The Perfect Pet-a RAT! Yes, REALLY! July 17, 2008
Posted by artinshamrocks in Pets, active kids, summer fun.Tags: children, Pets, rats
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A domesticated rat can make a perfect pet. They have been given many bad raps but in actuality they are very affectionate, clean and intelligent. Rats love to be cuddled and held and can even be trained to come on command. They are also very easy to care for. I’m serious about this so read on to see some suggestions if your child is asking for a pet.
Cage-you will need a 2ftx2ftx2ft wire cage or larger. A wire cage is preferable to a aquarium because it is healthier for your pet. Rats are crafty so be sure your cage has a good latch that they can’t learn to open.
Bedding-shredded recycled paper is good and also a product called Care Fresh which can be found at local pet stores. Do not use pine or cedar because it will make them sick!
Diet-it is fun to feed your rat because it will enjoy small amounts of fresh fruits and veggies everyday. Try things like grapes, strawberries, apples, carrots, an occassional peanut or unsweetened whole grain cereal. Rats like people food so even a little cooked pasta or cheese might make them happy. The main diet should consist of a quality pellet especially formulated for rodents.
Water-fresh water in a bottle every day is absolutely necessary. All rodents drink a lot of water.
General Care-your rat should be played with at least 1 hour a day or more. The cage should be cleaned twice a week or more often if necessary. Hold your rat supporting their bottom and their back and let them cuddle with you or ride on your shoulder. Like all rodents, rats need to gnaw to wear down their teeth so a couple wood blocks or sticks are good in the cage.
Toys-rats are good problem solvers so the trickier the toy the better. They like boxes, ropes and swings, tunnels, platforms and may play with a little ball with you.
A pair of females can be put together at anytime but a pair of boys fight. Spaed females can live with males but don’t keep a male and a female together unless you want a million babies a year! Harmful food include corn, candy, sugar drinks, onions, sticky food or junk food. They are also natural chewers so watch when you have them out of the cage because they will chew on electrics cords.
Rats are very curious and like to explore their surroundings. Your rat should go to the vet if you ever think he/she is not acting like themselves. Simple items like large cardboard paper towel tubes or a small cardboard box makes a wonderful toy for them to chew on. Be sure to rotate the toys so your rat doesn’t get bored. With good care a rat will live 2-4 years.
This was one of the pets we had when we were raising our daughter and after I got use to the idea it turned out to be one of our favorites. We still talk about that rat and all the fun the entire family had with her.
I agree – I’ve just had my pet rat out on the bed and she was running around all over the place being very excited. I truely maintain they are the best rodent to own – hamster bite and are dull, mice smell, and gerbils arent quite as intelligent. With a rat you know you are loved! And a tip – the pet shop recently told us that organic chemical free cat litter is a good option for rats because sawdust can hurt their lungs – and it stops them smelling too!