How can I make a cardboard house for a rat? - briefly
Cut sturdy corrugated cardboard into panels, fold and tape them into a rectangular frame with an opening, line the interior with soft bedding, and add a small entrance hole. Secure joints with hot glue or duct tape and reinforce corners with extra strips to prevent collapse.
How can I make a cardboard house for a rat? - in detail
Creating a functional cardboard shelter for a pet rat involves selecting appropriate materials, designing a safe layout, and assembling the structure with attention to durability and hygiene.
Begin with sturdy, double‑wall cardboard. Avoid thin or glossy paper, which can tear easily or retain moisture. Cut the cardboard into three main sections: base, walls, and roof. The base should be at least 12 × 12 cm to provide sufficient floor space. Walls of 8–10 cm height give the rat room to stand and explore. The roof can be a simple flat panel or a sloped piece to prevent water pooling.
Assemble the components using non‑toxic glue or a low‑odor hot‑glue gun. Apply adhesive along the edges of the walls and press them firmly onto the base, forming a rectangular enclosure. Reinforce corners with extra strips of cardboard or small wooden dowels for added strength. Attach the roof by gluing its edges to the top of the walls, leaving a small opening for ventilation and entry.
Create an entry tunnel by cutting a 4 cm wide slit in one wall and inserting a folded piece of cardboard that forms a short tube. Secure the tunnel with glue to maintain a stable entrance. Add internal features such as a nesting platform, a hideaway box, and a chewable enrichment item; these can be fashioned from additional cardboard pieces and attached with glue or tape.
Before the rat accesses the house, inspect all joints for sharp edges or loose glue. Cover any exposed glue with a thin layer of non‑toxic, pet‑safe sealant or a piece of fabric to prevent ingestion. Place a washable liner, such as a paper towel or a thin fleece blanket, on the floor to absorb waste and simplify cleaning.
Maintain the shelter by replacing the cardboard when it shows signs of wear, moisture damage, or chew holes larger than 1 cm. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, followed by thorough drying, preserves a healthy environment for the animal.
Following these steps yields a lightweight, inexpensive, and customizable cardboard dwelling that meets the basic needs of a pet rat while allowing easy maintenance and periodic upgrades.