To Those Considering Rats as Pets
Rats are amazing creatures, they truly are. They’re smart, funny, and downright adorable, but here are things you need to consider before adopting the critter.
The very important things
Rats absolutely need to be in a pair or even a trio. Do you have the space to provide for more than 1 rat?
Do you have the money to buy plenty of toys, hammocks, things to entertain them, the cage, good quality food (Mazuri, Harlan, Oxbow or homemade food) and bedding.
Do you realize the health issues rats have and are you prepared and willing to find a credible exotics vet, possibly drive 20-30 miles (or more) to get there? And not only that, but exotics vets usually charge more than a standard pet vet. Are you willing to get the medications needed?
Do you have the time and availability to spend an hour or more of your time with each of your rats each day? Do you have a place for them to free roam safely?
Are you going to be able to care for them for the rest of their little lives? They aren’t disposable pets, no matter how cheap they are to buy.
Rats can stink if their cage isn’t cleaned enough. Cage cleanings can be a half day process depending on their cage size and what needs to be washed.
Things i wish I’d known before adopting
Your rat may not want to be super cuddly like the pictures on social media may suggest. Males are usually more cuddly but they can also stink more, each sex has their pros and cons, really research them.
That paper bedding they try to sell you in the stores isn’t as good as it’s claimed. Aspen chips or fleece works just as good, if not better than the paper bedding, and it’s often cheaper in the long run anyways!
Your rats will destroy hammocks, stair covers, and anything they can fit their teeth on, no matter how many wood chews there are. It’s easier to use scrap fabric, a blanket from wal-mart, or buy a couple yards of cheapo fabrics and make your own hammocks.
if your rats head can fit through a hole, it’s whole body can too, which can mean losing the rat and searching everywhere for it.
Your rat will pee and poo outside of it’s cage, and probably on you multiple times. You can’t necessarily blame the rat for it, but you can work with them to help avoid excessive toileting.
Litter train your rats. It can prolong how long you can go before doing a cage cleaning. Put boxes on each corner on each level and see where they poo most, and keep the boxes in the most used spots.
If they’re refusing to use a box, try switching the litter to flat glass marbles from the dollar store, but they need to be cleaned weekly. Rats like to pee on smooth surfaces.
If anyone has anything they’d like for me to add, just PM me :)
Good cages + links to them
Petco You & Me Rat manor (3-4 rats)
http://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/you-and-me-rat-manor-habitat"
Double Unit (up to 12 rats)
PetSmart All Living Things
Multi level (DCN DUPE) (up to 12 rats)
PetSmart All living things
Rat Starter !!discard food!! (Base is plastic and rats may chew it. be warned) (2-3 rats)
Find DIY toy ideas at Dapper
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