Made a Custom AP Split Level Condo

[Bogertophis]

Thanks it's a really good idea. Did anyone know if they have some that aren't pine? Closet rods are such a good idea but I don't want to hurt the little noodle. What did you mean by add texture like carving? Or sanding it?

Are you in the US? ...

Yes, I'm in the U.S. The reason I have an extra closet rod in my garage is that it came home with me from a garage sale. It's not pine, it's some kind of hard wood.
(too heavy to be pine!) Some people remodel their closets & go with wire shelving...you could also try a free "want ad" locally. Older houses have hard wood rods...

Also, even a pine rod could be made safe by coating with non- or low-VOC polyurethane or water-proofing (from hardware store). Once dry, the wood won't be absorbing
"cage dirt" either. That's a health benefit.

Texture: you could wrap it with rope (or something else) & secure it (keep in mind rope would get dirty in time but could be replaced), or you could beat up ("distress")
the surface using a saw or drill or whatever to add some irregular damage* like grooves...and then coat (seal) the wood.(*obviously, don't leave any splinters sticking out)