Potential Hazards for Rats!

I found this (non-comprehensive) list that someone made up to warn rat owners about potential risks for their pets. It gave permission to use the information anywhere and everywhere- the writer just wanted to the information to get passed along! So here's the list for you guys:

Velcro: When used on bonding pouches, there is a risk of the animal getting trapped inside the pouch.

Household Doors: Use extreme caution when closing household doors if rats are out of the cage. Always double check that the rat is not in the way of the door or the hinge area, as risk of serious injury or death is possible. 

 

Digging Boxes/Soil: Only use pesticide free soil, ideally organic. Also, be aware that small rocks & other hard objects may be found in the soil. Try to place a mesh screen on top of soil if possible. Cases of rocks jamming in teeth have been reported. Possibility of broken teeth or choking.

 

Hiding Huts & Enclosed Toys: Be sure they have multiple air holes on opposing sides. Secure any items that could trap an animal to the cage. Cases of suffocation have been reported.  Tajo's Story <3

 

Electrical Wiring: Keep all wires & electrical equipment out of reach. Risk of electrocution.

 

Medications & Pesticides: Keep out of reach, never leave pills where they can be easily knocked to the ground. Inspect all living areas for common pesticides that may be ingested. Cases of  poisoning have been reported

 

Older Ferret Nation Cage Shelves: There is a gap along the edge that can result in small feet getting trapped. A few instances of death have been reported where the animals foot got caught & the animal was trapped hanging from the shelf.

 

Safety Pins: Can open while in the cage & cases of eye injuries & blindness have been reported.

Loose Threads & Fabric on Bedding/Hammocks: Can trap animals in the holes or entangle animals in the loose threads. Cases of amputation & strangulation have been reported.

Toilets: For those who use the bathroom at freeroam time, keep toilet seats down. Risk of drowning if a small animal falls in & cannot get out.

Cage Doors: Always double check that no animals are in the doorway when closing. May sound obvious, but FN & CN cages have large doors & it happens easily. Cases reported of tail amputations & death.

Carpet: Nails can get caught & injuries can result when the animal tries to free itself. Risk of torn nail or foot/leg injuries.

Water Bottles: Always keep more than one water bottle per cage & on different cage levels. One might fail, a rat may reach through the bars & chew an airhole in one, or a rat may become sick & be unable to get to another level to get water. Risk of dehydration.

Rolling Hide-A-Nest Hideouts: Risk of nails getting caught.

One Inch Bar Spacing: Smaller animals can escape. Bigger animals can attempt to get through & get caught. Risk of injuries & deaths reported.

 

Baths: Keep water level just above mid legs. Risk of drowning. 

 

Hammock Hooks (All Types)/Colorful Baby Rings: Risk of small animals trying to squeeze through & getting caught - potential strangulation. Try to avoid leaving unused hooks in the cage. Also be aware that open shower hooks can potentially cause eye damage.

 

Children's Toys: Be wary of toys that may contain toxic lead paint. Risk of poisoning.  Here is a list of Hazardous Toy Recalls

 

Humans: Risk of sitting or stepping on a rat. Always double check your movements when rats are known to be free ranging, & try to learn the "ratty shuffle": drag your feet when you walk to avoid stepping on little ones.

 

Rolling Furniture/Moving Furniture: Always lock small animals securely in cage when moving any kinds of furniture. Also use extra caution with rolling chairs. Risk of serious injury & death if a small animal gets caught under furniture.

 

Tall Cages/Furniture: Risk of falling from high places. Try to minimize exposure & accessibility to areas where an animal may suffer a great fall. Buffer large falls in cages with hammocks to catch them. Bodily injuries & deaths from broken necks have been reported.

 

Heat/Cold: Pay close attention to the temperature where your small animals are located. Do not leave anywhere where there is risk of extreme heat/sun or cold. Risk of dehydration, heat stroke or pneumonia. Deaths have been reported & heat stroke is a brutal way to go. 

 

Other Pets: Please, do not leave small animals unattended with other pets! No matter how friendly they seem to be, animal instincts can kick in at any time & it only takes a second to lose your beloved pet. Risk of serious injury to both animals & deaths have been reported. 

 

Children: Please supervise young children around small animals at all times. Accidents can happen easily & can be minimized with proper supervision. Accidents involving children resulting in injuries & death have been reported.

 

Running Balls: Enclosed plastic balls intended for small animals to be placed inside to run in "safely", these balls pose a few very serious hazards. First, the poor ventilation holes do not provide adequate airflow for the animal trapped inside. Another consideration is that the slope of the ball is not designed for many slightly larger rodents, and can do serious injury to their back. One final concern is that the slits of the ventilation holes also pose the risk of a toenail or foot getting caught  Risk of suffocation, heat stroke, toenail or foot damage & back damage.