Preparing Rat Tea

A rat tea bag – filled with used bedding from our rat cages.

Clubs are responsible for providing a sufficient quantity of rat tea and scent laying equipment for trials.  Rat Tea is a simple and effective way to create liquid rat odor for Trailing & Locating and Trailing Brace competitions. It mimics natural scent trails, helping dogs develop their trailing skills in a controlled setting.

Supplies Needed:

  • 2–3 cups of used rat bedding, paper bedding is preferred
  • Cheesecloth, pantyhose, or similar material
  • Bucket
  • Spray bottles or storage containers
  • Rubber or nitrile gloves
  • Funnel (optional, for transferring liquid)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Rat Tea Bag:
    • Place the used rat bedding inside the pantyhose or cheesecloth.
    • Twist and knot the end securely to prevent bedding from spilling out.
  2. Make the Tea:
    • Fill a bucket with water (warm water works best for faster steeping).
    • Submerge the rat bedding tea bag in the water.
    • Allow it to steep for 15 minutes.
  3. Transfer the Rat Tea:
    • Remove the tea bag from the bucket.
    • Use a funnel (if needed) to pour the liquid into spray bottles or storage containers.