Toys for rats: types, tips for choosing and creating

Decorative rats are very intelligent animals, and therefore they need interesting cages and toys. Even if you don’t own any tools, don’t know how to sew, or don’t have time to make something fancy, there are many other easy ways to add new accessories and toys to your rat's cage.

There are many simple yet fun toys that you can give your favorite rat or mouse to make them happier.

• Tunnels. Rats and mice by nature make and use burrows or tunnels. You can provide ready-made tunnels or let them do them yourself. You can buy or make plastic tunnels and place them in a cage, hang them on stainless steel hangers. You can create your own shape models and create a whole network of mazes. The plastic is easy to clean. Be sure to choose a pipe with a fairly large diameter so that the rodent cannot get stuck in it.

• Wheels and balls for training. The exercise wheels provide a great way to exercise a rodent within its cage. Be sure to choose a safe wheel that will not injure its legs or tail. Solid wheels are definitely preferred over grid wheels. Rats usually require wheels with a diameter of 28 cm. Some wheels can be hung from the top or side of the cage. Exercise balls also provide a good workout outside the cage.

• Climbing toys: ladders, ropes, branches, pipes, hammocks and other items can provide many ways for your favorite mouse or rat to climb. They can be attached to the top and side of the cage to significantly increase the area of ​​the cage playing area. You can also use bricks and concrete blocks if the cage is quite large.

• Toys that rats and mice will chew with pleasure. Wooden blocks, for example, should be in the cage of a domestic rat and mouse so they can chew on them. This is essential for dental health as their teeth continue to grow and need to be constantly brushed and ground. Chew toys can be made of wood or cardboard. Inexpensive chew toys can be made from cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, and toilet paper.

• Grinding toys... Mice and rats love to grind softer materials like toilet paper and straw. Grinding such materials is a pleasure for the rodents and provides great fun.

• "Push and carry" toys. Many rats like small toys that they can carry or push. Plastic balls with a small bell inside, for example, make a great toy for your rat. In no case do not give your favorite rodent toys made of soft rubber, the rat can chew it and swallow a small piece, and this will cause intestinal obstruction. Always monitor your pet's habits to make sure the toys they have are still safe.

• Walking toys. In the wild, rats and mice spend most of their waking hours looking for food. Too often we just fill the bowl with food, so your pet may soon become lazy and overweight.

Among other things, it is worth providing mental stimulation to your pet rats or mice by hiding in food, for example, a special toy. There are many bird feeding toys that can be used with rodents too, such as bamboo pieces. You can put food in the bamboo and watch how your rodent gets it out of there. Use your imagination and you can present your favorite mouse or rat with toys that will give them great pleasure.

Be sure to choose non-toxic wooden or cardboard toys. Before buying expensive toys for mice and rats, search your home for leftover toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, or small logs made from untreated wood. Rats love to chew and climb these things. Before giving any toy to your pet, make sure it is harmless. It means that watch out for things like harmful glue, paint, and other artificial surfaces.

If we talk about choosing a wheel for running, then it is better to pick up one that does not have a net, where the rat's leg can get stuck. Mice love to run at night as they are nocturnal, so make sure your wheel is quiet and set far enough from your bedroom to not be disturbed. If the wheel is attached to the top of the cage, always make sure your mouse can reach it safely.

Rats need a lot of exercise and space to roam, run and just get around. Unlike small rodents like mice and hamsters, rats cannot spend most of their life in a cage.Some owners allow their pets to run freely around the house, but if your house is not specially prepared and protected for rodents, it is better not to do this. Making a safe playground for rats, on the other hand, is the best option for keeping your rodent entertained without compromising your property.

First, you need to clear the area of ​​anything that could harm your rats. While the playground is fenced off, the rodent can be damaged by bright lights, vents and electrical wires. Clear the area of ​​chemicals, wires, sharp objects, and anything that emits smoke, such as candles.

You can make such an original beautiful house yourself. Inflate the balloon to the correct size. Next, you need glue, which must be made harmless by mixing water with flour. Strips of white paper are cut, each strip is dipped in the prepared glue and applied to an inflated balloon. Once the entire ball is covered with several layers of paper soaked in glue, you can leave it on for a while so that the craft is completely dry.

After completely drying, the balloon can burst and be removed from the craft. Cut out a large entrance hole. You can also cut additional doors and windows. A small hole can be made in the upper part to hang the house from the ceiling of the cage. You can fill such an original house with crumpled strips of fabric or paper to make the nest more comfortable. Thus, you can make absolutely any houses of various shapes using different balls.

To make a denim rope ladder, cut long strips from old jeans and twist into long strips that will serve as the side staples for the ladder. Then make the crossbars, the thinner strips are also curled and attached to the main strips.

You can hang the baskets and fill them with cloth, or put a small rug inside to make the shelter softer and more comfortable. If your rats like to gnaw and chew anything, make sure the material the basket is made of is safe for your pet's health. These original baskets can be hung vertically or from the side using a rope.

You can make almost any house or toy for your favorite rodent yourself at home. The main thing is to use natural materials and make sure that nothing could injure your pet. Follow the habits of your pet, and he himself will tell you which of the toys he likes and which is better not to use.

For an overview of toys and entertainment for rats, see below.