Hammocks and rats go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re a playground, a hideaway, and a cozy bed all rolled into one. (And, let’s be honest, sometimes a litter box too.)
In this article you’ll find top picks for where to buy rat hammocks, plus some handy tips on where to hang them, how often to replace them, and how to keep them clean.
No rat cage is complete without a hammock, so let’s get straight to it.
Top Hammocks for Pet Rats
My absolute favorite hammocks are ones made from fleece, because they’re soft, stretchy (so nobody gets their head stuck in a hole they chewed!!), and don’t fray like other materials. They also come in so many different colours and patterns that you and your rats will never get bored re-decorating the cage.
Hammocks in Bulk
The only thing better than one hammock is a whole bunch of hammocks. Especially knowing how fast the little nibblers can chew (and pee) through them.
I love these hammocks sold in bulk, so you can easily rotate out fresh ones every week while you wash the old ones.
Wooden Crates and Macrame Beds
Next up are some adorable hanging wooden crates and macrame beds from Lilratlords Etsy Shop. These are extra sweet, made from rat safe woods, and would fit in really nicely with a naturalistic, earth toned cage setup.
This shop sells lots of rat safe chews and foraging toys, too! They don’t always have everything in stock, so check back again shortly if you don’t see many items.
Bunkbed Hammock/Tunnel
The Bunkbed Hammock Platform is a multi-level hammock, plus a tunnel. It’s not crazy expensive, and comes in black, brown and purple – a great way to start decking out your rattie’s cage. They’ll be climbing, playing, and snoozing to their heart’s content.
An Inexpensive Multi-Hammock Complex
For those with a whole mischief, I love these AUXSOUL Hammocks. They’re extra fuzzy and plush. My favorite part is how many different hidey-holes they have, so your rats can find all their favorite ways to pile in as the weather gets colder. It reminds me of an apartment complex, but for pet rats. Spacious, comfortable, and sure to be a hit with your group. It also comes with its own hanging hardware, which is a bonus.
This Hanging Basket
A very modern take on the classic rat hammock. If you’re looking for something a bit different, check out the JWShang Hamster Hanging Basket. It’s a hanging basket that attaches to the cage bars, and just the cutest thing.
It comes with a cotton inner lining that you can remove to clean, and of course attaches super easily to the side of the cage.
A Hammock/Tunnel/Hidey House Combo
The CECING Hammock Hanging Accessories comes as a set, including a plush tunnel, hammock and hidey house that are as cozy as they are affordable. They look super soft, too. Your rats will have a blast chasing each other through the tunnel and then settling down for a nap.
Picking out the Perfect Rat Hammock
Material is super important when it comes to rack hammocks. It needs to be durable knowing how much they love to nibble! But it also needs to be soft and comfy. Think plush fabrics that can withstand a bit of rat-titude.
Size is another biggie. It needs to be roomy enough for your rat to stretch out in, but also cozy enough for them to feel secure. And if you’ve got more than one rat, make sure there’s enough room for everyone.
The colours and patterns are where you can really let your creativity shine. I’m not sure that rats necessarily appreciate them, but it can make their cages look more aesthetic for us!
Finally, safety is paramount. Ensure the hammock doesn’t have any loose threads or small parts that your rat could swallow. And check that it can be securely attached to the cage to prevent any hammock-related mishaps.
Where to Hang Rat Hammocks
Now that you’ve got the perfect hammock (or two, or fifteen, nobody’s judging), you’ll need somewhere to hang it.
Somewhere high up in the cage makes a great vantage point for your ratties to peep whatever’s going on in the room. It gets sleepy rats away from the hustle and bustle of the cage floor, making it the perfect spot for a nap.
Try hanging the hammock in different spots around the cage each time you clean it, which is great for enrichment.
Hammocks also work great as fall breakers. Rats aren’t always the most adept acrobats (it’s okay, we wont tell them that), and it’s not uncommon for them to slip and fall from higher up. Sticking a hammock underneath climbing areas is the perfect strategic way to catch them so they never fall from too high up.
How to Clean Rat Hammocks
- Remove the Hammock: evict any sleeping
criminalsrats from their hammock and take it out of the cage. - Shake it Out: Give the hammock a good shake to remove loose nesting materials, food crumbs and little poops.
- Toss it in the Washing Machine: Use a gentle cycle and a pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent. If throwing your hammocks in the wash with the rest of your stuff grosses you out, you can also just soak them in a bucket of water with something like vinegar to get the smells out.
- Dry: Once they’re clean, you can either air dry the hammock or put it in the dryer on a low heat setting.
- Inspect: Before you put the hammock back in the cage, give it a quick once-over to make sure there are no loose threads or holes. It’s super easy for loose threads to get wrapped around little ratty feet and cut off the circulation, which is extremely unpleasant.
How often you clean your hammocks depends on your rats. Some rats are tidy and don’t like to pee where they sleep. Others… not so much. (Looking at one of my boys here who prefers to marinate.)
As a general rule, aim to clean the hammocks once a week. But when they start to smell or look dirty, a wash wont hurt.
How Often to Replace Rat Hammocks
Rats are known for chewing, so if they take a liking to their new hammocks, they wont last very long. On average, one hammock will last a week or two, unless rats have tons of other more exciting things to chew on. It might take them awhile to get through thicker materials like canvas. Just watch for any holes and frayed edges. Similarly, if they’re starting to smell no matter how much you clean them, you can happily toss.
Conclusion
A good hammock is a cozy retreat, a place for massive snuggle fests, and a great way to keep them active and engaged. I hope you find the perfect ones for your ratties. Happy hammock hunting!
