Hides for Breeder Rats?

Hey all,

Just wondering who uses hides in their rat cages/racks..Does it seem to make a different as far as demeanor?
Just wondering, really..

I tried it but they didn't ever use them seemed to be a waste

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I had a hide in my xl grow out tub, but they just knocked it over all the time and sat in the corner. I took it out and they are fine, no change in personality.

I had an igloo when I used tubs (have a rack now). I took it out because some would use it to chew on the top ridges of the tub. In the rack, it'd just be a waste of space. They make their little nests in the back far corner of the tub where the wall is and everyone seems pretty content and runs up for scratches and treats.

I've used cardboard boxes, cat pans with a door cut out, and igloos. All of mine used them. Temperament and demeanor were the same with or without hides though.



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I have an igloo in my breeder tank and I small igloo for my nursing moms if they need a little extra security. So far, my breeders love the igloo and use it often. The smaller igloo doesn't get used. The moms are in a quiet closet so there's no distractions.

I've only used paper towel rolls for breeding mice and the reason for that was to keep them occupied with their chewing. My rats seem to do fine without any hides.

i make papermache hides occasionally, rats love them because they're super chewable, and it offers a bit of enrichment for them but I don't think it's entirely necessary.
Personally, I'd stay away from plastic igloos. I've always had issues with someone chewing on them and you don't want your rats ingesting plastic, it's really terrible for them.

Decided to put the hide back in the tub where I only have girls because of this thread.
They love it! They squeeze all 8 of their butts into the thing lol

I guess boys could really care less about hides, they were the ones who would turn it over and hide in the corner.

It's good extra fun, but not needed :)

I used to give mine cardoard bits, and they'd make tunnels and cover them with the bits. They seemed happy enough with that.