new rat keeper

[sola]

Hi

I'm getting my first rats tomorrow. I have brought them a hammock, but i'm wondering do i need to get them a house to sleep in too.

thanks

sola

[EmilyTamar]

Hi!
I haven't got rats yet, but hopefully will be getting a pair in a few weeks time.
As to your question, I think the general advice is to have as many sleeping areas/beds as there are rats, plus one, I think - that way they have a choice. I have two hammocks, a wooden hut and another hammock on it's way. Also, having some spares lying around for when you need to clean/wash the others is a good idea
Generally, something enclosed is a good idea - especially when they are new and young - somewhere for them to get away if necessary. Some other enrichment like ropes/ladders/extra shelves/cardboard boxes etc etc is also a good plan because they get bored easily if there's nothing to do.
What kind of cage do you have (just out of interest )

[KathyM]

Plastic igloos, cereal boxes, tubes, hammocks, etc, as many as you like, the more the better. If you google you'll find lots of ideas for homemade toys and other ways to enrich their environment.

[sola]

hi thanks for the help.

you can find a picture of my rat cage in my profile album.

thanks

sola

[mask-of-sanity]

mine love boxes...they enjoy making new doors in them..i use shoe boxes, wine boxes , usually pick some up wen shopping...you can also make hammocks from cheap teatowels...cheaper than shop ones and easier to wash ....plastic drain pipe they like also , use a chain to attatch to the cage

[feorag]

I agree with everyone on here, rats just love boxes etc, but when I got my first rats the breeder told me not to give them boxes or houses where they could hide away from me - not until they were relaxed, settled and confident about being handled.

So I only gave mine hammocks at first - it seems good advice to me!

[LisaLQ]

Yep I agree, too many houses gives too many opportunities to hide away. Although it's not so much a problem with outgoing well socialised rats, even they can be shy for the first couple of days and if so it's an idea to just give them the one hidey hole.

I also think if someone's got a huge rat cage (ie aviary type or Explorer size), it's an idea to have a smaller transitional cage too for them while they get used to their new owners. Something like a Critter cage or a Mary that can be used as a hospital cage later.