What size tubs would you recommend to use for 2 possibly 3 adult breeder females? (they will be having babies in them too)

i need more room for rats, im gonna keep my tanks for my faves as I love watching next to my bed as I am watching tv or falling asleep. they are at times better than tv lol but need some tubs for a couple more females.

Also I have 1/4" cage wire on hand, does it matter if I use that size? I usually see people using the 1/2".

besides cutting the top of the bin and adding the wire mesh, I want to put wire on the sides of the tubs for better air flow for them, is this an escape free method? recommended?

the reason I need an asnwer asap is Im about ready to head to walmart to get the tubs lol

thanks to all who replies