Rat toys and behaviour

Question
hi, I've not owned rats before so I'm a little confused. I've read allot of sites and all say that rats enjoy coming out of there cage and playing with people. I have had my rats for over a month and although I get them out every day, both of them  (females) have to be taken out rather than come on there own.
Also to attempt to make coming out more enjoyable I bought a pool for them but they did not seem to enjoy this and only used in to poop in....
Are there any tips you could give me on helping them to enjoy coming out of their cage?

Answer
Hi Sam

Congratulations on the new girls.

I do have a few things to ask you first so I know more about the girls personalities.  

For starters, how old are they?
Are they skittish or are they friendly and allow you to hold them and pet them etc...?
Do you have any other pets that are around them during time out?

You mentioned the pool to play time which I have also seen some people suggest this as a safe area for them to play. I do agree they need a safe area, but it seems they are scared of the pool which is why they are pooping in it. Believe it or not, they call it "fear poop!" and rats tend to do this when they are scared.
They may not like how the bottom of the pool feels on the feet or if its hard plastic, the sound it makes etc...

When they are in the pool, what do you have inside the pool for them to play with? Do you have anything for them to hide in when they are out if they cant have access to their cage?

I need to know how they interact with you also...and I can help you construct a nice play area for them that will also include their cage so they know they have a safe zone to run to during time out of the cage, but also that includes you, since rats prefer the company of their "keeper" during play time as well.

If they are skittish, this may also explain their reluctance to interact as well.

Anyhow, let me know the few things I asked and we will go from there.
I have been pretty successful helping people on here  get their new young rats to cooperate.  
Hopefully once I have the info I need I can help you and the girls !

Sandra