I read on someone's personal website that a fun game for rats that they seem to love is to make a "Dig Box". I have a small shoebox tote handy, and I was thinking of filling it with a little bit of peat moss and decorative pebbles, and throwing a couple of b.dubia roaches in there. Since roach nymphs (usually) dig down, the rats would have to go for them. That way, they can get their digging and exercise while getting a treat in the process. Has anyone ever done this and did the rats seem to enjoy it?
Something I'd like to try with my future pet rats...
- Thread starter Truff135
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From what little interaction with rats I've had (former housemate with three), I think they'd LOVE something like this! Not so sure about the pebbles though, just because my first instinct is that depending on what you mean by pebbles they might be some kind of...I dunno, choking hazard or something. :?
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While I have never done this with my rats, I think they would have a blast! I should try it too.
Yeah, I guess "pebbles" was the wrong word
...they're nickel- to quarter-sized stones. The rat would have to try to choke on it (which I hope wouldn't happen!). I just figured having rocks for the roaches to hide around would entertain the rats more.
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Haha, yeah, in that case it's probably all good then.Yeah, I guess "pebbles" was the wrong word
We must have pictures of happy peat-moss-covered rats after you do this, of course.
Are you kidding? I probably won't be able to stop snapping pics of them in all their dirty glory. I have to wait two weeks before I can get them though. I'm going to have a cage shipped to me (big huge thing), plus I'm moving during those two weeks and I don't want to have to move them around more than what's necessary. I can't wait though!!!
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Rats are great, I had great fun playing with the ones my housemate had. If I had the patience to deal with all the poop, I'd totally own some myself. But I'm lazy and I like my python that only needs to be cleaned up after once or twice a month.
So you definitely need to post tons of pics and cute anecdotes and stories for those of us who don't have any rats.
So you definitely need to post tons of pics and cute anecdotes and stories for those of us who don't have any rats.
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another fun game for rats is "pea diving". Its great in the summer when it gets hot. Take a big bowl, fill it with water, and add frozen peas. The rats love it, and its so fun to watch!
I think the roaches would be fun, too. I never intentionally fed my rats live bugs, but i've seen a couple of rats go crazy over a fly that got into their cage at a petstore, and i think they would absolutely love it!
I think the roaches would be fun, too. I never intentionally fed my rats live bugs, but i've seen a couple of rats go crazy over a fly that got into their cage at a petstore, and i think they would absolutely love it!
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I think they'd love it. Rats love enrichment toys in general. One thing I do for all of my rodents is make enrichment boxes. AC Moore and Micheals sell these little unbleached cardboard boxes about 2" sq and 3/4" deep. I take a couple of little treats, some hay or shredded paper, etc. and wrap it all up in paper towel, then put it in the box and tie the box shut with hemp. Then I suspend it from the lid/bars of the cage. Encourages them to climb, chew, and forage! They love it - great exersize and great mental stimulation. I also like stuffing interesting (as long as they're safe) smelling items or treats into a paper towel roll, stuffing the rest with hay or shredded paper, and tying the ends shut. Oooh and let's not forget taking (untreated and unscented) wicker craft balls and stuffing them with nest material for the rat/mouse/whatever to pull/chew out and play with!
Ah, there's so many fun things you can do with rodent enrichment XD
Ah, there's so many fun things you can do with rodent enrichment XD
They also like things they can knock around like ping-pong balls. Avoid things like styrofoam and rubber because they will eat it and get sick. They can learn some simple games like fetch where you toss something lightweight and they go get it, bring it back and you give them a treat.
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Ratties LOVE digging in dirt! I do seedling boxes for my gang... "kitty grass" packs work great for various grasses and greens. Just be sure you put down a plastic sheet or tablecloth for all the fun... it's gonna get messy!
BlackxLilies
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I used to make digboxes for my rats i'd use some soil and grow kitty grass on it, they loved digging up the grass and eating it. very messy and lots of fun!
My rats absolute go crazy for mealworms, so that might be a nother thing they'd enjoy
i'd use some soil and grow kitty grass on it, they loved digging up the grass and eating it. very messy and lots of fun! My rats absolute go crazy for mealworms, so that might be a nother thing they'd enjoy