Hardware CLoth for breeding rats

[caughdl]

I am building a breeding rack for rats. I am wondering if 1/4 inch hardware cloth is big enough for rats or will they require something bigger? I have some leftover from a mouse breeding rack I built. I have read several places that say it is big enough and some say they believe it is too small. Gimme your opinions, please!

Thanks,
David

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I use 1/2, 1/4 would make it difficult for them to get their food.

[Falconsmith]

Usually you want to do 1/2" for rats and 1/4" for mice.

[tomfromtheshade]

I use 1/2" hardware cloth on all of my rat racks.

The 1/4" will work. Believe me, they will find a way to eat LOL. However, you don't need to cause them any unnecessary stress.

My advice? Go with the 1/2".

[Shortandfat]

Go half inch, just makes it easier on the rats from my experience.

[caughdl]

Ok so the problem is I already built rack before I posted this. I used the 1/4 inch hardware cloth. An idea I have got is cutting with wire pliers, several of the spaces in the feeding section out so there is 1/2 inch squares. Is that a decent option if they have some 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch spots available?

[sweety314]

Sounds good to me, except for the sharp edges from the snipped sections. U wouldn't want something sticking out far enough that they'd catch /injure an eye or their noses/muzzles? snouts?

[caughdl]

That is what I did and they are fine! I snipped off the edges so the rats cant get stuck on them.