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Step 1
Rats are an inexpensive pet that can bring you and your family many hours of joy. But,they are not disposable pets! Just because they don't cost as much as a dog or a cat does not mean that they deserve anything less than the very best of care.
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Step 2
Pet rats can come in many different colors and patterns. Black, blue, brown, chocolate, silver, beige,pearl, cinnamon and albino (white) solid colors are common. Hooded rats normally have one color on their head that continues down their back, with the rest of their body another solid color. There is a Dalmation rat, spotted like the dog with the same name, a Dumbo rat, named for the cartoon elephant as its ears are larger at set further down on the head, a Himalayan and a Siamese rat, with color and markings like these breeds of cats, and even a hairless rat and a tailless rat! You will have a hard time deciding on your favorite! In fact, you might want two! Rats do very well in pairs.
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Step 3
Will you be a good rat parent? Rats need human interaction and time out of their cages every day. Their cages can get smelly if not cleaned out a couple of times a week. They need to be kept safe and away from a lot of noise, other family pets and all but careful, older kids. Rats have been known to nibble at little fingers (and big fingers!)waving at them through the bars of the cage, especially if they smell of food. Homes with small children need to carefully consider the location of the rat's cage in order to protect both the kids and the family's new pet from any harm.
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Step 4
You should have a good sized cage that is made especially for rodents already set up in your home before you get your rat. It is sad to see a rat live in a cramped little cage, or worse, in an aquarium. He needs room to climb, make his bed, hide food, and just hang out. The cage MUST be kept indoors, in a draft free area that is neither too hot or too cold. Your new rat will also need various accessories for his cage. Any good sized pet shop will have a good supply of rat products, and it will be fun to pick out items for your new pet's home.
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Step 5
Should you buy your rat from a pet shop or from a person who breeds rats as a hobby? A breeder takes every precaution to insure the health of his stock, will know more about the line, or family, his rats come from, and can tell you more about your new pet's background. Rats from breeders are better socialized than pet store rats, who often have known very little human touch. Breeders usually offer more colors and types than pet shops, and can give you a pedigree detailing the rat's family history. A breeder should always be available to answer any questions you may have after you take your rat home.
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Step 6
Pet shop rats are sometimes mass bred in so called "Rat Mills", and health and temperament are not considered in these places, only numbers. The less colorful or well marked rats are sold as feeder rats. Some pet shops house their male and female rats together, giving some new owners an unexpected surprise a few weeks later when they are faced with baby rats! That said, some pet shops will offer healthy, friendly rats raised by local breeders. Ask questions when you go to choose your new friend. Your goal is a robust, alert rat no matter what the source.
Comments
Delaplane said
on 5/7/2009 Thank you for the info. I've been looking into getting a rat - I nver considered the chance of unknowingly getting a pregnant rat. It sounds like a breeder is the way to go.