Nowadays rats are very popular pets. And if you decide to bring a rat home, make sure it’s healthy.
Your pet rat’s fur must be thick and the mouth should not be wet, as it may be a sign of dental problems.
Their average life span is two to three years. They rarely bite, yet they might if you have little children at home, so don’t let them play rough.
Rats are fancy pets, they are very curious and like to explore whatever is new. You can keep two or three rats at the same time as they get along with each other well. Just make sure they are of the same sex if you don’t won’t to end up with baby rats. They usually have 6-12 in a litter.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for a pet rat:
- Tank. The glass tank to keep your rat must be a minimum of 15 gallons. You can optionally choose a wire cage for your rat. Avoid cedar bedding in a cage as it contains toxins and rats may suffer from allergies. A wooden one will be great. Put a ladder in the cage as rats like climbing but avoid putting tubes as they are not easy to clean. Clean your rat’s cage at least once a week.
- Food. Many pet owners simply lack information concerning pet diet and that leads to many diseases in pets. You need to feed your pet rat with rice, strawberries, apples, carrots and peanuts, which they simply adore. Don’t give your pet rat chocolate, spinach, potatoes or cabbage as they contain toxins. Actually don’t give him anything you are not sure he should eat. Rats are intelligent, and if you want to tame them you can use food as incentive.
- Water. Since rats are very tidy animals, they like it when everything is clean, including the water. Sometimes they even wash their food in the water, so you can put a bowl in the cage.
- General care. Rats don’t need frequent bathing (although they really enjoy it). It’s important to keep your pet’s nails trimmed. You can learn do it yourself or take to a vet. Also take your rat to a vet for checkups as obesity and respiratory diseases are common among them.
Lastly, be caring towards your pet. They really need the attention.
Photo © Margotte apprentie naturaliste
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