Pet rat question – advice sought?
I have 3 female dumbo rats still relatively young. They have a very large cage with a platform 2 hammocks and a bed pod. They were bought for my 2 children and have been excellent and very entertaining. We get them out each evening to handle and to exercise, because i dont want them roaming on the floor we have an old house with lots of gaps so could loose them, we put them in an old travel cot which has a wooden play house and they run up and down the stairs and in the rooms, We also put in a small baby bath for them to have a dip in and am currently looking for a small bag/carrier to put them in for walks outside etc. Any other suggestion on keeping them exercised but enclosed and safe. We hide treats in their cage to keep them alert but am concerned we are not doing enough. Your advice would be appreciated.
I heard that the exercise balls were not suitable because the rats can get their tails trapped.
You are right exercise balls are not suitable for rats even the large one have poor ventilation that could easily damage them, their toes could get caught and their tails injured. Have you thought about making a maze for them? Out of blocks or other things and putting food at the end, my rats love doing the mazes. Just make is small at first so they get the idea them start expanding, you can also make it a race between rats make three entrances that lead to the middle and see which one get their first, this will give them both mental stimulation and exercise. Also for more challenges buy bird toys that they have to open to get to the treats etc. Also for out door adventures I suggest getting a harness for them, most rats love these but make sure you test them out indoors first. Also don’t buy from pet stores, I have found these harnesses to be way to bulky for rats to use try these pages ((I’ve included links)) they are good products by rat lovers for rats and work very well.
http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/topic,4045574.0
http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/topic,4021597.0
http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/topic,4018288.0