Facts and Care
*Rats require fresh water at all times, from a bottle, bowl, or both. Their water should be changed daily, the bottle/bowl cleaned regularly, to help ensure health.
Diet should primarily consist of rat “block”, of a quality brand. 'Scatter feeding', which is to sprinkle food around the bottom of the cage, is often preferred over a bowl. Scatter feeding provides rats with the opportunity to forage for their food. This is an activity they would spend much of their time doing in the wild. This activity is good for brain stimulation and encourages our furry friends to exercise.
Rats are omnivorous, so they can enjoy lean meats, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, in moderation. They tend to be cautious feeders and may avoid new foods while getting to know new owners. Extra protein can be provided, a few times a week for your baby. Plain chicken and boiled eggs are good sources of protein while rats are young. After around the age of four months, they should no longer need extra protein in their diet.
Only limited amounts of seeds and other fatty foods, should be provided as treats.
*Rats are very social and should always be kept in pairs at a minimum. Human socialization is wonderful and very important, however, rats need the company of their own kind as well. It is therefore unfair to keep one on its own. To avoid babies, the best option is usually a pair, (or group) of the same sex.Rats breed
frequently, and can as early as four- five weeks old,
*Rats, unlike some other rodents, are smart and playful animals that crave human companionship. They're also (contrary to myth) very clean. They enjoy play and can even learn tricks. Because rats are very intelligent they need to be challenged, try to rotate their toys on a regular basis to avoid boredom.
Rats love to climb and will make good use of ladders, ropes, hammocks, tunnels, and platforms. Provide enrichment items like blocks of wood for chewing, cardboard tubes, and toys designed for parrots. Foraging toys designed for parrots, rats, and other small animals also provide enrichment to a cage. Rats enjoy a very full cage, with options where they can hide. Try to provide a variety of textures, fleece hammocks, wooden bird perches, rope netting, or bridges, etc, as this will help stimulate them. Please remember to cover any wire flooring that may be in their cage, as it is not recommended for their feet. A rat cage should have a thick layer of bedding at the bottom, or at the least, a large dig box with substrate should be provided at all times. Digging is a natural and very beneficial behavior for rats. There are a variety of substrates available. Wood bedding, such as pine and aspen are popular and safe choices, cedar bedding however is dangerous and should never be used for your rats. These beddings are absorbent and help with odor control. Hemp bedding also has the reputation of being a good bedding choice. Soft bedding is considered a safe option, but may have to be changed more often as it's not as absorbent and holds odor more so than other choices. If soft bedding is used, avoid colored or scenting bedding to help avoid potential respiratory issues. Rats need at least an hour of exercise outside the cage every day, in a rat-proofed area, to explore, climb, and play.
*Rats make wonderful companions for children and adults. Unlike other pocket pets like hamsters, rats rarely bite. They are also sturdier than other rodents. Rats need larger cages than smaller rodents but, because they are larger, they are easier to handle. They bond emotionally with cage mates and owners. However, it is important that everyone in the family is prepared for the responsibilities of keeping rats as pets. While they make great family pets, they should not be looked after or handled by unsupervised children. As with all children’s pets, it is important that an adult is responsible for making sure the rats receive the attention and care needed.
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*Despite the temptation you'll feel to handle your rats right away, they may need to settle in for the first few days. This is only if your new friends seem nervous, (which is natural.) During this time your rats are getting used to their new cage, their surroundings, and all the strange smells. While it's definitely fine to speak to them and gently handle them, at this time I do recommend letting them set the pace.
Sneezing during this time is really fairly common, often referred to as 'new house sniffles', and can last around a week or so.
*There are many wonderful videos online to help with your new babies! "Emiology" is a great place to find helpful videos. From bonding, new cage ideas, to a healthy diet, she pretty much covers it all. "Isamu Rats" is another great resource. While they are not local to the US, the general rat care they cover will still be valid. We also share helpful videos on our Facebook page, so be sure to follow us!
*Bring your rats to your vet for annual check-ups. Don’t wait if you think one of your rats is sick—seek help immediately. Common signs
that may indicate illness include sneezing, lethargy, weight loss, dull eyes, excessive porphyrin, open wounds, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
*A few exotic vets in the area include
Health Point Vet (864)486-8177
Electric City Animal Clinic (864)225-0015
Roper Mountain Animal Clinic (864)297-9190
Please be sure to always do your own research on caring for your pet. This is meant to be a basic guide, but there is always more to be learned on how to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Thank you