Rat village idea
Ok I have this idea but I doing some research. My thought is that rats are interesting individuals or are intelligent and need stimulation. I cringe when I see boring rat cages. My idea is to build a series of a cages hopefully would like to inter connect with some sort of habitrail or tubing. I want to include a sort of play area with clothesline for climbing and parrot ladders and all sort of fun ratties things to do. I do need a little advice and ideas on how to put it all together.
Problem 1 rats are the houdinis are of the rat world as us rattie lovers know so how to make it escape proof.
2 Does anyone know where I could get rat sized tubing or habitrail type items? The hamster size are much to slender for my fat girls.
3) I also want to make some hammocks but I don't have any direction.
4) Other easily made rat toys that are safe and fun for them. .
Answers:Oh you must be such a good rat owner - your rats are lucky to have you. Here are some of my suggestions for you:
1)If you have a large cage, all the tubes are best build inside rather than the outside of the cage. All corners and walls should be solid - bar cages are usually no good. If you have a bar cage, spray bitter apple training spray on the bars to get your rats not to chew. What some rat owners find is that ferret cages are usually a good start to your rat cage. If you buy a large ferret cage, you can add onto it. If the bars are too big of a gap, cover it with wire mesh. Whenever you clean the cage, keep an eye open for holes that your rats have started to dig, and for areas of the cage that your rat has started to chew. Always keep the cage in good condition. Keep your rat cage in a room with no holes in the wall, and no open heat vents or windows. No active mousetraps should be in the room - if you have a vermin problem you should keep the rats in the least effected area of the house where no mousetraps are needed. Always keep the door to the room closed when you are not inside. This way, if they ever happen to escape, they will safe and easy to find.