When you bring home your rats, you need to make sure that not only their habitat is adequate, safe and fun but you must also assure that their out time will be safe as well. Rat proofing the area is very important, set it up before your rat gets into trouble. Things to look out for are electrical cords, outlets, spots where a rat can get into and anything that you don’t want to get chewed. My sister has lost a beloved couch to her rats. They have tunnelled through it and made it their own. They have since heavily ducked taped it.
I recommend making a corral around the cage, setting it up as their play pen. Rats need exercise and mental stimulation as well as daily human interactions. Out time should be at least an hour a day. Allowing them to climb, run and explore will keep them fit and healthy.
I use a great product called coroplast. It’s a corrugated plastic used mainly for sign boards. It comes in big sheets so you can cut it down to size and attach it with zipties. Recently, I had to make mine bigger, I’ve acquired rats skilled in gymnastics.
Some people will use wood boards to fasten together, it’s a little heavier but it will also do the trick. With rats that are less energetic, you might be able to use big cardboard boxes.
The bottom line, make your ratties’ home and play ground safe and secure.
My corral, keeping rats inside and safe.
My corral from a few years ago.
