I got my rat a ball that she can run in so when I am getting rdy for work in the morn I don't have to worry about keeping such a strict eye on her... However she does not like being in the ball and doesn't seem to understand that while in the ball she can run around wherever she wants... So how can I show her that the ball is a good thing or how can I train her to run around in the ball??? Any ideas or suggestions what may have worked for you?? Thanks!
Rat does not like running ball
- Thread starter missnikki
- Start date
Help Support The Rat Shack Forum:
Roo
Well-Known Member
You mean one of these?: http://telltaleblog.com/wp-content/uplo ... -thumb.jpg
I don't believe they are ideal for ratties. From what I've heard, since rats usually explore with their senses (touch/smell/etc), the large plastic balls usually end up frightening them more than anything. I've never tried it for rats because of that, but when I had hamsters they had one. I found that there wasn't really any way to get them to like it, they just either did or didn't.
I don't believe they are ideal for ratties. From what I've heard, since rats usually explore with their senses (touch/smell/etc), the large plastic balls usually end up frightening them more than anything. I've never tried it for rats because of that, but when I had hamsters they had one. I found that there wasn't really any way to get them to like it, they just either did or didn't.
From what I understand, people usually advise against using the ball for rats. Reason being rats have poor sight but awesome sense of smell/touch, they really should be out interacting with us. Putting them in the ball clouds their vision further and takes their sense of smell & touch away. The balls were made for hamsters and not really for rats as it stresses their spine in an unnatural state. People also mentioned the possibility of toes getting stuck in the air vents and getting broken.
I know you want the rats to be safe and have the ability to free roam. I originally wanted that for my rats too. However, upon reading up numerous threads on this topic on forums everywhere, I immediately returned the ball.
I know you want the rats to be safe and have the ability to free roam. I originally wanted that for my rats too. However, upon reading up numerous threads on this topic on forums everywhere, I immediately returned the ball.
Guest
Balls are a big NO for rat's has it can cause back, tail and toe injuries.
Roo
Well-Known Member
Ooh, I forgot about toe injuries. That actually happened to my hamster ;( Years ago - only reason why I forgot.
Balls really aren't good for ANY animal. Most animals don't feel comfortable in them, they can't "stop" when they want to, or explore properly. They can overheat as well. I wouldn't use it for a GP, a rat, anything.
However, you can hang the ball in the rat cage, kind of like a hammock:
I sometimes stuff mine with fleece so they can snuggle in it.
However, you can hang the ball in the rat cage, kind of like a hammock:
I sometimes stuff mine with fleece so they can snuggle in it.
Roo
Well-Known Member
That's a good idea, Chelle 
Guest
To answer your question about pig's, no they cannot use it either ..it is even more harmful for them!
pigs dont use wheels or balls do to their back structure!
pigs dont use wheels or balls do to their back structure!
handmeafish
Well-Known Member
one of my rats runs in a wheel... but the others don't.
Moon
Well-Known Member
My rats have used the balls as beds before, and love them
Godmother
Well-Known Member
The ball is a favourite sleeping place for my rats. That is why I bought them. I change the cloths in them every day for my big colony.
For running, most of mine enjoy wheels (12" Silent Spinners and Stealth wheels). There are a few rats who have no interest in wheels, though.
For running, most of mine enjoy wheels (12" Silent Spinners and Stealth wheels). There are a few rats who have no interest in wheels, though.
Godmother
Well-Known Member
She might have been too little to make a big wheel go. It will be fun when she gets a buddy; young rats often run in tandem on a wheel, doing loop-de-loops -- very entertaining! ON the other hand, maybe she will never be a fan of the wheel.
Guest
The best outtime would be free outtime with you! i eat my breakfast on the couch with my guys
smilez_n_hugs
Senior Member
You can always go to a hardware store like Rona and get a sheet or 2 of coroplast to make a playpen out of.
Roo
Well-Known Member
missnikki said:
So... I've never had any rats jump off a couch. I could leave them unattended for hours and come back and they'd still be running around on it, or snuggled in their blanket.
But my newest ratty will jump off in about 5 seconds. She's way more explorationy. I find the couch works for most rats, but always make sure they're out when you can stare at them for a few hours (watching a movie or something) and you should figure out their plans after a few weeks.
Couch is my favorite place to play with them
Alice and Momo love their wheels (and prefer to run when I sleep), but the other rats aren't interested at all. I know for Alice I got her the saucers so that she doesn't hurt her back, and Momo is small enough that her back doesn't really bend (and I don't have the funds or room for another saucer right now). Agree that the balls are bad though, thinking of turning the ball that was donated to me into a snugglebed.
