2) Nesting box might also appear in the context of a birthing female who needs a cozy place to have her babies. But all rats need a 'safe place'.
3) General consensus is that wire floors can increase the risk of bumblefoot if not kept very clean.
4) All rats sold as pets are, in general, the same species. Rats and hamster, gerbils, rabbits, mice, etc. are a very bad idea, as rats are predators and will kill anything small than them and will attempt to attack anything bigger than them that threatens them.
5) Depends on the rat. Some are skittish, shy, and may nip. Some are loves immediately. Give them time to settle in, but don't be afraid to pick them up. Search 'forced socialization' if you end up with a skittish rat.
6) Buying pet store rats also supports the people who breed indiscriminately for feeder purposes.
7) Hammocks and tunnels are good, as are anything they can chew (that isn't pine or cedar, which can be quite bad for any animal, or painted with toxic paints, hopefully most animal toys are painted safely). Anything they can destroy seems to go over well, as well. Change things up and keep them entertained.
3) General consensus is that wire floors can increase the risk of bumblefoot if not kept very clean.
4) All rats sold as pets are, in general, the same species. Rats and hamster, gerbils, rabbits, mice, etc. are a very bad idea, as rats are predators and will kill anything small than them and will attempt to attack anything bigger than them that threatens them.
5) Depends on the rat. Some are skittish, shy, and may nip. Some are loves immediately. Give them time to settle in, but don't be afraid to pick them up. Search 'forced socialization' if you end up with a skittish rat.
6) Buying pet store rats also supports the people who breed indiscriminately for feeder purposes.
7) Hammocks and tunnels are good, as are anything they can chew (that isn't pine or cedar, which can be quite bad for any animal, or painted with toxic paints, hopefully most animal toys are painted safely). Anything they can destroy seems to go over well, as well. Change things up and keep them entertained.
