I'm planning on getting a pet rat from the pet store

Question

I was wondering should I get a carrier first, to bring the rats home in? When My friend got her hamster, they gave her a card board box.

Oh, and to note, the rats I'm getting, I'm adopting. The pet store I going to is small and only offers homeless and locally bred animals. But all the same, what do pet stores normally give you to take small animals home?

Answer 1

When I got my rats,they gave me a cardboard box to take them home in.You will have to buy a cage though.The cage should be large.A glass or wire one would be acceptable.Though the glass once would need a wire cage top.Also,make sure you rat has a running wheel(solid not wire so its tail doesn't get stuck),a medium sized house for it to sleep in,a water bottle,toys,a block of wood of some sort for it to chew on,proper bedding(NOT ASPEN!That bedding could lead to respiratory problems in the future!),some kind of food with a variety of fruits and vegetables.And some treats that you should feed them one a day.

Good luck!

Answer 2

A box would probably be fine to take (Hopefully more then one) home in.  You could buy a carrier if you wanted, too, as I'm sure sooner or later you'll need one for a vet visit and they're just nice to have around befoer you need them.

If you do get a box, just make sure you go straight home so hopefully they won't chew out.  

Answer 3

You could just take them home in the cardboard box that the store will give you but if you have a long way to travel or they are going to be in that box for a while then I would get them a carrier. Make sure that it is nice and cozy, warm and dark inside the carrier so that they dont get to scared being in a new place. And have the cage you are going to put them all prepared and ready for them. And don't forget that once you have them home to just let them run around and get used to the new cage and enviroment for at least a day before you even think about taking them out and playing with them.

Answer 4

when i got my gerbils they put them in a small cardboard box. i think all the pet stores will give you a small box. you dont need to buy a carrier unless your going to travel with them

Answer 5

Let's see. Many places offer a small cardboard carrier. I got my females from a place that actually offered a paper bag (uh, no!) so I just carried my rats out in my hoodie pouch. :)

You can bring your own carrier, they will not mind, or you can purchase one there while you're selecting your rats. Never hurts to have a carrier in case you need it (vet visits, etc.)

P.S. Glad to see that you are using the plural ''rats'' instead of just 'rat'. :) That means I don't have to recommend a pair, as it seems you already know it.