisture and cause breathing problems.
Common Cage Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Too Small – Anything under 6 cubic feet is not enough for three rats.
🚫 Wrong Bar Spacing – Gaps over ½ inch let rats escape or get stuck.
🚫 Glass Tanks – Poor airflow leads to respiratory problems.
🚫 No Enrichment – A cage without toys, tunnels, and platforms leads to boredom and stress.
Final Thoughts
For three female rats, the best cage option is the Midwest Critter Nation Double Unit, offering plenty of space, easy access, and durability. If you’re on a budget, the Prevue Hendryx Feisty Ferret Cage is a great alternative.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Minimum 6 cubic feet, but 12+ is ideal
✔ Multi-level cages are best for climbing and enrichment
✔ ½ inch bar spacing prevents escapes
✔ Easy-to-clean features will save you time and effort
💡 Not sure if a cage is big enough? Use this tool: Rat Cage Calculator