Data sheet rats
Latin name:
Rattus norvegicus
Origin:
China and Mongolia
Size:
22cm – 27cm
age expectation:
2 to 3 years
Behavior / stocking:
very social animals that can form close bonds
Groups vs. individual housing:
Groups, never individuals
Difficulty level:
Beginner
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General introduction
If your knowledge of rats only extends to the viciously dangerous rodent that carried the plague in medieval times, that’s about to change.
Although they have a reputation for being dirty street animals, domestic rats can be more than ordinary pets than you might think. Like cats, domestic rats can be very clean pets, and like some dogs, they’re quick learners.
acquisition and maintenance
rat species
There are many species of rats with different coat and eye colors. These include white, cinnamon, blue, and piebald coats with dark or pink eyes. You can also opt for a «fancy» rat. These are only available from breeders.
Fancy breeds include the curly-haired Rex, the tailless, and the satin rat with its shiny coat. So-called «Dumbo rats» are characterized by their oversized ears, while hairless rats have hardly any fur.
where to buy a rat
If you’re not looking for a fancy rat, you can easily adopt baby rats from a sanctuary or buy one (ideally two) from a local pet store. Take a close look at your prospective pets to make sure they are active, healthy, and have a clean, well-groomed coat.
Take the time to observe if the rats are eating and drinking properly. Also, make sure the other rats she lives with are also healthy, active, and clean.
Requirements for the attitude (equipment)
Cage
The best home for your rats is a wire cage – the bigger and higher the better as rats are active and love to climb. Hamster cages are not big enough. A rat cage should be at least 90 cm long, 60 cm deep and 150 cm high.
The floor should be solid material, not wire, and there should be a firm bowl underneath to prevent the rat from getting trapped and injuring its feet or limbs. Aquarium-like glass cages should not be used as ventilation is not good enough.
nesting box
Rats also need a nest box where they can sleep and enjoy a little rest. A cardboard box with shredded paper for bedding is ideal. They also like a hammock hanging in their cage – this is easily made from an old towel or similar material.
Rats are susceptible to extreme cold and heat, both of which can be deadly. So make sure that the cage is in a suitable place that is protected from direct sunlight and drafts.
location of the cage
The cage should be on one quiet place be set up. Nevertheless, your rats should be allowed to participate in everyday life and be involved in family life. It should be noted that rats nocturnal are, so they should be left alone during the day.
Also, other pets in the house should stay away from the cage, as a rat will likely feel threatened by a cat or dog. Therefore, it’s a good idea to place the cage on a raised area where your rats will feel safe.
Setup of the cage
Bedding for pet rats is important not only for your rat’s comfort, but also for yours. A good bedding will absorb urine well and keep your rat dry and healthy. Some of the best types of bedding for rats include the following:
- Paper pellet litter: Paper pellets (like Carefresh) are an ideal bedding for rats because they are absorbent and relatively inexpensive. They do get muddy when they get wet and you stand on them, but you should replace them every time they get dirty if you don’t want your house to smell like rat piss.
- Straw pellet bedding: Straw pellets work similarly to paper pellets and are also safe for rats as they are non-toxic and absorbent.
- Shredded cardboard bedding: Shredded cardboard works well for rats because, similar to paper and straw pellets, it’s a fairly natural and inert substance.
- Cloth bedding: Some people prefer to put cloth in their rat’s cage and clean the cloth daily. This is a good option, especially if your rat is allergic to other types of bedding. However, it is important that the fabric is in good condition; matted fabric can cause injury if it wraps around the rat’s legs or tail.
Remember that even high-quality bedding needs to be changed regularly. The entire cage should be cleaned at least once a week.
toy
Rats are active, intelligent animals that need exercise and mental stimulation for optimal health. There are many fun and easy ways you can provide your rat with toys and enrich their environment.
tunnels
It is in the nature of things that rats build and use tunnels. You can provide ready-made tunnels or let them build your own. Hardened plastic or PVC tunnels can be placed inside the cage or hung on stainless steel wire hangers. Many of them come with bows or Ys so you can build your own maze.
PVC is easy to clean. Make sure you choose pipes with a large enough diameter so that the rodents do not get stuck in the pipe. Blocks of wood can also be drilled into tunnels, which the rats can enlarge themselves through their natural tendency to gnaw.
wheels and balls
Running wheels are an excellent way for rodents to move around within their cage. Be sure to choose a wheel that is safe and will not snag the rodent’s feet or tail.
Solid wheels are definitely preferable to wire rod wheels. Rats generally need a running wheel that is at least 40 cm in diameter. Some wheels can be hung on the top or side of the cage.
climbing toy
Ladders, ropes, tree branches, pipes, cement bird perches, stacked boxes (securely attached), hammocks, and other items provide numerous climbing opportunities for your rat. These can be placed on the top and sides of the cage to significantly increase the play area inside the cage.
Bricks and concrete blocks can also be used if the cage is large enough.
snack toy
Rats need toys to chew on. This is important for your dental health, because your teeth are constantly growing and wear down continuously. Good chew toys for rats include: B. Rawhide chews, wood (make sure it’s safe and has no preservatives), and cardboard chews.
Paper tubes made from toilet paper or paper towels, cardboard boxes, and egg cartons are very inexpensive chew toys.
crushing toys
You’ll find that rats also enjoy shredding softer fabrics like toilet paper, straw, sisal, and other similar items. Not only is this very entertaining, but it also provides soft material to line their sleeping space with.
Push and carry toys
Many rats like small toys that they can carry around or slide around the cage. Some sturdy, hollow plastic cat toys with bells inside make good toys for rats.
Don’t give your rats soft rubber toys, as small pieces of the toy that are chewed and swallowed could cause an intestinal obstruction. Always monitor your rodent’s habits to ensure toy safety is maintained.
toys for foraging
In the wild, rats spend much of their waking hours searching for food. Too often we just put a bowl of food in front of our pet, and they can quickly become lazy and overweight. Give your rat a mental stimulus by hiding their food in a specially designed toy.
There are many foraging toys for birds that are also suitable for rodents, e.g. B. Bamboo pieces. Fill the holes with some of your pet’s food and watch as they struggle to find it. You can also make your own lining tubes from cardboard tubes or PVC.
Outside the cage
The play area outside the cage must rat proof because rats will chew on anything they can get their teeth on. In particular, ensure that electrical wiring is inaccessible or encased in rigid plastic tubing. Make sure your rat doesn’t have access to poisonous objects, including poisonous plants.
Rats also tend to leave scent marks and small drops of urine on their forays. The smell isn’t unpleasant, but it’s a good idea to cover furniture with a cloth when they’re not in the cage. They also leave scent marks on their owners, so be prepared!
gender differences
After reaching about five weeks of age, rats are easier to sex than many other small rodents. The males have obvious genitalia while the females do not.
Look at your rat’s underside, just below the base of the tail. If you can see furry testicles, you have a male.
feed and nutrition
Rat owners often like to experiment and find out what their pet’s favorite foods are. House rats usually eat a pelleted diet with added fruit and vegetables. Bagged pellet food is available at pet stores and is usually low in fat and high in important nutrients.
Rats can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to monitor their exercise and food intake. Many people are tempted to buy seed mixes at the pet store and rats love this because it is very high in fat and tasty, but this alone leads to obesity. Therefore, the food for your rats should be low in fat.
treat
The following foods make excellent treats for your pet rat:
- small amounts of fruits and vegetables
- Wholemeal pasta and bread
- Brown rice
- yogurt
- occasional low-fat boiled meat
- mealworms
- Cheese
- seeds and
- nuts
You can also give your pet rat dog biscuits. No way…