Free Roam

Written by Rachelle Bish, Jellybean Rattery

My favorite playpen is the Songmics Guinea Pig Playpen. I recommend using only the tall panels and stacking them 2 high in a 3x3 square. This will make them tall enough that rats can't jump out without something else to jump off of. You can use pipe cleaners to attach each corner together to make the pen collapse flat for storage.

Trifold boards can also be a good option. They can be taped in such a way that the pen becomes collapsible for storage, but is much more chewable than the panel playpens, and opaque so it is harder to see your rats.

Rats will readily climb out of wire play pens and can jump up to 3 feet vertically if they really want to. If you decide to use a room, just be very careful that they don't have access to any cords, outlets, heaters/electronics, spaces under doors, or holes in the walls. It is always possible that they may take a liking to chewing your baseboard or wallpaper as well.

Copyright 2023, Rachelle Bish, Jellybean Rattery. This information can be used with proper attribution only.