Care For Pet Rats

Here's How:

1. Get an appropriate rat cage - a large wire cage that has some height for climbing is best (a bare minimum of 24x12 inches floor space for 2 small rats).
2. Modify the cage by adding platforms, ladders, ropes, hammocks, and tunnels (e.g. PVC pipe). Also provide a nestbox.
3. Place a 2 inch layer of aspen (not pine or cedar) shavings in the cage. Other absorbent litters (e.g. recycled paper pellets, or even shredded ink-free paper) can be used.
4. Place the cage on a table or shelf out of direct sunlight and away from drafts. Temperature should be maintained at 65-75 F.
5. Use a heavy ceramic bowl for food and a water bottle with spout for water.
6. Feed a commercial diet (pelleted or loose mix) supplemented with a variety of fresh foods (see tips).
7. Provide a variety of toys - in addition to ropes and ladders, try blocks of wood, toys intended for ferrets or parrots, and cardboard tubes.
8. The rats will choose a toilet area - this area should be scooped out daily. Add more shavings as needed.
9. Clean the whole cage and change shavings weekly.
10. Trim nails with a human clipper approximately once a month.
11. Check the front teeth periodically to ensure they are not getting overgrown or misaligned. See a vet if they are.
12. See a vet if you notice any indicators of health problems - difficulties breathing, sneezing, discarge from nose, eyes, or ears, hair loss, or any lumps.
13. Enjoy your rats - they are usually easily tamed and like to be handled and explore outside of the cage.

Tips:

1. Rats are very social and should be kept in groups of two or more (same sex).
2. Fresh foods for rats include fruit and vegetables, whole grain pastas and bread, brown rice, yogurt, and occasionally low fat cooked meat, cheese, seeds and nuts (high fat foods must be fed in moderation).
3. With treat foods and commercial mixes, make sure a variety is eaten and your rats aren't just picking out their favorite bits (don't feed too much at one time).