06/04/2026
๐ DIY Enrichment Project: Hanging Chew & Forage Toy
This is a simple, budget-friendly toy that gives fancy rats something to chew, climb, explore, and forage.
Materials Needed
Untreated cardboard from cereal boxes or shipping boxes
Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
Natural jute twine or sisal rope
Paper straws, optional
Untreated wooden craft sticks or popsicle sticks, optional
Hole punch or thick needle
Scissors
Small treats, oats, cereal pieces, or dried herbs, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions if you need more help look at pics below
Step 1: Cut your cardboard pieces
Cut cardboard into squares, circles, or rectangles about 2โ3 inches wide.
Step 2: Punch a hole in each piece
Use a hole punch or thick needle to make a hole in the center of each cardboard piece.
Step 3: Prepare your rope
Cut a piece of jute or sisal rope long enough to hang from the top of the cage. Tie a large knot at the bottom.
Step 4: Start stacking
Thread on cardboard pieces, toilet paper roll sections, paper straws, and untreated wooden pieces. Alternate textures to make it more interesting.
Step 5: Add hidden treats
Tuck a few small treats between layers or inside the cardboard tubes so your rats can forage.
Step 6: Tie it securely
Tie a strong knot at the top and leave a loop so you can hang it safely inside the cage.
Step 7: Let them explore
Hang it where your rats can reach it, then let them chew, climb, sniff, and problem-solve.
Safety Tips
Use only untreated materials. Avoid glue, tape, toxic inks, staples, sharp edges, loose strings, or tiny pieces that could be swallowed.
Supervise new toys until you know theyโre safe, and replace the toy once it becomes overly chewed or dirty.
Oopsie Daisies Tip: Add a sprinkle of oats or a few tiny treats inside the cardboard layers to turn it into a fun foraging challenge