How To Care For Pet Rats

Having rats as pets is not something new. In fact, this practice can be traced back to the 20th century. Keeping a pet rat can be fun and rewarding as they are innately curious about many things, affectionate, intelligent, and love to have fun. Rat care and upkeep costs aren’t generally high. In most cases, you will shell out less than $400 annually for a cage, playthings and treats, litter and bedding material and food. Though relatively affordable to own, they require a great deal of commitment.

How should rats be housed?

Rats should be housed in wire cages because they take pleasure in climbing. Wire cages also allow for great ventilation. The floor has to be solid, and a bedding composed of aspen or pelleted recycled paper must be provided. Some rats want to make nests, so if you observe this habit in your pets, add shredded table napkins in the cage. A bored rat is not a happy one, so offer things where they can run or play around. Rats would like a quiet place to which they can retire, so offer little boxes or pots where they are able to hide. Rats don’t do well in cold temperature as well as direct sunlight. A room kept at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is best. Keep in mind that rats are quite social to other rats, and thus ought to be kept in pairs. In most cases, it is better to obtain same-sex pairs. This way, you will not end up with many rat pups. Read more for more information on how to take care of pet rats.

Pet food for rats

Pet rats must be provided with a fresh, healthy diet that will meet all their nutritional needs. This is most easily done by providing them with pelleted diet made specifically for rodents. You can also supplement their diet by offering them little quantities of fruits and veggies, cooked eggs, grains or seeds. They must be given constant access to fresh, clean drinking water, too. Water must be given through drinkers rather than bowls to prevent contamination. Pet rats tend to be fed two times a day. They should never be provided chocolate, candy, onions, sticky food, junk food, and also carbonated and caffeinated drinks.

Keeping your rats healthy

Droppings, uneaten food and dirty sections of bedding have to be removed every single day. The cage must be cleaned once per week with warm soapy water. To avoid dental problems, offer unpainted, untreated bits of wood for your rats to chew on. If they are tame enough, pet rats should be permitted to play outside their cages as this will offer them with stimulation to keep them mentally and physically fit.



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