There is always the opportunity for free roaming time and space. If you are able to free roam your rats, it gives them a chance to explore, which all rats love, exercise, which all rats need and time to play with you, with is good for both you and the rats. Rats can help lower your stress level by playing with and loving them, which in turn can lower blood pressure, aid in fighting depression and generally help you to feel better.

 I had set up on top of my cage a playground that my rats love. It is simple, but they enjoyed it. It was a safe place they could play, outside of the cage, but did not restrict their  exploration either. The cage I had modified hasd wire mesh on it so they can climb down, if they so wish. I no longer own this cage and unfortunately, with the amount of rats I have, because of my rescue work, I am unable to provide this fun play space, because, honestly, I do not have the room for it anymore. If you look at the tour page, you will see that my living room is nothing but cages anymore. However, my rats did greatly enhoy this set up, when I had it. You can train your rats to go to an area like this as soon as you let them out by keeping treats in there for them. Putting the treats, like thawed frozen peas, in the play area before letting them out. After a few days, they will realize that the treats are going to be there, so will usually head there first.

As you can see, the set up is very simple, but they love it. What you are looking at is a cat tent with tunnel from Wal-Mart, about $10. Inside I have a edible sleeper log, that was about $3, a box, from a hamster cage piece and a popsicle triangle tunnel that my husband made. It also has a food dish inside for treats, usually frozen thawed peas. They love them and go nuts for them. Using peas I have found that I can encourage them to go into the water that you see to the left of the tent.

When I got Taffy, just a couple of weeks before this, she did not want to have anything to do with water, look at her now! I have to say, this pic was taken out of pride. Just a couple of days of offering her the water with the shiny stones and peas in it, she loves it. Look on our training page for videos on how to train rats for things like this.

Taffy is one of my breeders that I have gotten some wonderful babies from. She is the first generation of my tan line, but has passed on some wonderful temperament genes. She is being bred this month with Paco, a black split cap. Their babies should be available in March of '10. This will most likely be Taffy's last litter, as it is her third and I usually do not breed more than 3 times in a lifetime. She will NOT be available for adoption as a retired breeder, as I may, in the future, adopt out some of my retired breeders.