How do you build a swimming pool for pet rats?

Answer 1

For small rats, the solution is to use a (new, unused) paint tray--the kind used for paint rollers. It has a shallow end and a deep end. Try dropping their favorite treats into the water if they are reluctant. They may eventually appreciate something bigger (see below), but this is a great first pool for rats. Be sure to use a brand-new paint tray, as most paint is toxic to rats. Placing the "pool" in an empty bathtub can save cleanup time.

For larger rats, you can use an old sink, or a large, flat pot. If it is going to be deeper than the rat can walk through, you will need sloping edges, or a cloth surface that can be climbed to get out of the water. The water should never be more than a foot deep, and should be kept at a moderately warm temperature, and changed frequently. The pool itself should be kept thoroughly clean, and you may want to add a few drops of chlorine solution or bleach to prevent mold. You can also use small amounts of aquarium treatment to make the water safe for rats to swallow.

Never leave pet rats in water unattended, for their own safety as well as for keeping track of where they are.