Ratty Toys!

Rats love toys. Actually, they *need* toys. Not just for playing with, but for chewing on and intellectual stimulation, too. You could go out to the pet store and buy all the toys for your rats that you want. Or..you have tons of toys in your house right now.

Toys include such items as: boxes (cardboard, tissue, wood), chew sticks, balls (ping pong balls will be thrown around), small bird toys that can be hung, rope, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, paper, tissues, paper towels, PVC pipe, and many other things.

Keep in mind that your rat will probably chew the toy to pieces, so you might not want to spend too much money on them. You can buy rawhide dog bones for your rats to gnaw on. Another fun thing for your rat is a hammock. Cut off a section of a pair of pants, put two pieces of string through the inside, and tie it up to the cage. My rats like to sleep inside the hammock, instead of on it. Also, there's the Igloo, in different sizes and colors. The Igloo makes a good nest box.

You can get a running wheel if you like, but it's not absolutely necessary. If you let your rats out often, they'll probably get enough exercise. If you do get a wheel, don't get one with wire rungs. Your rat's feet or tail could get caught between them, and possibly cause a break. The diameter of the wheel should be at least 14".

Fun and Games


Pea Diving. Get a shallow pan, such as a clean paint roller tray, fill with warm water. Place fresh/frozen peas in the water, and let your rats go at it.
Digging Box. Get a shallow box and fill with potting soil. If you like, you can add some of your rat's favorite treats so when your rat digs, he'll find some surprises!
Piņata. Layer some paper towels. Put some yummy treats inside, tie into a bundle and string to the top of the cage. Let it hang so that the rats can just reach it standing.
Fun with clothes and garbage. Pile some dirty clothes (dirty because your rats may use the bathroom on them) in a basket or box. Gently toss your rat in. Or, if your rat doesn't like to be tossed, place them in. You can bury your rat and let him find his way out, or just let him bury himself. Or..get a box and fill with crumpled paper, fabric pieces, tissues, plastic bottles, cereal boxes, etc. Add rats. You could also throw in some treats for added fun.
Puzzles. Take a toilet paper roll. Fold in one side, add some treats, and fold the other end. Place in cage. Use the same concept of hiding treats, or putting a treat where your rat has to work to get it.
Cage Decor. Like stringing up popcorn at Christmastime, string up some cheerios, macaroni, plain popcorn, etc, and hang around your ratty's cage.