Rat Cage Accessory Roundup #2

Hi! In this post, I’m listing seven accessory ideas for your pet rats to enjoy. These ideas are inexpensive, easy to clean, and basic enough for crafting beginners to complete.

1. Flexible drain pipe tunnel

This drain pipe makes a great tunnel because you can position it so many different ways – straight, curved, s-bend. I got mine from Orchard Supply Hardware for about $8.00.  The plastic is easy to clean, and the accordion ribbing gives your rats a little climbing traction.   I’ll go back and get better product information next week!

2. Metal U-Bolt ($3-7)

These metal u-bolts can be fixed to the side of your cage as additional climbing platforms for your ratties. Mine don’t have much trouble climbing upwards, but they sometimes have trouble getting down! Having a mid-way place to grab onto makes the climbing experience a little safer and the stainless steel is easy to clean.  You can get them in a variety of sizes, too.

3. Winter hat hideout

This hideout is very simple – a child’s winter hat, made from fleece, with a chin strap. I use the velcro strap to fasten the hat to the side of cage, which also props the “entrance” open and makes it more inviting. This is a very favorite snuggle spot for my ratties!

4. Plastic craft tray shelf – $7

This “Creativtray” is available in red, blue, green or yellow; I found mine at a Michaels craft store, but you can also purchase them from online from a retailer like Amazon. Dimensions are 17.5 x 12.5 x 1.2 inches. I drilled holes along the edges of the tray and fastened it to the corner of my cage as an additional level. It’s easy to clean and easy to re-position!

5. Pom-pom dig bin – $1.00 for pom-poms, $1.00 (or less) for basket

These pom-poms make a nice, soft ball-pit for the ratties to root around in. You can buy a pom-poms in a variety of shapes and colors from most craft stores or dollar stores; also available online in bulk. Pom-poms can go through your washing machine if you place them in a mesh laundry bag first. My ratties like to supplement their nesting areas with pom-poms for padding.

6. Ikea shelf bracket – $4.00

About 11″ long on the edges, this shelf bracket is manufactured by Ikea from untreated birch wood. You can mount one or several in the corners of your rat cage as climbing platforms for your ratties. Used in In this example, I didn’t have appropriately sized washers, so I used some leftover door knobs as the screws. Many pet stores sell a similar product (intended for birds) that costs about $10.00.

7. Coated wire climbing rack – $1

I love these coated wire racks as rat accessories, and I’m always looking for more shapes and styles. When fastened to the side of your rat cage with zip ties, this one would make a great climbing accessory for those rats who have trouble getting up and down.   I found this at my local thrift store for $1.

For more cage accessory ideas, check out my last roundup post too!  Enjoy 🙂