Taking rats outside on a harness?

[Larka]

I've heard that rats can be taken outside if they are on a harness but I was wondering if it's a safe thing to do before actually trying it out.

Is it safer to train them to stay on your shoulder if you want to go outside? And is it possible (just for extra precaution) to keep the harness on when they are on your shoulder outside?

Thanks

[Rin]

I don't think even putting them on a harness is a good idea! If you mean out OUT, as in outdoors, no. There are too many risks. Keep them inside, likelihood is they'll try to get away and slip out of the harness- so say goodbye to iccle ratty forever. So keep them inside, and if you DESPERATELY want to take them outside, put him in a run about ball and let him roll about under your watch in your back garden. But not on a cold day or warm day, and not for too long- the plastic combined with the warm sun will cook your rat.