free range rats out of control

Question
Hi, I have two great pet rats that are 7 months old that I keep in a huge cage and let run free for at least a few hours a day. The problem is that despite all my efforts to rat proof my house, they still think that their second home is behind my stove and dishwasher. They chew on cords and the wood. And even though I feel like I keep a pretty good eye on them, they still manage to chew up everything! I have put different chew toys in their cage but they don't use them. When I take them out they immediately jump down and start running around. They will come over and say hi to me alot, but they wont let me just hold them with out them running free. My question is, is it possible to switch them over to not be free running rats and how would I do it?  They think they own the whole house I don't know if I could turn them into rats that would be happy to ride around on my shoulder. Thanks!!!

Answer
Hi Holly

Stop letting them free range.  You need to see my website for ideas on how to let them out to play while keeping them safe.

You need to contain them in one area outside their cage for a while.
Check out the dangers of free range rats and read the story of Scampers, the rat that was electrocuted and lived to tell the story!

My site offers ideas for playtime rather than letting them run free.
http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/rathealthinformation.htm
Scroll down half way to read about it!

Also check out ideas on letting them run loose in an area that is rat proofed and sectioned off so they cannot get into anything other than what they are supposed to be getting into.   LOL

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/gettingstarted.htm

Sorry this took long to respond.  Your message was not directed to anyone in particular so it went to no mans land where it sat till I found it.  I usually answer in less than 12 hours.


Sandra



REVISED


OOOPS!  I just read your message over and see where you DO want them to stop free ranging which is good. Some folks feel guilty about it but there is nothing to feel guilty about keeping them safe. Also when they get older they will chill out and the more time you spend just sitting with them in their play area, the more they will come to you for most anything, from telling on their cagemate for stealing a treat to just wanting a scratch behind the ears.  It will work out just fine and they will be safe and sound!