Playtime outside the cage

Cardboard boxes are great. You can get all different sizes and cut little windows and little doors. We built them up and cut holes inside so they can get to the different levels. They love hiding out and stashing goodies inside. Remember to discard any soiled boxes.

Cardboard Tubing This can be obtained from any carpet shop for free (It comes with rolls of carpet). Shops usually have hundreds to throw away. We built mazes of tunnels. Our rats love them. You can buy the plastic drainage type which can be bought from any DIY store. You have the advantage of being able to wash them out unlike the cardboard.

Large Glass Jars Can be used for running in and out. Some rats will use them for sleeping. Mine like to pee in them

Exercise wheels OK for baby rats but they must be the covered wheels or your rats may do a lot of damage to their tails. My rats would never use them, think they are beneath them.

Climbing Frames can be made cut of anything. Old wooden wine racks are a good idea. You can stack one on top of each other and making platforms out of cork tiles or something similar.

Old Clothes are very useful when you have rats. They love to snuggle up. We use clean new dusters, they use them as part of their bedding. They also love kitchen paper. Rats are great nest builders and love to have layers of different fabric in their bed. We have found receipts, pages from books and the odd bit of curtain, all built up in neat layers.

Most parrot and ferret toys are safe for rats.

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