Ok im going to get a pet rat this month...anything i should know?

Question

Like bedding and some good cages etc...i did my research and im goin to feed them mazuri lab blocks also should i get this cage?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753352

or

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2755108

( i think its 1" wire spacing)

or

http://www.petco.com/product/106171/PETCO-Rat-Manor-Habitat.aspx

PLUS PLEASE TELL ME TIPS FOR RAISING rATS AND WHAT TO BUY

THANKS!!

Answer 1

Congrats on getting rats!! They are the best pet ever! Oh first, PLEASE get 2 rats. They are very social animals and needa  companion no matter how much time you spend with him. Please get 2 if you really care about them.

Bedding - NEVER use pin or cedar because it can give them a respiratory disease. I highly recommend Carefresh bedding. It's recycled paper and it soft, not dusty and ccon trollsthe odours very well. Others will tell you the same thing.

Cage - I LOVE the first cage. I have 2 and there awesome. The second one has bar spacing which is too big and the 3rd one is just...blah. The first one has plastic shelves instead of wire and its big and very roomy.

Food - Good for you for feeding mazuri. It's a good brand that rats love. Make sure to also give them fresh fruits and veggies everyday. But not too many fruits because it could give them ddiarrhoea But if you can, you should get Harlan Teklad lab blocks which you can order from KKim'sArk rat Rescue (google it). It's the best lab block out there and its vverycheap. $1/lb.

If you have ANY questions at all them PLEASE feel very free to email me and I will answer your question. I have owned rats for 24 years so I know my stuff.

Just a tip, please ddon'tbuy you ratSSSS (plural) from a pet store because they uusuallyhave bad health and are sold as feeder rats and are not ssocializedwell at all. Good luck and please feel free to email me. (dont be scared..lol)

Answer 2

I think the first cage is a good one. You want to maek sure you buy them more than just lab blocks to eat, rats like a variety in their diets. Small amounts of fruit and vegetables also. Make sure to have enough toys in their cage to keep them occupied when they are not out with you. Make sure to get two rats, they like to be kept in pairs.

Answer 3

1. Mazuri lab blocks, while good, are actually too high in protein (23%). You want a lab block with 14-18% protein. I recommend Oxbow Regal Rat, if you have a local ''all natural'' pet food store or are able to order it before your rats come, or Harlan Teklad (I order mine from The Crafty Rat: http://www.thecraftyrat.com/ )

2. Super Pet My First Home for Exotics is perfect for a pair of male rats. Plenty of space, but remove the wire mesh wheel and either leave it out or replace it with a safe Silent Spinner or Wodent Wheel.

The "Rat Manor" is appropriate in size, but it's best to avoid cages with wire levels, unless you are able to cover the wire up to protect their feet/toes.

The Ferret Home is similar in size to the Exotics cage, but with larger spacing in the bars, which runs a risk of young rats escaping.

As for bedding, I've tried many different types, and I've finally selected Yesterday's News as a personal favorite. Covers odor real well. Easy to spot clean & not messy at all.

Answer 4

Number 1, because it has enough space... number two has too many space, and number 3 is more of a bird cage! Here is how to take care of it:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4485400_care-pet...