[sonoma]

For a few weeks now I’ve been looking for an alternative to cardboard box rat houses, as my girls go through a box a week (they chew and pee on them.) I went out and bought a plastic igloo which has mostly been ignored, so I took it out and put in the closet with the rest of my rat supplies where I came across a plastic rat/hamster ball I bought years ago for my first rat. I took the lid off, stuffed it with shredded paper and put it in the cage---and they loved it!

 

[Sparker]

You can also hang those in the cage for them to use the same way. :-D

 

[renay]

omg i want one!

 

[chrisstrikeagain]

You have the most darling rats!
I used to use my plastic balls for that when i first got my girls, but it was mouse sized so they outgrew it fast./

 

[sonoma]

You have the most darling rats!

Thanks! (I think they're kinda cute myself!)

Lol...I should have known everyone else had figured this out already. I was just so glad I found something my picky rats liked I felt like I invented the wheel or something. :lol:

 

[Mana]

Aw, that's cute! I've thought about getting one of those balls to use as a bed ^_^

 

[JennieLove]

LOL, yeah I was going to do that as well and still might, but for now the only thing Ive used the ball for is storage of rat toys/treats and stuff.

 

[rattielover2007]

i use one in with my guinea pigs

 

[DonnaK]

I love the second picture, that is adorable!!

 

[Kimmiekins]

Hehe, you've found a wonderful new "hidey house"!

 

[DFW_Rat_Luvr]

Im afraid of the ball.

We are pretty sure that is how Nicodemus broke his little leg.

Talk about guilt! I thought I was buying this fun thing for him, and he HATED it and the first time after he used it, we noticed that his leg was swelling and he couldnt use it and the poor little thing would meep piteously all the time in pain. Took him to the vet and she diagnosed a fracture.

He is finallhy beginning to heal, but I think I will be wary of these things forever more.

 

[Kimmiekins]

Was it in the cage, or do you mean you put him in it to "run"?

 

[sonoma]

Was it in the cage, or do you mean you put him in it to "run"?

I'm curious as well. I don't think there's much of a chance they can get hurt by sleeping in it. :?

Whatever the case I hope little Nicodemus is feeling better.

 

[lina]

I use one of them as a bed. I dont think I would ever use one to put a rat in with the lid thing on. It must be harmfull on their backs.

 

[Kimberly]

OH cool what a great idea!!! I love the pic with all your babies piled inside for a nap thats so adorable!

 

[Lunachick]

You can also hang those in the cage for them to use the same way. :-D

Thanks for the idea! I'm going to try that. At least the rat ball will get some use.

 

[Lunachick]

Ok, I hung the rat ball in the rat cage after I clean it out..and neither rat is going in it. They crawl around on TOP of it but don't go inside. Are they scared/not interested? Or does it just take time?

 

[Barbiie]

Soo cute! Can rats exercise in a hamster ball btw? Or would you need a bigger ball or use something else?

 

[JennieLove]

I wouldnt use a ball at all...Many rats dont like it, and I think its rather cruel.

 

[Forensic]

You'd need the biggest possible ball and even then you're likely to terrify the rat. Some don't mind it, but they seem to be the rare ones.