Q&A for How to Build a Safe Playground for Your Pet Rats

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How can I make an easy play area for arboreal rats?

Brian Starr
Rat Specialist & Breeder
Brian Starr is a Rat Specialist and Breeder and the Owner of OC Dumbos out of Central Florida. As America’s only breeder of pet Roof Rats, Brian and OC Dumbos specialize in rat breeding, training, and care. Years of experience and several generations of careful breeding have allowed Brian and OC Dumbos to create a line of tame Roof Rats, bred to make friendly, fun pets. In addition to offering rat accessories and training resources, OC Dumbos also offers free Roof Rat adoptions.

Brian Starr

Rat Specialist & Breeder

Expert Answer

Arboreal rats like to climb and jump, so you can give them a cat tree or something similar to play on.

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Question

What if I have a blind rat, how will she get around?

Community Answer

Rats actually don't need their eyes as much as most people think. They are very good at using their other senses to get around. I would recommend a small fence or boundary around the table, and keeping an eye on your rat at all times. Other than that, she should be fine! Just don't make very tall play houses that she could fall off.

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Question

What if I have two rats that are skittish and won't let me hold them?

Community Answer

Give them time. See if they will crawl into a hoodie pocket. You could also try setting your hand down and see if they will investigate, if they do, it's a good sign. If they wont investigate, try offering treats.

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Can you make the same rat town for mice?

Community Answer

Yes, just keep in mind that mice are generally more anxious and less social than rats. They may not enjoy being out of their cage as much, so just monitor your mice for any signs of distress.

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Can my rats paternally live in cardboard boxes instead of a cage?

Community Answer

No, they cannot. Since rats are rodents, they will chew through the cardboard very quickly.

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Question

I recenter rescued a baby female that was about to become dinner for my daughter's ball python. She was a bit traumatized, but after less than a week she is already starting to calm down. How long until she is totally normal?

Community Answer

No way to tell for sure, but if you keep working to socialize her, she will likely get better soon. Try to be patient.

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Do rats have germs that kill people?

Community Answer

Some rats can have diseases that can be fatal to humans, but that's not always the case, especially in the US. Always wash your hands after touching your rat though, and if your rat bites you and breaks the skin, be sure to apply some antibiotic ointment to the wound.

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Can I have two male rats in the same cage? Will they fight each other?

Community Answer

Yes, you have to keep rats in same-sex pairs. Male rats will not fight each other if they were cage/litter mates before you got them. I have three male rats, two are litter mates and one is older, but they don't fight each other because I introduced them properly. Make sure your cage is big enough, though. Rats that are stressed due to being kept in small cages are more likely to fight.

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Question

Could I use a large plastic tub instead of making an arena for them?

Community Answer

No. Plastic holds smells, and ammonia from their urine can build up in the tub and cause their delicate lungs harm. If it is large enough--and I'm talking very large--and you clean it well every day, then perhaps it could be okay. Monitor your rats for any sneezing, though.

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Could I use a large plastic tub rather than creating my own arena?

Community Answer

No, the ammonia from their urine will be absorbed by the plastic, and rats have very fragile respiratory systems. It could work if the tub was very, very large and you cleaned it thoroughly every day, but I’d say that’s more work than just creating your own. You would also have to very carefully watch your rats for sneezing or any signs of a respiratory infection.

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How do I help my rat become less shy?

Community Answer

Try the methods in Bond With Your Pet Rat .

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