present time I have 54 adorable munchkins.� All, I must say, are spoiled to the max!!!
Although strange, I have 24 adorable Ratties who actually DETEST the Blocks. Oh,
they will nibble on them, especially during the night, if they run out of their other food.�
My ratty diet consits of a lot of Vegetables, fruit, yogurt, baby food, gabanzo peas, table scraps and their favorite, Wheat Germ and whatever else I find that is nutrionally sound.
Granted, they love nibbling on chips, doggy bones, crackers, etc., but, they only get this
as an added treat now and then.� I did find a good place to get Lab Blocks, NORTH PENN FEEDS ****.� Debbie, from the Rat Fan Club (see link above) has a good homemade recipe in her Rat Health Care Book.� Consider joining the Rat Fan Club, she has very good advice and is willing to help you in anyway she can.� I HIGHLY recommend it.!!!!
2.� BEDDING:� Well, let's start with a NO� when it comes to Pine and Cedar.� Both of these contain oils which
can cause respiratory problems in Rats, along with small animals.� My preference is Aspend, chips or Shavings.� Again, you can get this from NORTH PENN FEEDS****, the prices are very reasonable, the best I
found!!!� Some people will suggest, Carefresh or Yesterdays News, both of which I do not like.� The reason
being, is it resembles cardboard and to me, it is not soft enough.� Think, how would you like to walk on cardboard all day?!�� In cases, where you would not use bedding, such as to prevent infection on Rats who
have had surgery or an open wound, I use pillow cases and lay down.� My cage width is 30 inches, and the
pillow cases fit just right.� I have several put aside just for them, I don't use fabric softener on their bedding, hammocks, etc., as they tend to start sneezing.� Believe the smell is just too strong for their delicate noses!!
3.� HOUSING:� As far as I am concerned, the Bigger the Better.� Remember, these little critters are full of energy and need space to run and play.� Especially if you can not leave them out for several hours (4 -5 ) a day.
I purchase all my cages from Martins Cages (link above), their prices are extremely reasonable, both the powder coated and regular.� Many people do buy the powder coated, the reason being is they do not rust.� But, if you clean your cage regularly, you shouldn't have a problem.� I clean mine everyday and give it a good scrubbing every week.� I modified the cages, when I received them. Purchase scrap rug and cover the balconies and ramps, also, I invested into bath mats for the full middle floor.��� If� you leave them on the metal flooring, screens, it is a good chance they can end up with Bumble foot.� To my knowledge, this is hard to get rid of, so why take a chance?!!!
e-mail for supplies.
North Penn Feeds
P>O> Box 1086
Landsdale, PA�� 19446� USA
other info
1. Rat & Mouse Club of America
2.� Rat Fan Club
My Crew
Livingroom Rats
Livingroom Rats II
Pet Loss, Loss Memorials
Simply Rats
The Wererat's Lair
Pet Rats (UK)