4 Ways To Add Stimulation To A Cage For Multiple Rats
Posted on: 22 January 2016
Designing a cage for multiple rats means providing them with plenty of things to do so that they do not get bored. Adding stimulation to a cage can be difficult if you have never owned rats before. With how intelligent rats are, veterinarians recommend plenty of time outside of the cage and stimulating toys and accessories when they are in their cage.
In order for the rat cage to provide the stimulation that they need to stay healthy and happy, consider some of the following ideas.
Encourage Climbing
Most rats enjoy climbing, making horizontal cage bars a smart idea. Another alternative or addition you can make to a wire cage is ramps that can be set up between multiple levels. Even twisting ropes and ladders can be used to encourage your rat the climb in their cage, providing them with some much needed exercise.
Hide Treats
While all rats love receiving treats, they can become overweight if you simply hand feed them treats all the time. A good alternative to consider is hiding their treats inside of a treat dispenser designed for dogs or inside a small box that they will need to rip open.
Some good treats to consider for hiding include:
- Dry pasta
- Corn cereal
- Dried fruits
- Pumpkin seeds
Add a Running Wheel
If your rat enjoys running, you can encourage them to do so inside their cage using a running will. While some rats may not be drawn to running in a wheel due to their intelligence, others may find them enjoyable to use from time to time. When choosing a wheel for your rats, make sure it is large enough to accommodate for their entire body and tail so that their spine is not injured while running.
Keep Every Level Unique
Since your rat cage should have multiple levels, you can make it even more interesting for them by keeping each level different. For example, make one level a feeding area with their water bottle and treat dispenser, another designed for sleeping, and one that includes a litter box. With each level serving its own purpose, your rat will be encouraged to climb from level to level for all their needs.
Creating the perfect cage for your rats can reduce health problems for them and keep them busy when you cannot take them out. Even with these additions, it is recommended that you take them out to spend time with you every day. If you notice that your rat seems more lethargic than usual, do not hesitate to visit a veterinarian, like All-Pets Hospital, right away.
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