Don't forget that pet rats need lots of fun things to play with to keep them active and intellectually stimulated. While it is important not to clutter your rats' cage with toys, it is a great idea to have a wide variety of toys available, both to rotate through the cage and to have on hand for playtime outside of the cage. There are few toys specifically marketed for rats, though, so be creative and open to alternatives, especially ferret, bird, rabbit, and cat toys.
Great fun to chew and eventually dismantle, this toy is sure to be a hit with almost any rat. Though I've never actually witnessed them in action, every morning I found evidence that my rats were taking this toy apart, piece by piece until the nut disappeared!
This is just a 9 inch by 4 inch diameter cardboard tube, but it is large enough for rats to fit inside and safe to chew. Owners of larger rats might want to check out the larger size (6 inch diameter) Chewbular Tube. (I'd recommend tossing the cotton fluff that comes inside in the trash, though.)
This ball (about 3 inches in diameter) is great for chewing yet is tightly woven so should last a little while. Even at that it is quite inexpensive so you can buy a few and have replacements on had. Great for chewing or pushing around.
Though not all rats like wheels, if yours does this wheel is good because of its size, safe design (solid surface and safe supports) and flexibility for usage (free standing or attaches to side of cage). I haven't personally tried the wheel so can't comment whether it lives up to its billing as "super silent" but it does claim to used a patented ball bearing design to cut down on noise. Note: 12 inches is the minimum wheel size for rats and may be too small for larger rats.
You rat will probably destroy this wooden chew fairly quickly, but it will keep them busy for a while. along the way. Disc shaped pieces of wood fit together to make a ball shaped toy that can be rolled or tossed as well as chewed. Made from all natural wood with USDA approved food coloring, this toy is also available in a smaller version.
Natural grass fibers are woven onto a wooden frame to create a ball with multiple openings, great for exploration or chewing fun.
Hanging bird toys such as the Triangle Teaser shown above can be great hanging rat toys too. Just make sure to pick ones that don't have strings or loops in which your rat could get tangled or injured.
Simple concept, but a great way to engage the natural chewing needs of your pet rat, safely. These woven wicker sticks are small and manageable and great for chewing.
These are tunnels (always a favorite!) made from sterilized coconut fibers. Great for hiding and playing in, as well as shredding. Get the large size (variety of colors).
A flexible hide/toy made up of a row of edible natural sticks that are joined by wire and can be bent into different shapes (in theory; with the medium size I've never got them to make a full tube or a stair arrangement, but the rats like them as a hut all the same). It is a bit hard to envision without a picture, but the sticks are laid out side by side and joined together to make something that looks like a stick mat when flat.
