Pet rat care secrets revealed
Other name given to pet rats is "fancy rats". It’s not because they are considered fancy or imaginable, but it’s only because there are people who fancy them love them. There are two types of rat -brown rat and black rat. Pet rats are typically brown rats. Rats are very sensitive in nature and get attached to their owners very soon. They are playful and can be trained to be called by names. Because of their playful nature, they need plenty of free time out of the cage every day. As they are sensitive creatures they suffer if not given enough attention.
Essential Tips
1. Buying pets directly from a breeder is the best option though not last. Breeders give proper attention to their pets whereas buying rats from a pet shop is more of a gambling as they have numerous pets to take care of.
2. Before buying a pet-rat, reconsider whether you can commit yourself to care for them properly in any condition and circumstances.
3. Don’t pick rats by their tails, they don’t like this and this can also harm them and cause severe injury.
4. Last but not the least, rats need company. Make sure if you have only one pet rat, you don’t leave them alone for long.
Things to know
1. Rats as pets
The pet or domestic rat is a descendant of the wild brown rat. It has been one of the favorite pet to some for about hundred years. Pet rats are less fearful than wild rats. These pets when handled gently get friendly and playful with their masters but at the beginning they are shy and timid. They love riding on human shoulders and too love napping in their laps.
2. Attributes
An average rat’s length ranges from 14 to 18 inches, including the seven inch tail. These pet rodents are of varied color and have variety of coat types. If taken good care, rats can live unto two and a half to three years. Male pet rats are called as "bucks" and female pet rats are called as "does". Rats are very intelligent and are known for their curious nature. They are always up for some fun. Don’t mistake these animals as toys; treat them with kindness and respect. They can be great friends to kids but should always be supervised by elders.
3. Rat-social Animal
Rats are comfortable and social with members of their own kind. They should always be kept at minimum in pairs. Baby rats can be distanced from their litters at about six weeks of age. For the first time caretakers, a pair of female rats is recommended. Males, only when introduced at young will do well together. Female rats are friendly. They accept new friends when introduced later in life.
Remember that neutered males or spayed females can live together. Intact males and females are a risk to keep together as they will breed. An average rat gives birth to 12 to 20 vermin.
4. Rats would love properly customized cage
Keeping rats in cages will be the best option and they would not mind because they love climbing. Cage size depends on the number of pet rats you keep. Whatever type of cage you use remember to accessorize the cage with small boxes or flower pots and PVC tubes etc with which they can play with. Make sure that every thing is solid and can bear the weight of your pet rat.
5. Diet
The rat diet should consist of high quality pellet chow specially formulated for rodents. Look for rat meal that consists of soy meal as its main ingredient. Make this food available to your pets all the time for their proper and healthy growth. Offer fresh fruits and vegetables to your rat every day but that too in small amount. Peas, carrots, bananas, broccoli and apples are their favorite and best suited food to start with. Rats love people foods so don’t hesitate giving them table scrap.
Facilitate them with fresh and clean water all times. A water bottle with a drinking tube that attaches to the side of the cage is the best and the tricky way to go.
6. Veterinary Care
If you find any of your rats inactive or sick, don’t wait for the regular check up routine, seek medical attention immediately. If your rat is facing any sort of common problems like sneezing, lethargy, dull or pale eyes, weight loss, diarrhea and difficulty breathing, don’t take it lightly. Rats in particular are vulnerable to external parasites such as mites.
Always keep in mind
1. Don’t use sulk or cedar shavings for cage it would be harmful for them. Analyze your pet, if it likes making nest; facilitate them with shredded paper towels or napkins for this purpose.
2. Rats are more inclined to colds; they catch cold easily, so make sure that their cage is not in direct contact with breeze. Avoid intense direct sunlight as rats are highly liable to heatstroke. A room at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit would be perfect for them.
3. Make sure that the cage can be easily cleaned. Place the cage away from wall.
4. Rats love eating and they love eating whatever they get but treats need to be limited to prevent obesity among rats. Do not give your rats’ chocolate, corn, candy, caffeinated beverages, onions and peanut butter.
5. Some rats bite occasionally without any reason. Male rats become violent towards other rats and humans when they are 3 to 12 months old. Whereas Female rats bite when they are pregnant or when they have babies. These behaviors of rats are temporary.
