Rats enjoy a lot of play time.If you don't play with your rats, they will get bored and bite you.This article can help you with ideas to play.
Step 1: Treat your rat to something that's hidden.
Put small pieces of food in your pockets or the folds of your clothing so your rat can find them.They are going to try to get you to look at the food.Fruits and veggies such as peas, carrots, potatoes, squash, strawberries, grapes, and apples, along with items like whole nuts and seeds, make great treats for domesticated rats.If you have already fed your pet rat, you can use strips of colored paper or small shiny objects to tantalize it.
Step 2: Play peek-a-boo with your rat.
Set your rat in front of you on the floor or a table.When you suddenly reappear, it will scamper around excitedly.Change your hiding place frequently to keep it guessing.If your rat becomes curious, it could turn into a game of hide-and-seek.Peek-a-boo is a simple and fun way to interact with your rat at any time.
Step 3: Show your rat some respect.
Make your pet feel loved by setting aside a few minutes each day.Rub its belly with the pads of your fingers as you stroke its fur.Rats love a good scratch behind the ears, under the chin, or above the tail.They enjoy physical contact and attention.While petting your rat, hold it close to you.Being able to feel the warmth of your body will help it relax.If your rat is happy, it may lick you like a dog.
Step 4: Wrestle with the rat.
If you pretend that your hand is another rat, you can push, grab, and roll your rat.It's a great way to help your pet get rid of excess energy.Don't forget to let it win.Don't get too rough.If you use too much force, you could hurt the rats.Put your rat back in its cage until it calms down.
Step 5: Put your rat on a surface that is soft.
Drop your rat onto a pillow or blanket from a short distance.It will come back for more.Rats enjoy being thrown around like puppies and kittens.To avoid a bumpy landing, try to make sure your rodents lands on their feet.
Step 6: There are toys in your rat's cage.
There are a variety of toys for rodents, from running wheels and tunnel blocks to ropes and rubber chew toys.A few of these toys can give your pet hours of entertainment.They will fit inside your rat's cage without taking up a lot of space.A hanging ball feeders can be used as both a source of food and a plaything.If you don't feel like going to the pet store, you can make your own toys out of things you throw away.If you switch out your rat's toys on a regular basis, they will always have something different to play with.
Step 7: There is an obstacle course.
Use small cardboard tubes and boxes to build structures for your rat.You will be amazed at how long it will amuse itself by crawling, climbing, and finding new ways to overcome obstacles.Multi-level structures can be created by stacking flat materials on top of each other.Converted into tunnels and chambers are possible with empty product packages.
Step 8: Put shredded paper in the rat's cage.
Drop the pieces of the paper towel or bag into the cage.It will be quick to find hiding places for them.If you don't feel like shredding paper for hours on end, leave a box of tissues inside your rat's cage.Giving your rat a few bits of paper will make it feel like you are sharing your treasures with it.
Step 9: Put a box for your rat in.
Put the sterile soil in a corner of your rat's cage by filling a small container with it.Rats like to dig and often forget about everything else around them.Send your rat on a scavenger hunt with tiny toys and treats in the container.When your rat is done playing, it will be dirty.It's a good idea to give it a bath before you let it run around.
Step 10: A rat is a good friend to have.
To keep your pet company, get a second rat.Rats need cagemates.They need another rat even if you play with them all day.
Step 11:
When the rats are more than 5 weeks old, don't keep them together.If you are not careful, you could end up with a litter of pups on your hands.
Step 12: When you're called, teach your rat to come.
Set your rat down a few paces away and lure it to you with some treats.Reward it with a treat and belly scratch when it reaches you.Even without the promise of a treat, it should respond consistently after a few attempts.The rat has more distance to travel if you move your hand a little further away each time.It will come to you all the way across the room.
Step 13: A closed-off area is the ideal place to create a play environment.
Take your rat to an open room where it can run around.To protect your pet from harm, keep the door to the room closed at all times, and block off access to electrical outlets and air vents.A few of your rat's favorite games can be played, like chase or hide and seek.If you have other pets, make sure they are locked up in another room while your rat is out and about.
Step 14: When you are too busy to play, allow your rat to roam.
If your rat is well-behaved, you may be able to turn it loose and trust it to stay nearby.Older and trained rats are usually reliable and won't venture too far from your side.Don't ignore your rat for too long.It is a good idea to take a break every now and then to see what is going on.
Step 15: Take your rat for a walk outside.
Place your pet in a carrier or hold it in your hand while you walk.Rats are wild animals and it is important for them to spend time in their natural habitat.If you let your pet get loose, you may never see it again.Petting your rat will help keep it calm and prevent it from trying to fight.If you know how to use building materials, you can section off a part of your yard to keep your rat contained.