Cage Set-ups
I aim to give my rats an interesting, enriching life and a large part of this is down to their cage furniture and toys. They have access to various things such as parrot toys, wooden chews, ropes, cargo nets and tunnels. Toys made of natural materials such as grass, willow or seagrass are always a big hit and I love using them for the rats as it exposes them to different textures and smells. You don't have to spend a fortune on toys though - sometimes the simplest things such as cardboard boxes or paper bags can provide endless fun.
Wheels are very popular with my rats, and I always have at least one in each cage. Please note that a lot of wheels are unsuitable - if you are getting one, please ensure it is at least 12in diameter and has a solid running surface, so feet and tails can't get trapped. I use the largest size of Silent Spinner and so far have never had a rat not use it, although many other people's rats won't use wheels. Another popular brand is the Wodent Wheel, again the largest size.
Hammocks are much loved by most rats and I really enjoy making them. However, I try to limit them to only one or two per cage, depending on the size of the cage and group. I used to use many more but it takes up valuable space that could be better used for climbing and toys. Too many hammocks, in my view, leads to lazier rats. Along similar lines, I tend not to use too many shelves either. Some shelf space is useful for adding floor area, but again having too many is not the best use of space. I like to use small shelves like Sleep n' Ledges or Lava Ledges. I also don't use ramps, unless it is absolutely vital to enable a disabled or ill rat to get around.
Wheels are very popular with my rats, and I always have at least one in each cage. Please note that a lot of wheels are unsuitable - if you are getting one, please ensure it is at least 12in diameter and has a solid running surface, so feet and tails can't get trapped. I use the largest size of Silent Spinner and so far have never had a rat not use it, although many other people's rats won't use wheels. Another popular brand is the Wodent Wheel, again the largest size.
Hammocks are much loved by most rats and I really enjoy making them. However, I try to limit them to only one or two per cage, depending on the size of the cage and group. I used to use many more but it takes up valuable space that could be better used for climbing and toys. Too many hammocks, in my view, leads to lazier rats. Along similar lines, I tend not to use too many shelves either. Some shelf space is useful for adding floor area, but again having too many is not the best use of space. I like to use small shelves like Sleep n' Ledges or Lava Ledges. I also don't use ramps, unless it is absolutely vital to enable a disabled or ill rat to get around.