Free feeding or Feeding time for RATS?

Question

Should I free feed them or should I take them out and feed them while I'm having my breakfast and then again at lunch? Which do you think is better? Also, what do you feed your rats?

Answer 1

I feed my young rats by free feeding and I feed my adult rats a measured amount twice daily.  I also give lots of treats.  My adult rats get pretty pudgy if I free feed so that's why they get a measured amount.  

I feed my own mix but some store bought brands are very good.  This is the very best website www.afrma.org I would suggest checking it out and they have lots of good sources for food evaluations.

Answer 2

I free-feed my rats (Mazuri & Regal Rat. Seniors get Blue Buffalo senior dog food mixed in.) and then I give them a daily 'treat' of fresh fruits/veggies/healthy cereal *Kashi Go Lean*.

I've always free-fed them, because they get hungry mostly during the evening & night-time, so they have food when they're hungry.

Answer 3

I give my rat free feed and you should never even try to feed you rats out side their cage because they won't .

Answer 4

Rats must have free feeding. They should have food at all times. Rats have fast metabolisms so they need to eat little bits often for their bodies to stay healthy.

I feed a mix of lab blocks, organic cereal, uncooked veggie pasta, and high quality dog food as a dry mix. I also feed fruits and veggies and some human foods that are ok for them.

Edit for the idiot who spoke of bird food. NO seed mixes for rats. They don't get all the nutrients they need from seeds, they aren't a seed-eating rodent. Thanks to idiots who think seed mixes are ok for rats, I have a foster who has major health problems for life. I was ready to put him to sleep because of his malnutrition problem, but he pulled through after extensive medical care.

Answer 5

at my old pet store we fed them bird food because there were more seeds in it and they always prefer seeds/peanuts/etc.

Answer 6

I refill the food at the same time every day.  If it seems like they're hiding a lot of it, I'll usually feed them a little less.  If they get hungry again before it's been 24 hours, I feed them more the next time.    I don't think they should ever be without food, but they shouldn't have such excess that they start getting overweight.  (though, it's usually lack of excercise, lots of treats, and poor diet that make them fat.)

I feed mine Harlan Tekklan, and they also get a grain mix every couple of days (They get fat when they get it every day) and then they get veggies every other day, and occassionally puffed baby cereal snacks as treats.

Answer 7

I usually feed my rats once a day, I give them enough blocks for them to hide and eat throughout the day,  If you are worried about them being overweight I would give them a certain amount a day instead of free feeding.  I feed about 6 kaytee brand lab blocks a day.  At my school we usually give the school rat about 3 blocks once a day but the block are a little larger than the store brand blocks.

I love the lab blocks, they are clean, easy to measure and give your rats all the nutrition they require.  If they seem boring just give them a few treats with thier food.

Answer 8

I free feed. They'll eat guinea pig food and or bunny food. Mine love it! They also like chocolate, but only on occasion. Also popcorn, but chocolate and popcorn are only treats, not main foods.

Also sometimes if u wet ur hand, they'll l**k the water off. It's soooo cute.