[Cheesefather]

How I take care of my 4 rats! (3 girls, 1 boy)
-Cage is a double critter nation with deeper pans to fit more bedding (scatter guards work too!)
-Bedding is kiln-dried pine currently
-Food is Oxbow adult rat, 15-20g per rat per day, scattered around the cage (no food bowl)
-Two waterbottles
-Lots of hammocks, hides, baskets, and fall breakers
-If rats are aggressive, too sick, or unable to go to the vet, they are put to sleep (only when needed)
-Rats are freeroamed as often as possible, and are given things like in-shell walnuts for enrichment
-Bedding is changed weekly
-Rats are socialized and are super sweet!
-If I could do it over, I would only get rats from a reputable breeder (which there aren't that many of) to ensure they aren't aggressive and that they have minimal health problems
-They're given lots of treats! (not necessary for diet but definitely fun- Oxbow is nutritionally complete)

 

[Cheesefather]

Your care sounds perfect! Before you euthanize a rat, do some research on home remedies if your unable to visit a vet. The only other thing I’d say is to add a water bowl!

thank you!! I've tried a water bowl but it didn't turn out how I expected- this is what happened every time it got dry

 

[Cheesefather]

that was before I changed to aspen btw!! no litter anymore

 

[Cheesefather]

Haha! I’ll send you a link to the one I use! 💛

kathson Crate Dog Bowl, Removable Stainless Steel Hanging Pet Cage Bowl Food & Water Feeder Coop Cup for Cat, Puppy, Birds, Rats, Guinea Pigs 2pcs(Blue,Green) https://a.co/d/fGWI2DU

thank you!!

 

[Cheesefather]

I'm no expert and I couldn't find any legitimate studies or articles with actual sources but I would suggest doing your own extensive research on pine? There's definitely a lot of talk on it about being toxic.

I have done research!! the thing about pine being toxic is an old myth, it's toxic when not kiln-dried. however, all pine beddings sold for pets are required to be kiln-dried, which removes all of the dangerous chemicals/phenols. so pine is just as safe as aspen!! I've switched back to aspen though since it turns out I'm allergic to pine

 

[Cheesefather]

Oh, I'm glad to hear that! It's difficult sometimes to get accurate information in the rattie community.

it really is D: I know some really good breeders who answer lots of questions so if you ever need any info, ask me and I'll answer if I know or I'll ask them!!