Information

Rats can be found in nearly any part of the world except those of cold weater such as the land near the South and North poles. The two common rats are the brown and the black rats. These rodents have made it around the world by ship and land.

Rats live in small areas and store food. If there becomes a shortage of food the Rat will travel in hope to find more.

Rats are excellent climbers and use there tail as a "third leg" that can assists them in climbing. Rats can jump up to 75cm and are excellent swimmers as the can stay below for three miniutes. Some scientists belive that the Rat is more intellegent as the cow, horse and some dogs.

Rats learn from expericence and other Rats expereince. If a rat sees another dead in a trap, it will aviod all traps from then on.

 RAT FACTS:

Species - norvegicus

Genus - Rattus

Average Life - 3 years

Maximum Life - 5 years

Average Weight -

Adult - 250 - 400 grams

Weanling - 40 - 50 grams

Birth - 5 - 6 grams

Blood Pressure - 115/90

Heart Rate - 2600 - 600 beats per minute.

Types of Rats

There are hundreds of species of Rats the most common being the black and brown rat. We think of Rats being dirty sewer rodents but the majority are not.

The Brown Rat (common)-

The brown Rat has small ears, blunt nose and short hair. It is approximently 14 to 18 inches long ( with tail ) Other names for this Rat include barn Rat, gray rat, house rat and sewer rat.

 Bushy tailed woodrat -

This rat lives in the wersten United States and Canada. These rats have an interesting personality. called the "Trader rat" because this rat collects objects like stones, nails and takes it to its nest. If the rat sees something better than what its carring, it will drop the first and go off with the new one. Also called the 'Packrat'

Kangaroo Rat -

With its long hind legs this rat has the ability to jump 6 to 8 feet. An interesting fact about this rat is that it has the ability to produce water from the stashes in the seeds it eats, therefore it does not need to drink. Despite its name Kangaroo rats only live in North America

African Giant Rat -

This is the largest rat. It is between two and three feet in length ( with tail ) It lives in the tropical forest area.

Spiny Rats -

Called this because of there fur which is short, sharp, spiny bristles which keeps away predators. They live in South and Central America usually near water.

Keeping Rats

Humans have turned to hate the rat based on the amount of damage it can do. Rats are given the name to be dirty, un hygienic and carry diseases. This is not entirely true as many rats which are breed in captivity are very clean and no risk to the owner. Owing a Rat is fun, they are easy to care for with simple requirements. Like dogs a rat can become very attached to its owner and will come running up to greet you when you approach its cage. The Rat is suitable for almost any age and is in expencive to buy. A special breed will set you back about AU$15 - $30 and a common Rat (white, brown) around AU$5

Rats do not have to be kept in pairs, they do not require the company of other rats. If you do however decided to keep two or more rats make sure that they are of the same sex unless breeding will occur (You may want to breed though) Female rats are better kept together than male rats as there is minimum risk of fighting. A male rat will mark his territory by urinating on it, this may cause some conflict betweenterritory. If a fight does occur you can break it up with a towel. Be careful not to get bitten!

Rats can become the best of friends when kept together. You may see them occasionally 'play fighting' with each other. In some cases Rats have become friends with some dogs and rabbits. Rats should not be kept with other small rodents like hamsters, gerbils, mice birds or any other small animals. The Rat will fight and kill the other animal. A single rat is far most the luckiest as there is no competition for food and your attention.

Housing

Rats can be housed may different ways. Fish aquariums, bird cages, or one you can make yourself is suitable. Do not keep your rat in a cardboard box, it can only be temporarily. The minimum size for a cage

should be 16"x10"x10" mesh should be place on one or more sides to allow for good airflow. Make sure you choose a cage which is easy to clean. For bedding you can obtain small animal litter from most pet stores, sawdust, straw and shavings. If you choose to use shavings try to avoid strong pine. This can cause breathing problems in rats. Newspaper is a cheap alternative but may not be suitable. If you have a white rat he may end up a gray rat! Beside that there should be no problems. You don't have to worry about your rat eating the paper. The cage should be cleaned out on a regular basis. Included in the cage you should have a box for you rat to sleep in and to hide when scared, food bowl and water bowl/bottle. For excersie you can put in ladders, mirrors, boxes, gnawing logs, an old sock, etc..... A wheel is a great idea but not necessary if there is not enough room.

Feeding

Some rats can be 'fussy eaters' and you will soon find out what your rat likes and dislikes. Rats can eat almost any food such as fruits and vegetables, grains, seeds, breads and meats. I find it easy to have two mixtures - dry and wet mix.

* Dry mix containing - Plain cereal, seeds, bread, dog kibble, fish flakes & water crakers.

* Wet mix containing - apples, bananas, strawberries, lettuce, carrots, cucumber & tomatoes (all chopped to rat size bites)

Of course you dont need to include all of this but make sure your rat gets a balanced diet. Water is vital. A drink bottle is best, and should be replaced & cleaned around every 5 days. Milk can be given in small amounts but may cause stomach upsets. But water is ALWAYS needed. Meats can be fed to your rat but is not necessary. Small bones should be removed to prevent choking. Sugar should be kept to a minimum, a rat can become addicted to sugar.

Training

To begin you should have a name for your rat. This name will be what the rat becomes familiar with. To get the rat to come to you call its name while offering food. If you call to loudly your rat may become scared. As soon as your rat comes to you praise him with the food or a scratch behind the ears. You rat will soon get the idea and enjoy coming to you.

The best way to help with this is to take you rat to a new surrounding, such as a different room or the lawn. The rat will begin to explore from you and will run back to you when he becomes scared. Try to call you rat from his explorations, if he comes back praise him. One method you could try is to let him get a fair distance from you, then thrown a tennis ball lightly in the other direction. You rat will become startled and will come running back to you. As soon as he does, praise and comfort him so he trust coming back to you. Only try this method as a last or desperate resort, and dont do it too often or you will get a shy and scared rat!