I am going to get 2 rats...But I have a few questions...?

Question

I know they are noctural, so they will be awake when i'm asleep. Will they be okay in the dark? And, do I ABSOLUTELY have to change their water every day?? Like, will they be okay with 2 day-old water??

Answer 1

Rat's will be fine in the dark, after all, they are nocturnal.

they will also adapt to your nightime schedule, so dont worry about them being awake wile you sleep.  You don't have to change their water every day, just make sure your rats have fresh water.  a few tips:  dont let your rat eat peanut butter, or any sticky products.  dont use an aquarium because it has low ventilation and can make your rat die sooner.  rats can also squeeze themselves thru small openings so make sure the bars on the cage are tight together.  rats may chew on a plastic bottle for drinking so put the bottle on the outside of the cage and the spout thru the bars.  dont use cedar chips for the cage, it's prefered to use yesterday's news.  also, dont feed your rat a mixture of nuts because it will pick out what it prefers and leave all the other nuts.  feed it pellets.  dont feed it too much human food or it will get used to it and not want to eat it's normal ratty food.

P.S. YOU HAVE TO GET 2 RATS, IF YOU ONLY GET 1 HE WILL GET DEPRESSED AND LONELY AND DIE SOONER. THIS IS A FACT!!!!

*my wrists ache from the typing... =) lol

good luck <3

take good care of your ratty!

Answer 2

Cripes!  You don't have to change the water daily.  Just make sure they have enough on a day to day basis.  They will probably make the change from nocturnal to your schedule after a few weeks.

Don't just feed them rat food.  Go to the local cheap grocery store and buy a few cans of mixes veggies.  Makes for a happier critter.  

ps-they love popcorn and chips, but be wary of the stashing.  moved out of my place and found a good supply of old nibblings.

Answer 3

I would only get one rat.

My friend had two and ended up with multiple litters of baby rats.

Then she got rid of all her rats. I didn't ask where.

I have one rat and I spoil her rotten. She has all my attention petwise.

They are night critters. Mine crunches her corn cob all night long...LOUDLY! lol

But I change her cage and water once or twice a week. She is fine with that.

Answer 4

They will be fine in the dark, yes. I'd change their water daily, personally. I know I wouldn't want to drink two day old water.

Answer 5

just make sure there is enough water to last them through the night, etc. Rats are most active at night but in my experiences they are always out and about during the day too. They love cuddles and being with people and other rats. My rats enjoyed cheese and biscuits and corn but only in moderation because these things could make your ratties fat!