rats LOVE out time. they like to run, hide, climb, interact with you and eachother. 2 of a same sex or a female with a nutered male are important, interspecies interaction is a must otherwise they become bored and destructive, somtimes even self destructive *overgrooming* building a rat cage is fun and simple, if you can get fine meshed cubes i say go for that, i can't get them here in NS but if i could, i'd probably have more then i'd know what to do with. Other cage options are Martinscages.com they sell cages for all small animals, deffinetly awesome cages. as for toys, anything can be a rat toy, parrot toys, critter kabobs, hiding treats, peices of material, plumbing tubes, hammocks are a must, food food food, hide food and make them find it, maybe a rooting box, or grow sunflower seeds or other mix seeds in a small earthy dish for rats to nibble on. ropes, and boxes fisherprice plastic doll houses are popular options, old clothes anything, DIY is the way to go, its fun and simple and cheap. and especially free range time!