Here we can see, “Toys for Pet Rats Made from Items You Already Have”
Rats make excellent pets because they are both intelligent and playful. To keep children entertained and active, they require a range of toys. With a little creativity, you can make inexpensive and fun toys at home to add to store-bought ones.
Safety First
The most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a pet toy is its safety. Anything you offer your rat must be harmless, and you should keep an eye out for any parts that could be eaten and cause a digestive blockage. Fabric and rope threads can induce intestinal obstructions, while loose threads can wrap around toes and cause strangling. Fleece toys are a fantastic option because they are free of knots and threads.
Cardboard
Toys can be made out of cardboard boxes and rolls of paper towels and toilet paper. Boxes are ideal for hiding in, though they are frequently shredded (which is also fun!)
Another wonderful option is to make a rat playhouse out of various boxes and other materials for enjoyment outside of the cage during playtime. Create a network of rooms by taping together a bunch of boxes and connecting them with doors, ramps, bridges, and ladders.
Paper
The majority of rats enjoy shredding paper. Plain brown paper lunch bags are fantastic for both shredding and playing with. Crumpled paper produces a fun, albeit fleeting, ball. Your rats will most likely enjoy digging, diving, and hiding in a crumpled or shredded paper bin or box. Paper towels and tissues are also excellent for shredding, and your rats can use them to construct a comfortable bed. Your rat will be very busy shredding and unwrapping a sheet of paper into layers around a favourite reward; your rat will be very busy shredding and unwrapping the treat.
Nuts and Wood
Wood is ideal for chewing, which rats require to keep their teeth healthy. Ascertain that the wood is untreated, unpainted, and non-toxic. Apple or willow tree branches can also be used; just make sure they are pesticide-free. Hard-shelled nuts provide a pleasant treat inside as well as fantastic chewing opportunities. Use them sparingly because many nuts are high in fat.
Digging Box
A digging box is a favourite of most rats. Fill half of a small cat litter pan or other shallow plastic box with ordinary sterilised potting soil (not treated with any chemicals or fertiliser and with no additives like vermiculite). Plant some birdseed or wheat grass and water it for a few days to allow the seeds to germinate and flourish, then release the rats loose in the box. Avoid watering the box for a day or two before giving it to your rats, and place it in a bathtub or cover it with a tablecloth or newspaper to contain the mess. Your rats will enjoy digging in the soil for sprouts or seeds to eat.
Tunnels and Tubes
PVC pipe is virtually unbreakable and is available in a wide range of diameters and designs. It’s available at your local hardware shop. To make a tube network, buy a single straight piece or use a variety of connectors. Choose a size that you’re confident your rats will fit through without becoming stuck. If you are adept with a sewing machine, you can also build fantastic collapsible tubes out of fleece or other durable fabrics. To keep it open, sew a ring cut from a plastic bottle or a wide cardboard tube into the ends. Tubes or sleep sacks can also be made from the sleeves of discarded sweatshirts.
Other Containers for Hiding and Climbing
Rats can hide in clean jars and clay plant pots that have been laid on their sides. Mini stacking bins (such as those used for office or workshop supplies) can make excellent hiding places. Coconut shells that have been washed are also useful for hiding, climbing, and eating.
Rope
Rats are quick and enjoy climbing ropes. In the cage, you can create small rope ladders and bridges. Cotton ropes are commonly found in hardware or horse supply stores in thick widths. Just make sure that the structure of the rope doesn’t pose a strangulation risk and that your rats don’t pull the strands apart.
User Questions
What can I give my rat as a toy?
Rawhide chews, Nylabones, Gumabones, wood (make sure it’s safe and free of preservatives), and cardboard chew toys are all good chew toys for rats and mice. At a very low cost, chew toys can be made out of toilet paper or paper towel tubes, cardboard boxes, and egg cartons.
Are rope toys safe for rats?
Anything you offer your rat must be harmless, and you should keep an eye out for any parts that could be eaten and cause a digestive blockage. Threads from fabric and rope can block the intestines, and loose threads can wrap around the toes and strangle the person.
Do rats like puzzles?
Rats also enjoy gnawing wood, and wooden block toys with food inside, such as the Chew ‘N Cube, can be appealing puzzles for even the most timid rats. For example, the Nut Knot Nibbler is a more complicated version of the block toy. It has wooden pieces that are strung together in complicated shapes to give your rat a real job to do.
Do rats need salt licks?
It is recommended that you provide your rat with a salt lick to prevent mineral and/or vitamin deficits. Salt licks are available at a variety of pet supply retailers. Wire cages with solid bottoms are ideal since they allow for optimum ventilation while also reducing the risk of foot injury.
Is toilet paper okay for rats?
A comfortable and safe nesting material is plain white toilet or kitchen paper, broken into thin pieces. Never use coloured or scented paper, as these might be harmful to rats.
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.
