What sorts of things will I need for a pet rat?

Question

I was thinking about getting a pet rat (or two since I hear they are social animals). I was just wondering what sorts of things I would need to get before I actually get the rats. Such as, type of cage (size), best type of food to give them, and toys n such.

Also, a pet guide would be nice to follow as well, but I cannot find one of those.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Petsmart should sell caresheets for free...or is it Petco? I know one of those places does, though. Ask an employee.

Here's some info on rats:

Rat Supply Checklist

- Wire cage, large aquarium with screen cover or multi-level ferret cage

- Aspen or pelleted recycled paper bedding

- Small boxes or flower pots

- Tree branch for climbing

- Exercise wheel (solid, no rungs)

-PVC tubes for tunneling

- Rodent chow, block or pellet form

- Attachable water bottle with drinking tub

- Unpainted, untreated piece of wood, dog biscuits or safe chew toy for dental health

- Safe and rodent-appropriate toys, including swings, ropes and other toys made for parrots.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pag...

Answer 2

This might be long but here goes, i'll give you as much info as possible!  

Your best bet is to get two, rats are very sociable as you said and contrary to what some people say this will not change their relationship/bond with you.

When you buy a rat you have a huge range of cages/enclosures to choose from.  I myself have found glass aquariums are the best and easiest to clean.  You can generally buy fitted wire tops for these or make one yourself using wood and wire.  Generally 1 rat needs at least a 10 gallon/40-L tank to be comfortable and have enough room to play, so obviously more room is needed for two.

Now you need things for your rats enclosure.   Bedding:  There are so many different types with pros and cons for each but i have found that pelleted paper, a natural unscented kitty litter and pine shavings to be the best, some rats sneeze when kept in pine shavings but others don't and some people will tell you that pine shavings are bad for your rats but i was reading a study on this and over a period of ten years two lots of rats from the same gene pool were kept in exactly the same situation but different bedding, one pine shavings, the other paper pellets and those kept on shavings lived longer by an average period of six months.  Just make sure if you go with the shavings, that they are sterilized, you can get these at pet stores. I clean out my ratties cages at least once a week.  

Nesting box:  Your rats need somewhere to sleep, so many different ones are available, just take your pick.  I give them tissues and material to sleep on.

Containers for food and water:  I use water bottles suspended from the edge of the cage, that way bedding and poo cant get in, an open dish will usually not stay clean for long.  I use heavy crock or glass containers for food, and usually have two, one for their grain mix and another for fresh fruit and vegies and treats.

Toys:  Your ratties will love toys, lots of things will amuse them.  Tunnels, wood chews, wheels(usually the solid type, not made from wire), ropes, ladders, ramps, just anything you can think of that will keep their active minds entertained.  Its also good to rotate their toys, change them weekly.

I use to buy commercial food for rodents but since have made it myself.  I buy wild bird mix, rolled oats, sunflower seeds and low fat dog or cat kibble and mix it all together and store in airtight containers, it lasts for ages and ends up being cheaper in the longrun.  

Fresh food to give your rat can include: Nuts(not peanuts in some rats can cause allergic reaction, sores and itchiness)fruit and vegies of all sorts but avoid onion, chillies, rhubarb.  Cooked wholmeal pasta and rice, chick peas, peas, corn, just anything thats fresh and washed.  They love cooked egg, porridge, yoghurt, and most breakfast cereals.  For treats find something your pet loves and only feed it sometimes.  

On average rats live for 2 to 3 years, although i had a male who made it to six!!  They are relativley healthy animals if fed right and kept in a clean environment.  Rats are comfortable living in an environment thats between 65-80F (18-26C) and you shouldn't keep their enclosure in direct sunlight, or where cold draughts are.  Signs of illness in rats include: laboured or noisy breathing, loss of balance, excessive scratching or hairloss, sneezing, diarrhea, diminished appetite, sneezing and discharge from the ears or nose.  Its usually advisable to find a good vet that has delt with rats before and if you are worried about your pet take it to the vet immeadiatley.  You can train your rat too! Things like coming to their name and some will even fetch little balls.  

Overall i advise that you get in touch with a breeder and purchase two littermates from them or find a petshop who knows a bit about their rats, (can at least tell you their age, s*x, etc) you can also get rescue rats, but you will need to find if there are any in your area.  

Rats are very loving individuals and they bring lots of joy to your life.  Hope i've helped, told you it was going to be long!!!

Answer 3

They are social, so two is the minimum to have.

There are a lot of very good rat info sites. Have you tried googling something like "rat care"? No matter, here are a bunch of great ones:

http://members.aol.com/juliesrats/e4nind...

http://www.ratz.co.uk/

http://www.petratscanada.com/ratcare.htm

http://www.ratfanclub.org/helpinfo.html

http://ratguide.com/

A cage should be something that would work for ferrets, chinchillas and large parrots. It must be large and wire. It should have some levels, but avoid mesh ones! This can do serious damage to their feet. Make sure levels are made of solid material, or find a way to cover them. Avoid solid cages, like aquariums. Rats have sensitive respiratory systems, and need excellent air circulation in their cage. For bedding, use anything other than cedar and pine as they are toxic.

You should have plenty of hiding boxes in there, as rats need to ba able to hide to feel safe. You can just use old carboard boxes. I also recommend hammocks, like those for ferrets. Rats adore sleeping in them! Most rats will not use wheels. This is why it is extremely important that you take them out every day for around an hour at the very least, and let them explore in a room. This is both for exercise and mental stimulation.

Food must be labeled for rats, and must be in lab block form. Absolutely no seed mixes, this is like junk food for people. In those sites, you will find plenty of info on proper diets, including the nutritional value the food should have. You also should give them some treats like fresh veggies and fruits, and somethings like cooked pasta or meat. Giving them leftover bones from dinner is lots of fun as well.

Answer 4

A tall cage, where they can climb.

> it's best if it's wire

and it's best to use Carefresh bedding.

Not Cedar or Pine!

You need rat food.

A water bottle.

Treats! so they will learn tricks, and listen to your commands.

A bed, and/or a box to sleep in.

Another RAT! if you are willing. It's not very fair to your rat if you only have one. They are very social, and they can sometimes get depressed if they are used to playmates. And trust me two rats is not that much more trouble. Just change the bedding more often. They will bond even if they aren't from the same family.

Don't waste money on a wheel or ball. Rats are too smart for them, and it's a waste of money.

I bought an iguana leash for my big rat, and she likes that just fine when we go outside.

I can't think of anything else.

HAVE FUN!