Rats enjoy toys as much as any other pet. There are many things that will
keep them entertained and make their home enjoyable, from store bought toys
to items you find around your house. Seal wooden toys with shellac to
make them last longer and not retain odors.
Click on the photos for a larger view.
Ferret tubes make for good rat hideouts. They like to climb through them, hide
in them, sleep in them and stash food in them. Just be careful that the tubes
have nothing inside that may catch a rattie toe or foot. Alternatives to store
bought tubes include PVC piping, dryer hose vents and Pringles chip cans.
Hide out logs entertain some rats, particularly small rats. It provides a
nice shelter to get away from other rats or a good place to sneak a treat.
It is recommended that these type of logs be purchased from a pet store unless
you are sure that the type of wood is rattie-safe and is parasite and mold
free. These logs can be found in the reptile section of the pet shop.
Igloos and tissue boxes are two rattie favorites. Tissue boxes are temporary
and only last a few days as rats love to chew them until they are reduced to
cardboard strips. But, hey, it's a cheap toy with high entertainment value!
Igloos can be bought in most pet stores and are fairly cheap. Often every rat
in the cage will try to cram into the igloo all at the same time. Igloos can
also be made using old tupperware with doors and/or windows cut out. (Be sure
when cutting these doors and windows you leave no sharp edges on the plastic).
Plastic organizing baskets are also a favorite. They are very cheap and can
be found in any office supply store. They can sit in the cage or be hung from
the top of the cage. The baskets are easy to clean and don't get chewed through
too quickly - they last about a year on average. When lined with an old t-shirt
it makes the perfect sleeping spot for one rattie or a rat pile.
The Wodent Wheel is
a wheel made especially for rats and other small critters. It is designed so
their tail cannot get caught and so their feet will not slip through bars.
The running platform is solid and the wheel is mounted to a stand. The wheel
comes apart for easy cleaning. Some rats like the wheel and some do not. Most
rats that do enjoy the wheel are those that are exposed to them at a young
age. Some rats prefer to sleep in the wheel and some ignore it all together. These
wheels come in a variety of colors and sizes to best suit your needs as well
as your pet's needs.
Roll around balls don't seem to be a rattie favorite - at least not for their
intended use. Most rats that are put into the ball just sit there and look
pitiful, although there are some rats that will run around in it. However,
if you have one of these that your rat does not use for running in, you can
station it somewhere in the cage and fill the ball with old t-shirts for the
perfect hideout nest. It can also be taken apart and each half of the ball
can be used as a makeshift igloo.
Hammocks make great sleeping spots and space savers and are a rodent favorite.
They can be store bought or made out of pillowcases, shirts, pants legs,
towels, etc. They are easily attached to a cage-top with metal clips, cable
ties or shower curtain rings. The great thing about hammocks are how easy they
are to make and they are washable. Keep three or four on hand and rotate them
weekly and as they get stinky just throw them in the wash.
This is a cool little treat dispenser that will keep the ratties busy for
a while. It is perfect for sunflower seeds and yogurt drops. There is a bell
inside that rings when it is pushed over on it's side. Some rats like the challenge,
others will just wait for handouts!
Corner
litter pans are great for litter training your ratties. They will connect to
any wire cage and the high backing prevents your walls from being sprayed.
They are made of a thick, virtually chew proof plastic and are easy to clean.
Some rats prefer to use the litter pan for sleeping or a good place to stash
food.
This is a Critter Cubby-hole Drum. It has a hook attached to the rope for
hanging anywhere in the cage. Rats love to sleep in the drum and sometimes
try to pile in all at once. It has a sisal surface with a stain resistant plastic
center on the inside.
