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Rats
Rats are normally seen as either the disease
ridden animal of the sewers, or the albino creature of the
laboratory. Many people don't think of the rat as a pet, or
even as an animal.
Information
| Care | Caging
| Links | References
Information
| Size: |
About six to eight inch long body, tail
is variable. |
| Food: |
Rat pellets are the best steady diet
for rats. Nuts, bread, cabbage, apples and raisins
for treats. Rats will eat everything, but only if
you let them. |
| LifeSpan: |
2 1/2 - 4 yrs. |
| Habits: |
Rats are the only rodent likely to come
back. They aren't interested in running away and
can be taught tricks. Many rats recognize their
name and are as close to a dog as you can get in a pet
that fits in your hand. They like mazes and games
provided food is the reward. Some strains are prone to
cancer. |
Care
The same toys and things work for rats as
for mice, but beware of plastic. Rats can easily chew
through plastic and bowls should be ceramic to prevent this.
Once a week cage cleaning is necessary.
Caging
A wire cage is good, but avoid those with
wire floors as it is bad for rodent paws. Bedding can be Aspen
or other hardwood shavings, recycled paper, or other commercial
product. Avoid Cedar and Pine shavings as they are extremely
toxic to rodents.
Other items include a water bottle, heavy
plastic or ceramic dish, and at least one hiding place. The
hiding place could be made out of wood, plastic or straw,
but be aware, whatever it is it will be chewed. Last item
is a wheel, because many rodents will spend hours running
in place. A plastic wheel is better than a metal wheel, because
if your pet slips he could break a limb by it falling between
the slats of a metal wheel.
Another item your rodent will probably enjoy
is a plastic free ball. Those are the running balls with air
slats for them to run around your house it. Just keep them
away from stairs, and don't leave them in there too long.
Links
http://www.rodentfancy.com/
-- Rodent Fancy
http://www.rmca.org/
-- Rat and Mouse Club of America
http://www.afrma.org/
-- American Fancy Rat and Mouse Society
References
Hanna, Jack w/ Hester Mundis. Jack Hanna's
Ultimate Guide to Pets. 1996.
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