What precautions do you take for your free range rats?

Question

Background: I have 2 rats, Mia and Karma, who will be 4 months old on August 24th. When I first got them I let them out of the cage a couple of times a day for about 30 minutes each time, to get them used to me and let them explore a little. Once they got used to this, I started keeping them out, but only when I was at home and awake. They have their comfort spots in my apartment and their favorite places to play as well as things that I have made for them to play with and on and in, and I have not had any troubles with them getting into or chewing on things they are not supposed to. I have caught Karma chewing on my cell phone charger cord and the cord to my tv, so now I unplug my charger when I'm not using it and the tv cord is up off the ground. I do not own many electronics and it is very easy for me to unplug everything if need be. Now I have gotten to the point where I let them stay out of the cage when I am at home, and at night when I am sleeping. Since they are out so much, they know what they are missing when they are put in their cage when I go to work for 9 hours every weekday, and they DO NOT like having to go back in there, even though it's an awesome cage for 2 little girlies!

I feel as though I would rather the rats have a little risk in their wonderful, spoiled, well cared for lives than to spend so much time in their cage when I am at work. I live alone and there is no stimulation for them in my apartment when I am not there, aside from the toys, water bowl, tshirts, toilet paper, ladders, hammocks, and hiding spaces inside of their cage. I know that they sleep most of the time during the day, and when they are not in their cage they like to sleep in a corner of my bed where I have made a little fort for them out of pillows, so I know that this is where they would be most of the time during the day while I was gone.

I would like for them to be completely free range rats.

Questions: Do you think it would be ok for me to leave the girls out when I am not at home? Is it irresponsible to leave them out while you are not home? What are some extra precautions I could take to make this happen?

Answer 1

I'm sure some people are going to comment saying that's gross, they're suppose to be in they're cages, blahblah. but I have a rat that I let just run all over my room. and that's actually a really good thing to do, and most rat ownders do it. Rats are just about as smart as dogs, really cute, become loyal, come to they're name, and know what "no" means after awhile. so there's nothing wrong with letting them run around. When putting a rat in a cage, that's less them 5 feet long, and 3 feet wide, it'll actually shorten they're life if a cage is anyy smaller then that. plus, rats lovvve running around, and it's cute :] just make sure there's nothing they can chew, and get hurt on. don't leave anything they're teeth can get into on the floor. my one rat gets into pill bottles, lip gloss, and eats it. Which I'm pretty sure you know you don'tt want them to eat. make sure they'res nothing they can chew into and eat, no electric cords for them to chew, and no holes they can get into. Also, make sure they don't get out when you open your door to leave, wouldn't want them running away. I think it's wonderful you got 2 rats, not just one. and are letting them run around. that's a veryy good rat owner.

Answer 2

well to be honest if they feel okay out of cage,then has long has the room they are in are safe and free from sharp objects,then let them roam around flat,just make sure they have a ventilation especially on hot days(window open,but not so they can get out)make sure fresh water and food is available and whatever they use as toilet make sure cleaned everyday

Answer 3

I don't think you should leave your rats out .... or else this

will happen ... on your pillow

http://www.blackchampagne.com/digicam/ra...

http://www.blackchampagne.com/digicam/ra...

You have been warned ... unless you like this sorta thing ...

if so then contact me please!!