Rat packages & sniff boxes – surprise boxes and enrichment for tame rats

Choosing Rat Packages – Quick Selection Guide

Choose your package based on your goal: surprise , enrich , or variety . Rats are social animals: ideally, offer several activities at once to minimize the hassle of a single item.

1) You want enrichment and variety (anti-boredom)

• Choose a Snuffelbox or a package with several small parts to examine.
• Spread items over several days: this way they stay “new” for longer.

2) You have demolishers or active climbers

• Choose a package with gnawing and playing elements and combine it with routes in the cage.
• Bonus tip: add tunnels and platforms for more “traffic routes.”

3) You mainly want flavor variation (herbs/seeds)

• Choose an herb or harvest package and feed in small portions as a supplement.
• Ideal for sprinkling in a sniffing zone or combining with food puzzles .

✔ Practical tip: always give your rats their regular food as well. A package is primarily enrichment and extra variety.

Checklist – Rat Packs That “Work”

✔ Suitable for your purpose: surprise, enrichment, gnawing or herbal variation
✔ Dosable: you can divide items over several days
✔ Group-proof: prefer several small items at a time rather than one “hot item”
✔ Can be combined with cage equipment (routes, rest areas, sniffing zone)
✔ Safe use: check for loose parts/fraying and offer snacks in moderation

Safety

Introduce new items slowly and supervise them for the first few moments, especially with avid demolition workers. Check toys and fabric items for frayed edges , loose cords, or sharp edges and replace them promptly. Always provide snacks and treats as a supplement (not as a replacement for the daily diet) and adjust the amount to your group.

FAQ – Rat Packs & Sniffing Boxes

What is the difference between a Snuffelbox and a "regular" rat package?
A Snuffelbox is often a surprise (you discover the contents upon opening). Other packages are usually themed, such as a gnawing/activity or a variety of herbs.

How often do I give a Snuffelbox?
Use it primarily as enrichment: measure out the contents and vary the amount. This keeps it fun longer and prevents rats from getting "everything at once."

Can I put all the contents into the cage at once?
That's possible, but it's usually smarter to divide things up. With groups, dividing the food often creates more peace and less fuss about one favorite item.

What if my rats destroy everything?
That's typical of rats. Choose packages that take this into account and combine them with extra distractions like playing and foraging , and plenty of gnawing material .