Foraging Treat Box

[ryelle]

No idea which section to put this in, so feel free to move! (didnt know if it came under behaviour... or diet... or... hmm)

I bought a bag too much of gravel for my fish tank so i thought of a way that the rats could use it.

So i washed the gravel, got a shallow plastic tray that i bought from the pound (£) store, and added the stones. Occasionally, i buy dry treats for the rats from the pet store and thought it would be a good idea to mix these in with the stones.

I have a dried dandelion treat, which is really fragrant that i mixed in

And i have some dried berry mix (made by Burgess)

The stones do get thrown around a bit, but its alright, and the rats manage to get all the bits out - i use dry food because if it isnt eaten its not going to go bad

The tray of gravel with the berries mixed in

I plan on changing what i add in to the gravel every time it needs renewing so they have a different smell every time.

I tried to get a pic of the rats 'foraging' but as soon as the door is open they want out (i was sat on a exercise bike seat lol) :emb:

 

[jorats]

That's a great idea!

 

[Marylou Mader]

That is brilliant...

 

[blackie sage]

I have six fish tanks... and only two fish (both in the same tank lol).

This would be an awesome way to use up the stones I have sitting around! I even have some snazzy-colored ones that would go with the decor of my cage.

I'd be afraid they'd think it's another litter box, though.

 

[mamarat]

That's a great idea Ryelle. I used to put treats with balls in a basket. They were so cute diving under the balls.