How do you make a wooden house for a rat yourself? - briefly
Cut thin plywood into four walls, a floor, and a sloped roof; join them with non‑toxic wood glue and small nails, sand all edges, and attach a removable lid for cleaning. Add bedding inside and position the structure near the rat’s food and water dishes.
How do you make a wooden house for a rat yourself? - in detail
To build a wooden enclosure for a pet rat, gather the following materials: untreated pine or birch boards (1 cm thick), wood glue, non‑toxic varnish, small hinges, latch, sandpaper, and a saw (hand or jigsaw). Use only untreated wood to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals; finish the interior with a safe, water‑based sealant.
Begin by measuring the rat’s activity space. A comfortable interior size is at least 30 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm, allowing room for climbing and nesting. Cut four side panels, a floor panel, and a removable roof panel to these dimensions, adding a 0.5 cm overlap for joints.
Assemble the base:
- Apply wood glue along the edges of the floor panel.
- Attach two side panels at right angles, securing with clamps until the glue sets.
- Add the remaining two side panels, ensuring all corners form perfect right angles.
- Reinforce each corner with two small nails or screws, avoiding protruding heads.
Create the roof and entrance:
- Cut a rectangular opening (5 cm × 5 cm) near the top of one side panel for a tunnel.
- Attach the hinged roof panel with two small hinges on the rear edge; install a latch on the opposite side for easy access.
- Install a smooth wooden tunnel (diameter 4 cm, length 10 cm) leading to a small opening in the roof, allowing the rat to climb out for cleaning.
Finish the interior:
- Sand all surfaces with fine‑grain sandpaper to eliminate splinters.
- Apply two coats of non‑toxic, water‑based varnish, allowing each coat to dry completely before the next.
- Inspect for any sharp edges or loose fittings; secure any loose parts.
Place bedding, a hideout, and chew toys inside. Position the enclosure on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight and drafts. Regularly check the structure for wear, re‑sand and re‑seal as needed to maintain a safe environment for the animal.