Build a simple Playpen for your Rats !

Living in a small apartment has its challenges, one of which is finding enough space for everything!  
When I first moved in, the only place for the rats to have exercise was the small bathroom.  The 
danger of the door being closed on a ratty head quickly became a big concern so I needed to find 
an alternative.  My husband came up with this clever and cheap design for a playpen.  

Materials:  4 sheets of standard hardboard, each 2 by 4 feet and 1/8th of an inch thick.  That's it - no hinges, nails or any other accessories!

Step 1
	Cut slits into opposite ends of each of the boards, 2 inches from the outside edge.  Most building supply stores such as Home Depot will do this for you for free.  The slits must start from the same lengthwise edge and go just past the halfway mark.	Make sure the width of the slit is the SAME or slightly larger as the thickness of the hardboard.
Step 2
	Once all the slits have been cut in all the boards, the playpen is ready for assembly. Balance one board vertically with the slit opening facing upward.  Take another board and position it so that the slit opening is facing downward.  Slowly lower once board onto the other with the slits aligned.
Step 3
	Continue to assemble each corner of the playpen as in Step 2.
Step 4
	My advice is to assemble the pen over an old sheet that covers the floor.  If you have carpet, you may want to put down a layer of thin plastic under the sheet. Add rats and have fun!
	All sorts of toys can be added to the large space.  Paper bags, boxes, etc. Be creative.  However, remember that a rat standing on a toy can jump to the top of the enclosure more easily.
Step 5
	Take playpen apart and rest boards against wall for easy storage.

Note: Please be aware that rats can jump to the top of this enclosure fairly easily,
                so they should be supervised while playing in the pen.

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