Do rats really enjoy lab locks?

Question

We bought 2 girl rats from the pet store last week, they are pretty well settled in and seem really happy. There's just one thing they aren't happy with, the food. We asked the pet store what food they recommend and they handed me a mixture of things. The girls hate it and just push it out of the bowl.

I've been reading about lab blocks and was wondering if I should switch to it?

Is there a certain recommended kind or brand?

Answer 1

My rats love their lab blocks.  They are really the best way to give your rat the nutrition it requires.  Lab blocks have most of nutrients that rats need, unlike seed mixes.  Additionally, seed mixes make it easy for rats to pick out what they like (sunflower seeds) and leave what they don't making it even less balanced.

One of the best lab blocks are from Harlan.  You can't buy directly from Harlan unless you want a bag of a ton of it.  They normally sell directly to research labs who keep lab rats for experiments.  Your best bet is to purchase it from a second hand dealer like Kim's Ark.  http://www.kimsarkrescue.org/content/vie...  The blocks cost a $1/lb plus shipping.  I usually get 10 lbs at a time and have to buy it 2-3 times a year for two rats.

Studies have shown that a diet in low fat and low protein can increase the lifespan of your rat.  

If purchasing lab blocks online is not feasible for you, some big chain pet stores carry lab blocks for rats.  These aren't always as good, but it's still better than a seed mix.

I supplement the lab blocks with fruits, veggies, and healthy cereals.  The produce should provide enough variety that they won't mind eating the blocks.

Hope that helps!