Rattie toys and a question about manila rope?

[Dezzi]

Hey, so over the past few days I have been making toys for the boys. They come home some time before Thursday, so I want everything to be ready. I have been braiding 100% cotton cords to make rope ladders, toys, and even a treat ball. I bought some hardwood dowel and am going to do some ladders and whatever else strikes my creative side.

I am also wondering if manila rope is safe to use? I couldn't find much info on it, other than that it was popular with sailors, it's like hemp, and it's heat resistant. I noticed it was kinda smelly, but I wasn't sure if it was better to use that or a synthetic fiber like Nylon or Poly. I know rats are sensitive to smells and I don't know if it's a hardwood or a softwood. I don't want them getting sick so I thought I'd ask if anyone's heard of it or used it?

I can't find anywhere that sells rat toys so I'm making them all myself. I will post pictures once I have everything set up and the boys all settled in. Any other ideas/suggestions are always welcomed!

[Die Fledermaus]

No, I haven't. But I thought manila rope might be rough?

I was about to ask YOU for more suggestions! Please list your homemade toys when you are done as I can use ideas.

The rats are very lucky to be going to you.

exoticpets.about.com/od/careofrats/qt/ratstoys.htm

www.rattoy.com

www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm

answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070822160435AAwDY7i

www.ratforum.com/index.php?topic=12712.0

www.ratanooga.co.za/games_toys.asp

drsfostersmith.com/small-pet-supplies/.../10378?s=ts&r=476

See if any of those have good ideas. . .RATANOOGA looks very good. Check it out.

Photos when you are finished, please!

[Dezzi]

Yes, the manila is pretty rough. I think I'm going to see if I can get some more cotton rope that's thicker or use nylon/poly if it's safe? I will post pictures and a description of what I did once everything is done. I have some old bras that I had when I was like 13 or so that I'm going to use as hammocks if they'll be big enough. I haven't seen the boys yet, but I have a general idea as to how big they are.

[Dezzi]

Hmm been doing some reading via google after seeing Sisal rope being used in the toys on the second site linked. After reading a Sisal/Manila debate on a budgie forum, they have both been deemed safe to use in toy-making. The brand that I was given is 100% Manila that has been soaked in an all-natural mineral oil that is safe for birds and small animals. However, I'm still a tad bit uneasy as it's got a slight odor to it... I'm still not convinced. I also noticed that second site uses a lot of pine and softwoods in their toys. Is this safe?

Oh, and Manila comes from what's called an Abacá tree, which is a type of banana tree. It's the same fiber they use to make manila envelopes and paper.

[Die Fledermaus]

I thought they made it in Manila!!!

Have you looked at those sites?? I really liked Ratanooga.

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BTW, I saw one new post when I got here, and it was yours, and it showed up properly. *shrugs*

[Dezzi]

Yes, I have checked them all out, got even more ideas! Can't WAIT until they get here!