Well they are good pets because unlike hamsters and gerbils(which i do like and have owned) do not bite unless pervoked.(which i might point out is hard to do)
Rats do better in pairs or groups. Cause they need a buddy to keep them busy while you are away. even than you should play with your rats at least an hour a day.even if its just having them sit on your shoulder while your on the computer. As far as male or female its up to you both are great females like to explore while the males like to just lay around and would be content just to sit in your lap.
They are cleaner than lots of other animals too. they groom themselfs all the time. and they love baths(just dont get water in their ears)
You can train them to come when called (just like a dog).They can learn agility course's, basketball, maze's. If you can teach a dog you can teach a rat.
Rats can live in wire cages or aquarums. However wire cages are better. they have better air flow.The most important thing about the cage is the size. You dont want one too small. Cause how would you like to live in a box? any kind of cage will work too , from a large hamster cage to a bird cage.I have found that i like bird cages or ferret cages the best cause thay are bigger and you can add more things in them to keep your rat happy and active.I think big bird cages are good as long as the ratties dont learn to open doors(it can happen).The main thing with wire is make sure that he wire is not too far apart. The wire should not be more than and inch and a half apart.As the little ratties could get their heads stuck in bars.
As far as cage accessories I like are hammocks,cat balls(with bells) mini waffle balls work too,igloos or boxes (they love both),ladders,bars even bird toys work.
I like to use aquaiums for moms with new babies(so babies wont get caught in bars) or sick/hurt ratties to recover.kinda like a rattie hospital.
Food. Well with the food really anything goes, unless your little guys are picky like mine.Rats will eat just about anything.They are omnivores,meaning they eat both meats and plants. The main part of most fancy rats is Lab blocks(the best is mazuri (16% protin)). and a verity of seeds,fruits and veggies.As far as store brand rat food mixes there are a few out there that are made for just rats and mice.the one thast comes to mind is the one i feed my spoiled babies(as it is the only store bought food they will eat), it is made just for rats and mice and it is called Troppical Carnaval by Browns. and let me tell you it smells good enough to eat. It has peas's,nuts,seeds,banana's,mango's and other really good things.Fr.esh fruits and veggies are good to give too.i have even given my rats bird treats(nutra berries)
If you ever breed, be sure you are ready and have read up on what it takes to have baby rats around.Before you breed you should make sure you are ready to house however many babies might come(avergae litter is 8 - 12 but can be as big as 18),have homes reserved. and are perparied to keep any that dont place.if you breed it should be with the intent to create a better verson of the parents. health ,temperment should be first and formost thought in your mind, than can come color ears,coat.
Females come into heat every 5 days or so.Gestation is 20 -23 days average is 22 days.at birth babies are pink and blind.they will get some fuzz in about a week.eyes open around day 14.At about 3 weeks the babies will start eatting moms food.Babies are ready to go around 4 to 5 weeks, when they are weaned. after 5 weeks the babies need to be put in all male or all female groups as they can reproduse as young as 5 weeks.while you have a pregnat and nursing mother,she will need extra protin and fat.a really good thing for her and the babies is human baby soy formula and cerial.baby food too for that matter.
A rats life span is about 2 1/2 to 3 years depending on health and other out side factors. the better your care the longer they live. however if you dont know the rats historythan it is hard to judge how long you have with your pet. pet store rats are fine( as i own a few my self) but with a store rat you most of the time have no info at all on the rat not even their date of birth.I would sugest that you get your rat from a reliable rat breeder. one who cares for the health of their rats and not a feeder breeder, as yes you would be saving a life but in gernral they do not treat the rats good and feeders tend to be sickly.also watch out for "puppy mill" type breeders too i would have to lump them in with feeder breeders.as i have seen them first hand and their rats can be sickly too. so choose wisely when you get your rats and remember no question is too dumb. a good
breeder will answer any question you have.another good way to learn more is to join a ratclub like RMCA or AFRMA or email list(you can find those at yahoo groups).
In closeing i would like to say that rats are cool and fun pets and the people you get to meet are great too. i can say thanks to my rats i have met some great people and have some really great new friends! RATS RULE! back to main page