Posted: February 13, 2011, 5 a.m. EST
Q: Are all toys that are safe for parrots and other birds, safe to be in a rat cage setup?
A: While many toys for other species may look like they would be fun for rats, some can lead to injury; so you have to choose wisely.
An excellent example is a rope perch used for parrots. Some of the perches are made of coarse rope, others are made from smooth, man-made fibers. While both would be easy for parrots to grip with their long toes and large claws, a rat’s small paws and tiny claws could slip on the smooth rope and cause it to fall.
The smaller rings on some parrot toys are also a risk, little rat heads or legs can easily get caught in them.
The same is true for many of the wonderful ferret toys and beds. Some make wonderful rat toys, while others need to be carefully considered before they are offered to our rattie friends.
Always think carefully about every new toy and examine it thoroughly to make sure your rats will be safe. If you have any doubts at all, don't buy it; because toys are only fun when nobody gets hurt.
See all rat expert Q&A>>