[Bandit]

I want to have all my bases covered before I bring my rats home next month. I've had rats before but it's been awhile and I feel like I am a total noob when it comes to rats. So all advice would be helpful.

So what should I forsure have before my pair come home?

 

[Forensic]

A good cage. Check the cage calculator and make sure it's big enough. Make sure it's cleaned and pretty!

A good diet plan (lab blocks, Suebee's + dog food, etc.)

Toys + Hammocks!

A good camera.

A good vet that treats exotics (or at least know one that will treat exotics) and know who's the emergency vet in town if there is one.

 

[STUgirl55]

And if you're getting girls, get 'em fixed! 80% chance of mammary cancer if they aren't fixed, 10% if they are. Also you should get them a chew toy, and a wheel, silent spinner is best. Make sure it's at least 12 inches, and not the kind like hamsters run on, with bars, make sure it's mesh wire or plastic or they could hurt themselves!

p.s. rats love peas.

 

[Mana]

If it's mesh, they could get their toes caught... I've heard of rats (and other small animals) being injured that way.

 

[Bandit]

A good cage. Check the cage calculator and make sure it's big enough. Make sure it's cleaned and pretty!

A good diet plan (lab blocks, Suebee's + dog food, etc.)

Toys + Hammocks!

A good camera.

A good vet that treats exotics (or at least know one that will treat exotics) and know who's the eme
rgency vet in town if there is one.

I already have a vet that treats exotics. I've used her for years and she's wonderful so thankfully that will not be an issue.

Suggestions for toys? What kind of dog food should I be feeding them?


and I'm getting two boys. Should I look into getting them fixed as well or no?

 

[renay]

I've got a question about dog food to... I'm also curious as to which kind I should feed my rats, but do they actually LIKE it? I have my doubts about it, I can't see my rats enjoying it too much but maybe i'm wrong.

 

[ambernd]

you should get "nutro choice adult lite" dog food...... my rats like it

 

[Mana]

I feed my rats Nutro Natural Lite dog food. I'm not an expert on reading and deciphering ingredients lists, but it seems much better than the regular non-natural formula. And my rats love it ^_^

 

[Matt]

I've got a question about dog food to... I'm also curious as to which kind I should feed my rats, but do they actually LIKE it? I have my doubts about it, I can't see my rats enjoying it too much but maybe i'm wrong.

All of our Rats LOVE dog food.

 

[renay]

Well thats always a plus, I'll have to go and pick some up tomorrow because I've got 10$ that says its 10 X cheaper and healthier than what they're getting right now

 

[Kimmiekins]

High quality (NOT store brands, or Purina, etc) low-protein brands of dog food is best.

Most of the rescue rats that come through our doors and all of our own boys enjoy dog food. We mix it in with our Suebees (well, since we started using Suebees again).

 

[cjshrader]

If it's mesh, they could get their toes caught... I've heard of rats (and other small animals) being injured that way.

I've heard this too, but I'm not entirely sure if it's true. I had a mesh wheel for the longest time and never had any problems.

I think sometimes we all get a little over-protective of our rats. I imagine they are a lot more hardy than we believe.

(Even so, if you're buying a wheel straight up then go plastic all the way, just to be safe )

Edit: For the record, I'm very happy with Wodent Wheel (The largest size)