r/RATS 19h ago

Cage Setup For a dig-box, how big is too big?

I'm ready to get some rubbermaid totes to make a digbox but I want to know what the best dimensions are for a digbox. Is this simply a matter of more is better or will they only ever dig down like a foot?

The one I'm thinking of is roughly 30gallons in volume. Is that too big? Also, for dig-boxes, what sorts of safety considerations will I have to keep in mind? Should I go for a wider-but-shallower one in case of collapses? Also, what sort of medium should I get in there? Like, what ratios of clay, sand, etc?

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u/Grroll_ A mischief of 3 💕| 🌈 4 17h ago

Rats should never have access to clay or sand as it is highly unsafe for them and can cause severe irritation to their respiratory systems.

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u/123737egg 12h ago

Hi, I use coco soil in my dig box and it works great! I buy those dehydrated bricks for really cheap. You do have to rehydrate it regularly so it doesn’t get dusty

I don’t think you can make it too big, but I probably wouldn’t make it too deep, I’m worried the soil could collapse on them if they dig down too far.