Kisiel wrote:Hang up dog ropes to create an active layout instead of using solid levels/platforms. Colourful storage baskets can be filled with substrate or simply used as something to hop in and out of. Scarf racks can be used as fall breakers or an alternative to cargo nets. Plastic cocktail bowls can be hung up as a bed or foraging toy.
The only limit is your imagination, there are countless of things you can use inside the rats' cage to make it fun and interesting.
I would definitely recommend a wheel if you can get one large enough though - 12" is the absolute minimum, however 14" and 16" wheels are better and seemingly preferred by rats.
I'd be careful with ropes because the vast majority are too strong, so when the rat chew it, it frays and catches their nails. A lot of rats have lost nails and even broken their toes as a result. You also have to know what it is treated with, some chemicals are poisonous and it's hard to find rope that is truly safe. I know because I've always wanted to make a bendy rope (with thick metal wire inside to allow bending) but I did some research and found that you have to be really picky when choosing ropes. It would be a fanstastic toy but just make sure it's the right kind!
It was a while ago so I can't remember which types you can and cannot use, but I'm sure there's plenty of info online! C: