Free-range Rats.

Free-Range Rats

I don't know about you, but I hate to see animals in cages - which is a bit of an enigma as I keep rats as companions, and pet rats are kept in cages ... aren't they? Not necessarily.

My rats are all free-range - it's a bit like the Ritz Hotel for Rats - but I realize that we're very fortunate. Circumstances often dictate whether it is possible or not. With young children around it would be virtually impossible, as it would be if there were other pets (ctas, dogs, snakes!!!!) Not everyone will have the time and space to facilitate free-range rats. Some people may not want to put their furniture and belongings at risk of damage or gnawing. That's what rats do - they gnaw - and you can't blame them for doing what comes naturally. But perhaps, after reading this article, you may wantto give it a try. Before you even consider allowing your rats free-range of your home or a particular room, you need to think very carefully and there are a number of things that need to be addressed first. Take a look at the Rat-proofing page too.

Which Room?

It can be very difficult, and even dangerous, to allow your rats free-range of you whole house. Better to start off with a particular room or area. A living room may be shared with a number of other people, so you need to ask yourself if they would mind having rats roaming around, and is it feasible with all the electrical appliances that you probably have. Perhaps a bedroom would be a better option. Again, is this room shared with other people and would they want rats clambering in and out of bed with them. Rats are nocturnal animals, and will be at their most active during the night - when you want to sleep! A bathroom or kitchen is really a no-no. Kitchens are always used for preparing food and the whole household uses the kitchen. There are many toxic materials around and electrical appliances. A bathroom would be too damp and warm, and contains all sorts of toxins - cleaning stuffs, tablets, pills and potions. A shed or outhouse would also be unsuitable. Too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. Too accessible for wild animals - foxes, wild rats etc. There's little point in this life-style if you can't interact with your rats. They could soon become too feral without constant human contact.

Room Check Security

When you've decided on the room, you need to take a very good look around and check everywhere for holes and any means of escape. Check the floor and skirting boards. Are there any gaps or holes, no matter how small. Rats can squeeze through the smallest of spaces, and if there is a tiny hole in the floorboards or carpet, they may well gnaw at it to make it bigger. If there is a fireplace or gas fir, check for any ventilation holes. Does the door close securely? Can the windows be secured in all weather?

OK, so you've checked the security of the room, now you need to check the security and safety of things IN the room.

Electrical wires and cables (including telephone wires) are very tempting for rats. You'll need to make sure that they are well out of their reach. You can enclose wires and cables in hosepipe or overflow pipe, or you could buy wire casing from an electrical shop. These stick onto the wall, you place the wires in the casing and slide the covering over them. They can be cut to size very easily and come in various widths. They're also very cheap - and effective. Alternatively, you could tape the wires to the wall or underneath tables etc. They can be hooked to the wall or hidden behind heavy furniture. unused sockets can be plugged with a child-proof plastic stopper (again, from electrical shops)
TVs, Videos and computers need to be totally inaccessible. If you have any of these on a low table or shelf - your rats will find them and could cause a lot of damage. Can they be accessed from nearby shelves or furniture? They need to be a no-go area and placed on something that cannot be scaled by such adept climbers as your rats. CDs, videos, books, files etc. should be on high shelves or securely hidden in drawers or cupboards.
Waste bins hold many dangers and should always have lids or covers. Things we discard, like nail polish remover pads, nicotine patches, PC cleaning fluids and pads, chewing gum etc. can be lethal to rats! They love delving into bins and any number of things they may chew or eat could be fatal. There are a number of attractive pedal bins around at the moment, and we find the chrome ones particularly good - they look smart too!
Furniture is very likely to be gnawed or chewed. Cushions, sofas, chairs, duvets ... if you want to keep everything in pristine condition, then perhaps you should think again about free-range rats. Cover sofas with throws if you're particularly worried. Rats do like to tunnel into things and they enjoy chewing on a nice bit of cotton or other fabrics - including curtains, which they may even try to climb.
Doors and windows should be secure. If you leave a window open, not only could your rats escape through it, but any local cats may be tempted to climb IN. We only leave a small top window open, and the door has a permanent barrier across it so that it can be left open in safety. A piece of wood, either tacked onto the doorway or clipped on with hooks, makes an ideal barrier. Make sure it's high enough to prevent them climbing over, and don't use wire as rats can easily climb over that.
Plants are another favourite with rats. They love to dig into the soil and nibble the leaves. Many plants are toxic and you need to make sure they cannot be reached. Rats also love to nibble at candles. It doesn't seem to do my boys any harm, but the candles look very odd!
Keep all sweets, tablets, pills and potions securely locked away, just as you would with a small child around. Never leave an open handbag or briefcase lying around. They will be investigated thoroughly and they often contain toxic items - paracetamol, medicines, inks and pens etc.
You should also keep an eye on any food or drinks you may have in that room - especially alcohol, which should never be given to rats ... not even for fun (some people think it's a laugh - It's not!)

Introducing your Rats to Free-range Living

Although you want your rats to live free-range, it's a good idea to have a large cage for them to use as a base, otherwise they may end up using your knicker drawer - as you can see! When you're sure everything is prepared and safe, let your rats settle into their cage for a few days to get used to smells and sounds. Let them out regularly but put them back in their cage when you're not around. Make sure they have a dark, cozy nest area in the cage and always put their food and water inside the cage. When they've settled in and haven't had any mishaps outside the cage, allow them to stay out for short times when you're not around - say, when you nip off to the shops. If this works well, leave them out over night. You'll probably find that they will sleep most of the day - either in their cage or in a carefully chosen, dark place inside the room. They will undoubtedly be active at night, and this activity usually takes the form of a couple of hours here and there, and sleeping the rest. By now, you should have a good idea if this type of life is going to work for you and your rats, and you'll probably find that your rats will generally choose to retreat to their cage far more than if they were locked in all day and night. Make sure they have a litter tray inside the cage, which they will often use for their toilet. I say often - but not always. You may find a few ratty poohs scattered about under chairs and in corners. Luckily, rat poohs are generally firm and dry and easily removed. You will still need to clean the cage and nest areas regularly, and also the litter tray. You may also find that there is less fighting amongst bucks - there's far more room for all of them, and lots of places to snuggle down.

Tips and Tricks

Although your rats may still spend a lot of time in their cage (leave it open at all times, and easily accessible) there may come a time when you need to find them - but can't. Try training them to come to a sound - we use the Sweetie Tin Shake. Put some hamster yogurt drops in a tin, shake it an call them ... "Sweeties!" When they come running, give them one of the treats. Never call them with the tin and not give them a treat. It's not fair, and they'll stop reacting very soon.
Place some nest boxes or baskets around the room, which may stop them from nesting in your furniture! We have ours under tables and on shelves - where there is little or no light. Remember - never put your hand into a rat's nest!!
Place a small litter tray in any corners or places that appear to be used regularly as a toilet!
Always feed your rats in their cage, and at the same time of day if possible. They'll get to know the routine and will be waiting patiently beside their bowls. At least you'll know where to find them!

If all this sounds rather difficult and complicated - don't worry. It isn't. You'll find your own way of organizing the room, these are just some precautions that help speed things along - safely. Believe me, we've had many mishaps and had to learn the hard way. Two phone lines; a scanner; TV; books and videos; dozens of candles; tablecloths; even my brand new sofa! All have been chewed and gnawed over the years. Some rats love to chew wires, others prefer fabrics. You must never blame your rats for doing what comes naturally, and it's down to you to make sure that anything you don't want to be gnawed is well out of the way. If there is a piece of furniture or a particular textil you really don't want damaged - take it out of the room. Choosing this free-range lifestyle is not to everyone's taste. Some people may be far too proud of their home to allow their rats to run free. Personally, we love it. If you really don't want a companion animal that will explore and search every corner of the room - get a goldfish. Rats are great explorers and survivors. They will make nests out of most things, and will tunnel and delve to their heart's content. We wouldn't have it any other way!