This info can be very helpful when just starting out with rats; it's all just a bunch of basic common sense folks. Please feel free to read everything and anything you see, although I recommend all of it and then some. There is a lot of stuff out there on the web that is not listed here that may also be of use. Good luck!
Hey all. I just wanted to let you know that any information given here is just based on what we know we like and other info available out there on the web. Remember, all rats are different, and we are not vets. Hopefully this page and the following sections will be helpful, to humans and ratties alike.
The first section here is on habitat.
The second section here is on health.
In the third section here are frequently asked questions.
We rats are known for our ability to adapt to many different envirornments. We can survive under almost any conditions, however, we are most happy living in an atmosphere close to what our ancestors experience in the wild.
Rats enjoy being able to run around free range and like to explore and hoard. To deprive any rat of these experiences would be unfair.
That does not mean though that we must do these things at all times. If given at least one hour of free time, the average rat will be content with his exsistence.
If a pet rat must reside in a cage at some points during the day, it should be a wire cage. Wire cages provide better ventalation, and complete interaction with everything. The floors of the cage should be solid, and preferably covered with a nice layer of bedding (litter). The best cage litter to use is a non-toxic paper based product, or other non-toxic absorbent product. The cage should be cleaned out at least once a week.
>>PINE SHAVINGS AND CEDAR SHAVINGS MUST BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS!!!<<
Pine and cedar shavings have been proven to causing respiratory infection in rats and even death. Never use them as bedding in your cage.
Furthermore, a rat's cage should be at least two cubic feet in volume. There should be room to climb and a place to hide for privacy (this could also double as a nestbox or bed). Any shelving should be preferably solid, but most cages have wire shelving so use 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch square powder coated wire. The outside of the cage should also be powder coated wire, but the spacing can be pretty varied. As long as we can't get stuck in it trying to escape or hurt our hands and feet, the spacing is up to the you.
A water bottle of fresh water should be available at all times and fresh food provided daily. Please include a few toys too. That can include lots of stuff; anything from peanut butter jars to bird swings. Just make sure it's not going to get anyone hurt. Again, use common sense.
The info here was taken from various sites around the web. Where applicable, we've tried to give the original author(s) due credit. If you see something here that is your material and you want it removed, let us know.
This is part of an article we found on a site and copy & pasted it onto my computer. It was very helpful to us and hopefully it will be for you as well.
Respiratory
& Heart Disease in Rats
by Debbie "The Rat Lady" Ducommun
That's all we have up here for now. Check back in the near future.
Are
there any health risks (to me)?
No.
Rats cannot give any diseases to people. Humans, on the other hand, can transmit
strep infection to rats, so any people with strep throat should not be around
rats.
Are
they messy?
No.
Rats by nature are very clean animals, grooming ourselves several times a
day. We also use litter boxes and do not smell. However, we can not be held
responsible for a human neglecting our cage cleaning, which must be done at
least once a week.
How
long do they live?
The average lifespan
of a rat is pretty varied, but tends to be between 24-60 months.
What
do they eat?
Rats
are omnivores, which means we eat anything. Table scraps are our favorite,
but it is best to eat healthy. Vegetables, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and
cooked eggs. About once a week, a low fat, dry dog food can be fed as a meal
(just give about the same amount as you would in seed mix volume).
How
big do they get?
Male
adult rats are generally about 14 to 18 inches in overall length (that means
body + tail); female rats are usually about 14 to 16 inches in overall length.
What
maintance would be required?
Rats,
like any other mammal, need: a well balanced diet, fresh water, exercise,
comfortable housing, companionship, and intellectual stimulation.
Do
they need any shots (immunization)?
No.
Currently there are no shots that are required for rats.
We will answer more questions in the future. Check back soon.
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