Rat Care Guidelines for Beginners
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Rat Care Guidelines
for Beginners
BY SUE MEREDITH
Introduction need. I highly recommend seeking out the which is available on The Rat Fan Club Web
Rats make excellent pets! They items on the Suggested Reading list at site, under Helpful Info, at www.ratfan
are clean, extremely smart, the end to learn more. club.org. I have used this article to intro-
and very social toward duce my own rats, with great success.
humans, making them Rats Need Company
one of the best Rats should always be kept as pets in Human Socialization
pocket pets out same-sex groups of two or more, for many Rats are very social animals, and are most
there. Of course, they reasons. In the wild, rats live in immense easily socialized with humans when they
are often greatly misun- colonies, and naturally need and enjoy the are young. Therefore, it is important in
derstood—many people company of other rats. They groom each their social development to have contact
continue to associate them other,sleep together and play together.No with humans from almost the moment
with the kind of rats you’d amount of human attention can replace they are born. Not only should breeders
find in a city sewer. the company of another rat.Therefore, pet and pet store employees handle or interact
However, domesticated rats are as differ- rats are better off with at least one other with the rats at least once a day, they
ent from wild rats as labrador retrievers for companionship. should also allow you to have direct con-
are from wolves! Even animal lover Jack It is also believed that pet rats fare tact when visiting. In many cases, the
Hanna says that rats are the nearest thing better emotionally when kept in groups, best way to choose a pet rat is to allow
to a dog you'll find in a small mammal! which not only keeps them happy, but the rat to pick you! The most social rats
Times are changing,and rats are becoming healthy, too! Single rats often seem to be make the best pets of all. Just be sure
very popular as household pets. more easily stressed and can be more that your hands are clean—the rats
Sadly, compared to other companion prone to disease—some rats can even may detect food scents and try to bite
animals, there is still not a whole lot of develop behavioral problems or neurotic (thinking it is a morsel,not to be mean),or
information out there on rats as pets— tendencies when kept alone. Since caring may smell another animal and become
accurate or otherwise. Hopefully, this for two rats is no more difficult than caring very frightened.
brochure will help you learn the basics of for one,and the extra cost is nominal com- Most human illnesses are not trans-
proper care for these wonderful little pared to the benefits of having two mitted to rats (strep throat is one excep-
rodents. I also hope to help you find the together, there really is no reason not to tion), but it’s better to be safe than sorry.If
perfect supplies and accessories to give get two or more. As long as you give them you are ill, avoid the pet store until you are
your rats the best possible life. I have used attention individually, they will each bond feeling better.
many of these products myself, and highly with you—in fact, many people believe
recommend them. that keeping two rats actually helps them HOW TO PICK UP A RAT
Though greatly abbreviated, the bond to you more easily. When picking a rat up, you should never
information contained in here should Though it is very possible to introduce grab him or her by the tail. This is
help anyone get started, and point you in a new rat as a companion for a single rat,it very uncomfortable to them,
the right direction to find the facts you is much easier to get both at the same makes them feel
time, preferably from the same litter, as unsafe, and does
NOTE they have grown up together and not help in
Many of the products mentioned in this already know each other. Debbie
resource are only available in the United
States. Please check with local resources to Ducommun has written an excel-
determine what is available to you. lent article about introducing rats,is always better. I prefer 2 cubic feet per mend a variety of surfaces for them to
rat. I always recommend that people walk on. In my cage, I only have one level
purchase or construct the largest cage covered with vinyl carpet runner. The
they can afford. ramps and balconies are left uncovered.
Wire cages are by far preferred. They
offer superior ventilation, plenty of climb- BEDDING
ing opportunities, and better flexibility for It has been found that both cedar and pine
modification and “decorating.” Space shavings are NOT acceptable as bedding
between wires should be between 1/2” x for rats, mice and other pocket pets.
1/2” (for babies) and 1” x 2” (for adults). Studies have shown that exposure to the
Some good cage manufacturers include: phenols in cedar and pine (the chemical
that makes them smell nice) can cause res-
their socialization. Tails have also been • Martin’s Cages piratory difficulty, as well as liver and kid-
known to break off or lose skin with Tel 888.451.2234 ney damage. A list of published articles is
improper handling. Skin that has come off www.martinscages.com available on www.ratsrule.com. With so
the tail cannot be reattached, nor will the many better,safer products on the market,
tail grow back.Amputation of the tail tip is • Fern Cage Manufacturing Company there is no longer any reason to use these
often required.You should always pick up a Tel 562.696.5969 soft wood shavings as bedding. Some
rat around its middle, and then support Fax 562.696.0905 alternatives are listed in the box below.
their feet with your other hand or your www.ferncage.com
body. This makes them feel very secure, CLEANING
and reduces the chance of someone drop- • The Ferret Store Cages should be cleaned at least once a
ping them if they squirm. Rats that are www.ferretstore.com week in a home setting.Depending on the
regularly lifted by their tails tend to harbor size of the cage,ventilation,and number of
a distrust of humans, and may not make Some people believe that wire-floored rats,cages may need to be cleaned more or
the best pets. cages need to be covered to protect rat less frequently. A rat cage should never
feet from developing a condition known as smell,as they are very clean animals.If the
Husbandry bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis). cage smells, it is because it is overdue for a
The environment pet rats live in is very This is not actually true. Bumblefoot is cleaning. Rat urine creates ammonia
important. Rats have a few special needs actually caused by a number of factors, fumes, so a dirty cage leads to an
compared to some other pocket pets, such including genetics, body weight, improper unhealthy build up of ammonia.
as hamsters or gerbils, but they are easily pressure, and cage cleanliness. I recom- Though cages can be cleaned with a
accommodated with a little knowledge
and common sense. SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO CEDAR AND PINE BEDDING
CAGES • Care Fresh - reclaimed paper pulp product
• Sani-Chips - heat treated aspen pellets
800.242.2287 • www.carefresh.ca
A hamster cage or Habitrail is NOT an PJ Murphy Forest Products
800.631.1936 • www.pjmurphy.net
acceptable home for a rat. Such habitats • Yesterday’s News - recycled paper product
Canbrands International
are far too small and offer poor ventilation. 800.267.5287
• Critter Country - grass fiber pellets
Mountain Meadows Pet
Glass aquariums are acceptable,but do not 800.752.8864 • www.mtnmeadowspet.com
• Bio-Flush - paper-based, contains baking soda
offer the same ventilation as a wire cage, Ampro Industries
• Cell Sorb Plus - paper-based
so must be cleaned more often to avoid 800.482.3130
Fangman Specialties
harmful ammonia buildup. A cage should • Aspen - shavings or pellets available from many sources
513.752.4500 • www.cell-sorb-plus.com
offer a bare minimum of 2 cubic feet for • Alfalfa pellets - green rabbit food pellets
• Small Pet Eco-Bedding - crinkled brown paper
one to two rats—about the equivalent of Ranpak Corp.
Rats can’t digest it, so they won’t eat it.
Readily available from many sources.
a 20-gallon long aquarium,but more room 800.RANPAK.7 • www.ranpak.comcommercial pet cage cleaner, sometimes carrier, a Cabin Kennel is specifically • Harlan Teklad
the fumes from these types of products designed for pocket pets like rats, ferrets Tel 608.277.2070 • Fax 608.277.2066
can cause respiratory problems. It is rec- and chinchillas. The Cabin Kennel is also www.harlan.com
ommended to clean the cage with warm airline approved, should the need arise to Available at www.rat-store.com
water and a mild soap, rinsing thoroughly. bring your pet on a plane trip. Cabin
Other safe products include Critter Fresh, Kennels are made by Doskocil. • L/M Animal Farms
NilOdor, and Simple Green. A very diluted Tel 800.322.5623
bleach solution is also acceptable. • Doskocil Square Meal (wheat-based)
Household cleaners, such as Windex, Tel 800.433.5185
Fantastik,etc.,should never be used due to Fax 817.472.9810 • Purina Mills or Mazuri
harmful fumes. Tel 800.227.8941 • Fax 314.768.4894
One more accessory a pet owner might Lab Diet for rodents or Rodent Pellets
ACCESSORIES AND TOYS consider is a Pet Corrall, which can provide www.mazuri.com
Rats need to be stimulated mentally, as a safe playspace, and not ruin any furni- www.labdiet.com
they are very intelligent creatures.Toys can ture. Pet Corral, and the larger version, the
range from bird toys to something as sim- Grrreat Wall, are manufactured by Other lab blocks available via retail:
ple as cardboard tubes. My rats enjoy PVC Milestone Innovative Products. I have a • 8-1 Plus Advanced Nutrition Diet for Rats
tubes, purchased at a hardware/ home Grrreat Wall, and I love it! & Mice. I have never tried this brand, so I
improvement store for about $3.00 each. can't comment on it.
Ferret litter pans and terra cotta or plastic • Milestone Innovative Products
flower pots can make great sleeping spots. 11823 Lindblade Street • Kaytee FortiDiet for Rats & Mice
I have also made hammocks out of wood Culver City, CA 90230 I have used this brand, and found it to be
dowels and scrap fabric, and tossed empty Tel 888.391.3555 the most unpopular of the lot, as have
tissue boxes into the cage. many other rat owners nationwide,
Some rats enjoy exercise wheels, but Nutrition though it is the most widely available.Corn
usually only the females, and only if they Hamster and gerbil mixes, rabbit food and is the main ingredient, and Ethoxyquin is
have been exposed to a wheel at a young cat food are NOT acceptable as rat food. used as a preservative. For the record,
age. I personally have yet to get one of my Hamster mixes do not contain complete ethoxyquin is NOT approved for human
boys to use a wheel, but all rats are differ- nutrition, and often feature fatty seeds consumption in the US. I personally won't
ent. Of course, since a rat is bigger than a and nuts.Rabbit feed is made from alfalfa, feed anything to my rats that I can’t eat
mouse, hamster or gerbil, they need a big- which rats cannot digest.Cat food contains myself.
ger wheel.Wodent Wheels are made espe- far too much protein,which will cause coat Some dog kibble is fine for babies and
cially for rats, and come in multiple sizes, problems, especially for males. nursing mothers, as it helps the babies
depending on the size of the rat. Wodent The best nutrition for rats is in the form grow, and helps mom retain her strength
Wheels are manufactured by Transoniq. of a Lab Block. It has all of the daily while nursing.I have also found that adults
requirements a rat needs.Some of the best do just as well on light dog foods (for
• Transoniq brands are listed below. Be sure to choose senior or overweight dogs). The best dog
www.transoniq.com/wodent.html a block that does not have corn as its first food brand for rats that I have found is
Tel 503.277.6848 ingredient; soy- or wheat-based blocks are Nutro’s Natural Choice Lite, which has
preferred. I have also used Owxbow's low protein (14%) and is lamb- and rice-
Another accessory that really should be Rodent Maintenance Formula, which based (not corn). In general, the protein
a must for all rat owners is a carrier for seems to go over very well -- much better content of a rat’s diet should not exceed
transportation to the vet. I have taken my than most lab blocks. It contains no corn, 25%. Below 18% is best for adult males.
rats to the vet in cardboard boxes, plastic and has the same protein content of Nutro Some rats are more sensitive to protein
terrariums and glass aquariums, but noth- Natural Choice Lite. than others. Other good dog foods include
ing beats my Cabin Kennel.Similar to a cat Wellness Senior and Innova Senior.Seed mixes formulated for rats and TREATS Health Concerns
parrots are fine as a supplement to the Of course, eating lab blocks and grains all I don’t have enough room to cover every
staple diet,but should not be the sole diet. the time can be incredibly boring. Rats medical condition rats can face, but there
These mixes often contain items that go to relish their treats! As omnivores, they will are two major concerns that one should
waste, such as alfalfa pellets and tiny eat almost anything, but it is always best watch for—respiratory problems and
seeds. They also do not provide complete to give them healthy treats such as fresh parasites. I’m going to cover a few of the
nutrition, and contain a lot of seeds and fruits (blueberries, grapes) and vegetables major symptoms to look out for, and make
nuts that are high in fat, which can cause (carrots, broccoli), cooked pasta with no suggestions of what you can do.
obesity and protein problems (where the sauce (they love it!), instant oatmeal, dry I am not a vet or an expert on rat
rat will become itchy, and scabs will cereal and other healthy goodies. I also health care, but I have had first-hand
develop). recommend wheatgrass, which can be experience with these conditions, and
If you would like to know what I feed purchased as PetGrass, or grown from have conversed with both my veterinarian
my own rats, feel free to take a look at my seed. Commercial treats are fine in small and an internationally-recognized lay-
recipe at www.ratsrule.com/diet.html. I quantities, but fresh foods are generally expert on rat health, Debbie
feed them a combination of Nutro's better for them. I sometimes also bake Ducommun. A good source for
Natural Choice Lite dog food, Oxbow special treats for my rats. more in-depth information
Maintenance (when available) and a Small items—such as Rice Krispies, about rat health is her book,
homemade grain mix. Debbie Ducommun Cheerios, roasted unsalted soy nuts and Rat Health Care. More infor-
also has a complete homemade diet fea- rolled oats—make excellent training aids. mation about this valuable
tured on the Rat Fan Club web site which Rats love them,and they are small enough resource is listed in the
offers balanced nutrition. The RMCA also to eat quickly. In addition, the animal will Suggested Reading sec-
has its own homemade diet.Both diets are not get full too quickly,so training sessions tion. As always, consult a
linked from my diet page, listed above. can last longer. veterinarian in all medical matters
One product that offers acceptable when it comes to your pets.
WATER commercial treats is Vitakraft. Two prod-
Rats should have access to fresh water at ucts of theirs that are very popular with RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
all times, supplied in a water bottle. A rats are the yogurt drops (any flavor) and The most common health problems in
bowl can be tipped and soiled by urine, the Cheese Wedges. rats are often respiratory in nature. All
feces and bedding, so a hanging, on- pet rats have the bacteria mycoplasma
demand water bottle works best. The • Vitakraft Pet Products Co. pulmonis in their system, though it can
water should be refreshed every few days, Tel 732.560.7400 remain dormant and show no symptoms.
and the bottle should be cleaned well each Fax 732.560.7499 Active myco can be triggered by environ-
time the cage is cleaned. www.vitakraft.de ment (cedar or pine bedding, drafts, air
In the summer, two or more bottles Cheese Wedges and Yogurt Drops fresheners, cigarette smoke, etc.) and
should be maintained, if possible. Store secondary bacterial or viral infections
unused, full bottles in the refrigerator, and Another manufacturer of yogurt drops (SDA or Sendai). If left untreated, these
switch them throughout the day. Rats can is Eight In 0ne.They make Yogies,which are secondary infections can lead to pneu-
only release excess body heat through available in a variety of flavors. My boys monia and, ultimately, death. The most
their tails, so they can become overheated prefer peanut butter and cranberry, which obvious symptoms of most respiratory
fairly quickly. If a rat does happen to go are marketed as ferret treats. Why they illnesses (whether viral or bacterial in
into heatstroke, he can be given an elec- don’t make “rat”flavors is beyond me. nature) can include:
trolyte drink (I recommend Pedialyte • Wheezing or noises while breathing
because it has less sugar than sport drinks) • Eight In One Pet Products, Inc. • Excessive sneezing
to help recover.You can also immerse him www.eightinonepet.com • Red discharge around nose and eyes
in lukewarm water, and promptly dry him “Yogies”Yogurt Drops (aka porphyrin staining)
with a towel.Advanced symptoms may include: diet or a bacterial infection, so check these taken lightly, by any means. Breeding any
• Labored breathing or gasping possibilities first before treating for para- animal responsibly means making an
• Lethargy sites. Some symptoms may include: effort to improve the species as a whole,
• Drop in body temperature • Excessive itching not just to make more animals.This partic-
• Disinterest in food or water • Scabs or hair loss from scratching ularly applies to rats.If you are considering
• Loss of coordination • Visible nits on hair shafts (lice) breeding, it is important to know rat
• Noticeable weight loss genetics, have a breeding goal that
The best treatment for parasites is a involves improving the species, mentor
If your rat exhibits any of these symp- visit to the vet for an oral or topical iver- with a reputable breeder, and start with
toms, it should be treated with antibiotics mectin prescription. Though ivermectin good breeding stock from a reputable
from a vet. Observe the other animals in can be injected, it is easy to overdose, and breeder. Pet store rats are NOT breeding
the cage for similar symptoms—sec- an accidental overdose can be fatal.I prefer material. You need to know the health
ondary infections are often contagious. It to apply the injectable liquid topically; just and temperament history of your rat's
is often advisable to treat all of your rats at a drop between their ears, which they will line, going back several generations,
the same time. I don’t recommend sepa- groom and ingest. Another ivermectin including extended family, before you
rating ill rats from the rest of the colony. alternative is an oral dose of a horse think about breeding him or her. Breeding
Most illnesses are airborne, so every rat in wormer that goes by the names is a monumental responsibility, and
the house has already been exposed.It also Equimectrin or Zimectrin. Dosage is a blob requires a lot of dedication and hard think-
creates additional stress, which can hinder about the size of an uncooked grain of ing before you begin. Blue Velvet Rattery
the healing process. rice, once a week for two to three weeks. has a very good article entitled, "Should I
This can be tricky, as the horse wormer is Breed My Rats?" at www.feycat.net/blue
A WORD ABOUT ECHINACEA often not evenly mixed, so a vet check is velvet/breed_rats.html
While echinacea, an herb extracted from preferred. Flea powders should never be
the purple cone flower, can’t cure existing used, as they are far too dusty, and can Separating the Sexes
respiratory problems in rats, it may help irritate a rat's delicate respiratory system. When baby rats are a mere five weeks old,
prevent secondary infections by boosting Shampoos will only kill the adults, and they are ready to reproduce. Therefore,
the immune system, as it does in humans. does not stay in the system long enough to males should be separated from the litter
Capsules can be mixed with food, or chil- affect the eggs as they hatch. as soon as they are weaned from the
dren’s flavored liquid echinacea (alcohol- mother (about 4 to 5 weeks of age), and
free) can be given. Rats should receive Breeding should be kept separated from the females
about 1/10 the human dose (about a drop Female rats should not be bred from until at all times.This will prevent the accidental
a day), and should not be given the herb they are at least three months old. There pregnancies (which seem to occur at an
for longer than 5 to 7 days at a time, should be a space of at least two months alarming rate in pet shops). Many of
which can weaken its effectiveness. I between litters (starting after the last lit- these young rats are far too young and
must reiterate that echinacea is NOT a ter is weaned), to allow the mother to underdeveloped to healthily support an
cure for anything. It only acts to boost the regain her strength after bearing and unborn litter,as they are not yet full-grown
immune system. nursing a litter. Lastly, each female should themselves.Likewise, the mother is far too
not be bred more than two or three times weak to support an unborn litter so soon
EXTERNAL PARASITES in her lifetime. A female comes to the end after weaning the previous litter, should
Though not as common as respiratory of her breeding cycle at about 18 months one of her sons get her pregnant.
ailments, external parasites, such as lice of age, so it is not a good idea to breed her Separating a litter by gender after wean-
and mites, can occur in rats. Rat parasites after that time.Litter sizes will decrease as ing is in the best interest of the health of
are species-specific, so humans and other her fertility wanes, and there could be these young rats and their mother.
household pets cannot get them from an complications. Once rats reach 3 weeks of age, it
infested rat. Scratching and hair loss can should be pretty obvious which are male
also be caused by too much protein in the Breeding, however, is not something to be and which are female (though it can bedetermined sooner, with experience). The • Rat Health Care • Rat Fan Club Forum • Sue Meredith
males’ testicles will be visible—though by Debbie Ducommun. 1995-2003 www.goosemoose.com/rfc
they can pull them inside at will, especially Retail Price: $5.00
if they are nervous or frightened. Females A must-have for the library. If it saves one • Rat Palace Forum • Christy Mesker
should have visible nipples on their bellies. vet visit, it has paid for itself. Available at: www.ratpalace.com
The best thing to do is compare a few until www.ratfanclub.org, www.rat-store.com
you find two that are different, and then or www.rat-alog.com. RAT CLUBS
it will be easy to tell who is what. The Clubs are a great way to meet other rat
diagram below should help. SUGGESTED WEB SITES folks, keep up to date on innovations in
• RatsRule.com health care and products, and get to know
DETERMINING THE SEX OF BABY RATS www.ratsrule.com people all over the world. These national
clubs are highly recommended.
• Rat Fan Club
www.ratfanclub.org • Rat Fan Club (RFC)
www.ratfanclub.org
• Rat & Mouse Club of America $25 per year, includes RFC membership
© Rat Fan Club. www.rmca.org and subscription to The Rat Report.
• Rat Palace • Rat & Mouse Club of America (RMCA)
www.ratpalace.com www.rmca.org
For More There are also local chapters of the RMCA.
Information • RodentFancy
The resources listed in this section are www.rodentfancy.com • American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association
wonderfully valuable sources of informa- (AFRMA)
tion about pet rats. I highly recommend ONLINE RAT FORUMS www.afrma.org
reviewing them and keeping them handy Forums are a wonderful way to converse $25 per year,includes AFRMA membership
for future reference. with other rat enthusiasts and get advice and Rat & Mouse Tales subscription.
quickly.You can ask questions related to rat
SUGGESTED READING care,tell stories about their antics,and talk • Rat & Mouse Fanciers for Excellence (RMFE)
• Rats! A Complete Care Guide to other people who have the same inter- www.rodentfancy.com/rmfe/
by Debbie Ducommun. Bowtie Press, 2002 ests. I am active in both forums listed $20 per year (under 18 is $10), includes
ISBN # 1889540714 • Retail Price: $9.95 below. All are very friendly and supportive RMFE membership and Rat & Mouse Fancy
The most complete book available on rats places to visit, and are safe for all ages. Report subscription.
as pets.Every rat owner should have a copy!
Acknowledgments
BIBLIOGRAPHY 2000 (periodical, out of circulaton). • Member of the Rat & Mouse Club of America (RMCA).
• Ducommun, Debbie.Rats! A Fun and Care Book. Irvine, • Member of the Rat Fan Club
CA: Bowtie Press, 1998. ABOUT THE AUTHOR • Moderator of Rat Fan Club Discussion Forum
• Ducommun,Debbie.Rat Health Care. Chico,CA:The Rat Sue “Suebee” Meredith is a devoted rat person (www.goosemoose.com/rfc)
Fan Club, 1995 - 2000. who would like to see every rat owner and pet store • Active in Rat Palace Forum (www.ratpalace.com)
• Ducommun,Debbie. The Rat Report. Chico,CA:The Rat receive the information they need to properly care for
Fan Club, 1992 - 2003 (periodical). pet rats. She has had pet rats since April 1996, and SPECIAL THANKS TO:
• Horn, Angela and Antonia Swierzy. Why Rats Need learns more about their care every single day. She has Debbie Ducommun, a.k.a.The Rat Lady, Dr. Carolyn
Company. London: Blackstaff Rats, 1997. www.geo also consulted with veterinarians and experts in prepa- Orr, DVM, Jen (and Jake & Elwood), John, my hus-
cities.com/Heartland/Estates/3636/company.html ration for this brochure. Sue’s rat-related web site is band, and all my Rats, past, present and future! And, of
• Isaaksen, Mary Ann, ed. Rat & Mouse Gazette. located at www.ratsrule.com. Some of the organiza- course, to all my fabulous Internet rat-friends who
Fitchburg, MA: Rat & Mouse Club of America, 1999 - tions she participates in include: always keep me on my toes and learning.
©2000 Sue Meredith/Suebee’s World/Suebee Designs. Copy permission is given for distribution to pet stores and personal or educational purposes.You can also read
