Random
Facts
- Many Hamster/Gerbil diets are not equivelent to
those designed for Rats/Mice. However a few are.
- A female rat goes into heat every 4-5 days.
- Rats can get cancer, respiratory infections, and
other diseases just like people.
Bedding, Cages & Basic Homes
- Cedar bedding smells good. That smell can trigger
respiratory problems and even kill your rats.
Same thing goes for Pine.
- Bedding should be cleaned out as often as needed.
I clean my cages every other day for pairs and
every third day for singles.
- Cages should be washed out weekly.
- Wire cages are better for rats than aquariums.
They provide better ventilation as well as a
whole world of climbing possibilities.
- When it comes to cages the bigger the better. I
use cages designed for rabbits.
- Scraps of fabric make great little beds for rats.
Food, Water & Dishes
- Fresh water should be available at all times.
Rinse your water bottle in hot soapy water daily,
and give it a good scrub every week.
- Food means a good basic diet for rats. You should
supplement this with fresh fruits, vegetables and
treats such as cheerios.
- Food dishes should be sturdy enough that rats can
not tip them. I prefer to use the crocks that can
be mounted on the wire for cages where the
residents like to bury their food, otherwise I
recommend small dog dishes. They are cheaper and
sturdier than the small animal dishes.
Favorite Diet Supplements-
Here are just a few things I add to my ratties diets:
- Carrots
- Cooked mixed vegetables
- Bananas
- Raw oatmeal
- Romaine Lettuce
Treats-
- Hard Boiled Egg with shell (weekly)
- Dried and cooked pasta
- Multi Berry Generic Cheerios
Table Scraps -
Many rat owners like to feed table scraps to their
ratties. In moderation this is fine. Here are a few
favorites I share with them:
- Fried potatoes (fried in corn oil)
- Generic Chex Mix
- Meatballs
- Pancakes
- Rice
NEVER FEED YOUR RAT -
- Chocolate
- Oranges
- Raw Beans
- Onions (some debate on this one)
- Soda
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