Rats
Rats
Rats are affectionate, intelligent social animals that make great first pets.
Although they enjoy human company they also like the company of other rats and are best kept in pairs or groups. As they like the company of their own species.
Rat Care
The cage or tank should be positioned in a draught free place and should be out of direct sunlight. Rats don't like draughts and can suffer from heat stroke.
The floor of the cage or tank can be lined with woodshavings although make sure it hasn't been treated with wood preservatives. Woodshavings can be bought at any pet shop.
A good sturdy food bowl will also be required. A ceramic food bowl is best as these are less likely to be tipped over or chewed unlike plastic ones. A fresh supply of water should also be provided daily. The best way to supply this is a water bottle, bowls of water will be easily spilt.
Cages should be cleaned once a week in hot water and a pet safe disenfectant.
Feeding
A good main food for a rat is a rat mix. Mixes provide rats with all the vitamins and minerals they need, you need to make sure however that your rat is eating all of the food and not just the bits he/she likes. Pellets are available and stop your rat picking out the bits of food they like and leaving the ones they don't but in my opinion they provide no variety to their diet.
Everyone likes a treat occasionally there are lots of treats available at pet shops that provide a sweet treat for your pet, but remeber not to over feed these or your rat may become overweight. Rats will also enjoy some fruit and veg. This should be given in small quantities, only give them what they will eat as rats will store their food and uneaten fruit and veg will become mouldy very quickly. Also remember not to give them too much at once as this may upset their stomaches and cause them to have diarrhea. It is better to introduce them to fresh food gradually and remove any uneaten food daily.
Handling your Rat
The more you handle your rat the sooner they will get used you. Although when you bring your rat home let him settle in to his new surroundings for a day before you begin to handle him. When your ready to start handling him be patient and gentle, start slowly, let him get used to your hand before picking him up. Stroke him while he is in his cage, he will soon realise that your not going to hurt him. He will also get used to your voice and smell so talk to him. To pick up your rat slide your hand under it's belly and lift its whole body don't hold him high in the air in case he wriggles and you drop him, it's better to sit down when handling him. Handle him everyday as much as possible and he will soon become tame.
Remember: Never pick your rat up by it's tail -they don't like it!!