Rats are a great addition to a family.The pet rats require a lot of attention and interaction, but they are also smart and social.Picking the right rat for you and acclimating it to its new home will set you up for success as a pet rat owner.
Step 1: Do you want a male or female?
Males and females make wonderful pet rats, but there are differences between the sexes.Males are more suited for lap pets because they are larger than females.They are more likely to stain carpets and furniture.Females prefer to run and play rather than being held.They are more prone to mammary tumors.Buying a pair of rats might be a good idea.If you decide to adopt a male and female, make sure to have your pets neutered.Female rats can become pregnant around five weeks of age, and will reproduce all year long with up to a dozen babies at a time.
Step 2: You can choose your variety.
You can bring rats into your home as pets.The domestic rat has not undergone any changes and is the most simple rat.Manx rats need more attention as they use their tails for balance and regulate their metabolisms.The big ears of the deborah rats make them friendlier than other breeds.Like hairless rats, rex rats are better for those with allergies because of their shorter fur.Information about rare rat breeds, markings and characteristics can be found on the Rat and Mouse Club of America website.
Step 3: If you're a first time pet owner, buy a baby rat.
Purchasing rats shortly after birth allows you to have more time with your new pet.You can get to know baby rats from their early days of life, even though they can require more attention.It is easier to introduce rats to each other when they are younger, so if you want more than one pet rat, this is a good idea.
Step 4: If you want to know the rat's personality, rescue an older rat.
If rats were not socialized properly as babies or came from a home where they were neglected or abused, they may have trust issues.
Step 5: A breeder with a history of producing strong lineages is a good choice.
The healthiest rats are the ones who tend to be taken the most care of.Rats are more active and engaged from a young age because they are socialized from birth.
Step 6: If you want to rescue an animal, get a rat from a reliable source.
Older, abandoned rats or rat litters are often taken in by the Humane Society and your local animal shelter.Make sure your rat's demeanor and personality match yours by spending time with it.If a rat has behavioral issues, it may have been abused or neglected.It will take patience and persistence to build trust with your new pet.
Step 7: Purchase from a pet store that sells rats.
Many pet stores keep rats as food and do not take care of them.If you are a first-time owner, you should research the stores where rats have been raised and properly cared for.
Step 8: Do you know if rats are available for adoption?
Local animal doctors know families whose rats have recently given birth and are looking for loving homes for the new babies.Breeders, rescue centers and pet stores that ethically raise healthy animals are some of the topics that veterinarians are knowledgeable about.
Step 9: Ask other rats owners what to do.
If you have friends or family members that have pet rats, reach out to them.Ask them where they got their rat, if it had any health issues, and if they would recommend a rescue shelter or pet store.
Step 10: When purchasing a rat, look for signs of illness.
Rats that are healthy should feel strong and alert.They should have a dry nose and smooth fur.Mycoplasmosis is a disease that makes rays prone to it.Wheezing or repeated sneezing are telltale signs of this condition.
Step 11: Decide if you want an aquarium or a cage.
Whether you choose a cage or an aquarium, your rat's safety and happiness are of paramount importance.Rats need at least two square feet of living space.Keeping cages away from windows and vents is important.Aquariums can become humid and provide more insulation for your pet.They need to be cleaned more often.If you choose to keep your rat in a cage, install a linoleum or cloth surface.If the bottom of the wire cage irritates your pet's feet, it may cause an inflammatory infection in the foot called bumblefoot.For cages, bar spacing should be half an inch or less for baby rats and one inch for adult rats.If you want to avoid direct sunlight, put cages or aquariums on an elevated surface.The ideal temperature for a rat is 72 F.
Step 12: Use litter made from recycled paper, aspen or Timothy hay.
Wood chips made from cedar and pine are toxic to rats and can cause respiratory infections.
Step 13: You can keep your pet hydrated with a water bottle.
Change your rat's water on a daily basis.Preservatives in tap water can cause brain damage.
Step 14: You shouldFurnish your rat's home.
Rats like hammocks made from old dish towels.hamster wheels are dangerous for rats due to their long tails, so avoid them.These won't hurt your pet's feet.
Step 15: A rat-proof playroom is needed for your pet.
Rats need at least one hour of exercise a day.One room of your house should be an open play space for your pet, but you should take precautions to make sure it is safe.All electrical cords need to be removed.Rats like to chew through and stick their noses in, so they can easily be cut.Rats can squeeze into tiny spaces, so cover all escape routes.The window cords and pillow fringes present a choking hazard.Most of the plants in the house are poisonous to rats.Rats urinate every few minutes.Put a tarp in the playroom for your rat to run around in so that your belongings don't get ruined.
Step 16: There are toys in the playroom.
Rats like to build hide-aways from old cardboard boxes, paper towels, and plastic drain pipes.They like climbing up ladders and running on exercise wheels.There are no cedar or pine chew toys.You can supervise the use of plastic toys.
Step 17: Allow your rat to get used to its new surroundings.
It will take time to get used to the sights and smells of your home.It's a good idea to let it sniff around in its cage or aquarium.For your rat to get used to you and your scent, hold him or her for about half an hour.Adults with trust issues may take longer to feel comfortable, as baby rats tend to socialize more quickly."Trust training" can help rats get used to a new environment.Give your rat a treat.The rat should approach your hand.Move your hand away after your pet eats.When your rat is hungry, this will encourage it to come to you.If you already have another pet rat, don't put your new rat in the same cage or aquarium with it.Place them in cages side by side to adjust to each other.They should be allowed to play outside their cages once they are comfortable with each other.Try to have them live together to see if they are compatible.
Step 18: Introduce your rat to others.
When introducing your rat to the rest of the family, use the same trust techniques you used to acclimate your pet to yourself.Small children should be supervised while handling rats so that they don't hold them by their tails.Don't introduce pet rats to your other pets.Allow the other animal to approach slowly with your supervision, and keep your rat in his home.An animal trainer can help supervise their initial interactions.