How to Make Toys for Pet Rats

Rats don't play with toys the way dogs, cats or parrots do. The very best entertainment for your rat is either you or a rat friend, but there are ways to make toys that will entertain them as well. Inside their cage, rats will "play" by climbing in and around objects. Chewing objects is a very entertaining game for them as well. You can provide your rat with an enriching environment by using items you have around your house.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty Cardboard Oatmeal Can
• Scissors
• Small Cardboard Boxes
• Wood Scraps
• Piece of Rope

1. Take the plastic lid off the cardboard oatmeal can, and discard it. Cut off any remaining plastic rim on the can. Place the cardboard can in the cage, lying on its side. Your rat will enjoy going in and out of the can. It might even decide to make a nest inside it.

2. Find a small cardboard box. If there is tape on the box, remove it. You can place the box on its side, or place it with the opening on top. If there is plenty of space in the cage, you could put in more than one box.

3. Give your rat some small wood scraps to chew on. Rats not only love to chew, but they must chew in order to keep their teeth trimmed properly. Never use "treated" lumber (the kind of lumber looks sort of green). The chemicals in treated lumber are harmful to your rat. Also avoid plywood, as it has glue between the layers of wood.

4. Get a short piece of rope and tie a few knots in it. Hang the rope from the top of the inside of the cage. Your rat might enjoy climbing up and down the rope.

Tips & Warnings

• Rats will chew on anything you put in their cage. Make sure anything you put into the cage is suitable for chewing!
• Never put "treated" lumber scraps into your rat's cage. The chemicals in treated lumber are harmful to your rat.
• Don't put plastic toys in your rat's cage.
• Consult a veterinarian about the healthiest options to help your rat to play.