How to Care for Pet Rats
Rats are very sociable and it's a good idea to keep a pair of them where possible. Choose two males or two females so that they don't breed. If they're from the same litter, they are less likely to fight. Rats can be territorial so be careful when introducing them to one another and be ready to split them up.
Food and Water
Rats eat a variety of different foods. You can buy prepared rat food make sure it is of a good quality and has cereals and protein you can fresh fruit and vegetables to vary their diet every now and again. Do not give your rats meat or kibble, this can make them aggressive and no chocolate it will make them ill. After you have had your rat for a while you will soon see what treats it favours, mine loved popcorn and Yorkshire puddings!! Make sure that your rat always has access to fresh clean water, a water bottle is easy to manage but make sure it doesn't get blocked.
Accommodation
Rats are very active and love to scamper about so they will need as big an enclosure as possible, with plenty of ventilation. Rats like to build nests so need bedding materials shredded paper is good, ( you may have a shredding machine in you office) avoid anything nylon or cotton wool as this can be dangerous if they ingest it. You can cover the floor of your enclosure with wood shavings or shredded paper.
Make sure that your rat's enclosure is away from draughts and direct sunlight and that they have a secure nesting box or somewhere to hide. A good cage will have different levels for them to run about in. You can place twisted ropes looped across from side to side of the cage which is good, along with branches from an apple tree. Cardboard tubes are a good idea they will shred them and put them in their bedding. If your cage has a wire floor, cover it with vinyl flooring, it will protect the delicate pads on their feet and prevent sores.
Exercise
Rats need regular exercise so that they don't get bored but check that your rat can't escape through holes or windows in your house when they are out of their enclosures. Make sure you keep them in one room, less chance of escaping. They are very sociable with their owners and will fall asleep up your sleeve or in your jumper, I have had quite a few in the past nibbled by them so be careful, make sure it isn't your best jumper.
Cleaning
Rats will groom and clean themselves but you need to clean your rat's enclosure every week. Make sure that you keep their preferred areas for food clean along with their water bottle. They do not smell and are very clean pets to keep. They do not mix their toilet areas with their food areas. Check their tail as well if they are out of their cage a lot it can look grubby, just clean with soft cotton wool in warm water, no human detergents or shampoo, they are too strong.
Handling
You must try and handle your rat everyday so it gets used to you. Always be calm and confident. To pick up your rat, scoop them up from under their tummies and just hold them securely, once they are used to you they do not struggle. I have had several rats and have never been bitten, licked a lot but never bitten, this makes them the perfect pet for young children who can be trusted to learn to look after.
If you have a single rat you must interact with them every day, they can get a bit depressed if left on their own too long.
Health
Their general health is good, you will know if you pet rat feels off colour, they can go very quiet and not come out when you call them? Check for skin complaints they can pick up mites or fleas. As they get older they sometimes get skin tumours, these are generally just under the skin and are usually harmless fatty tissue, but always get your Vet to check them out as soon as you notice them. They can sometimes be left and do no harm to your pet.
If their claws get a bit too long and are scratching you, just nip the ends off with nail clippers. Do not take too much off as they will be painful and bleed, if you are unsure take your rat to the vets, where the nurse will do it for you.
