DIY Rat Toys: Tutorials to Save You Money

Owning pets can be expensive and we all want to save money in any way that we can. One way I have found to help me save money is to make my own toys and hammocks for my small pets. There are plenty of everyday items that small animals, specifically rats, like to chew on and play with. By getting creative with materials around your home you can save a lot of money and provide your small pets with hours of entertainment and comfort.

The first step to making your own toys is to create a list of things that your pet cannot have. My list for my rats includes anything that has a strong scent or that could produce an irritant that can cause a sinus infection. Rats have very sensitive respiratory systems so knowing what is safe and what isn’t is very important for their health. Because
of the health concerns of rats my suggestion is to only give them homemade toys when they are out of the cage; this will also help them last longer as they are less likely to chew them up right away. Once you have completed your list you can begin trying new ideas for toys and hammocks. Here are some to get you started!

To make a quick and easy hammock for your small pet you will just need an old pair of jeans and quick trip to the craft store. Threaded inserts can be inserted into a dowel rod allowing you to secure the rod to the side of your cage. You can also simply drill a hole a bit smaller than your threaded rod and then slowly screw the rod into the wood. This is the securing method used by store-bought pet toys, but of course they won’t tell you how easy they really are to make. Once you have made a few of these wooden fixtures you can sew on almost any old cloth that you no longer need. I like to use old pairs of jeans because the denim is a little bit stronger than other materials and the rats don’t seem as interested in tearing it up. If you want to add extra comfort for your animal’s, you can stuff the hammock with paper bedding or other safe materials.

Rats are very smart and their problem-solving ability can be fun to watch. When I take my rats out I like to put out bits of paper and cardboard for them to rummage through. I also like to use an old pile of t-shirts to allow them to burrow and nest. By adding small treats or pieces of food throughout their play area I encourage them to explore and become more playful. This can be helpful when they are feeling tired or nervous about being away from their cage.

My favorite toy that my rats like to play with simulates  bobbing for apples. Find a large shallow dish that is heavy enough that your animal won’t be able to flip it over. Fill the dish with water and put in some small bit of food that will float around, frozen peas work well. My rats love to fish out the little treats from the water and then cuddle up to eat inside my old t-shirts. Alternatively, if you find yourself without an appropriate container, fill a small basket or bowl with bits of string or paper or cardboard. Place treats or food inside some of the items inside the basket and allow your rats to find the food amongst the “trash.” Rats love foraging and they LOVE food; anything that encourages their instincts and puts food in their mouths they will absolutely love.

What are your favorite toys to make for your pets? Leave a comment and let us know!