How to Choose a Pet Rat
Rats get a bad rap. When someone mentions the word "rat," most people think of the disease-carrying critters that roam around in sewers and trash dumps. Believe it or not, rats are not filthy animals and make great pets. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you choose a rat as a pet.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide where to get the rat. The best place to get a pet rat is at a pet shop. Don't pick up a rat off of the street. Rats from pet shops are clean and free of disease. Choose a pet rat that is about 6 weeks old, which makes it easier for you to train it. Older rats have habits that you must break and retrain.
-
2
Determine whether to choose a male or female pet rat. Male and female rats have different needs. Male rats or are more aggressive and tend to fight with each other so its best not to put two or more male rats in the same cage. Additionally, male rats tend to scent their living area, which may cause an unpleasant smell if you don't clean the cage often.
-
-
3
Set up your rat's home before you bring your pet home. Choose a cage that's large enough for a rat to live comfortably. Rats need a water bottle, food bowl, toys and sleeping area. Rats like to sleep hidden, so provide a covered area for the rat to sleep.
-
4
Keep your rat clean. Bathe your rat occasionally. They may not like it very much, but it keeps their fur clean, free of debris and smelling good.
-
5
Play with your rat. Feel free to take your rat out of the cage to play. Start off by playing with your rat in a small rat-proofed room. Remember, rats like to chew so remove electrical wires and cords. You don't want harm to come to the rat, nor do you want to replace expensive electrical equipment.
-
1
More Like This
Comments
View all 8 Comments-
mawissacee
Mar 28, 2009
...for them; unless screaming and blood is involved consider neutering them; this will take of some of their dominant behavior and will make theme scent mark less. A lone rat will be sad, imagine living in a world by yourself with just animals and no other human to talk to. Female rats scent mark as well, again, spaying them will reduce some of this. Again, this person doesn't know what they're talking about, I might as well right my own Ehow instead. -
mawissacee
Mar 28, 2009
...for them; unless screaming and blood is involved consider neutering them; this will take of some of their dominant behavior and will make theme scent mark less. A lone rat will be sad, imagine living in a world by yourself with just animals and no other human to talk to. Female rats scent mark as well, again, spaying them will reduce some of this. Again, this person doesn't know what they're talking about, I might as well right my own Ehow instead.
-
mawissacee
Mar 28, 2009
What an erroneous article. First of all, the LAST absolutely LAST place to get a pet rat is from a pet store. Pet stores get rats from rat mills, and that involves forcing female rats to pop out baby after baby without adequate resting time in between, and as a result, the doe will die prematurely as a merely a baby-making machine all her life. These rats oftentimes suffer behavioral problems from being surrounded by so many rats at once in such a small area and will most likely be less trusting towards humans. To get a pet rat, and to discourage the business of these cruel rat mills, ALWAYS buy them from a breeder (look it up in area, Google it, it's not that hard). In my case, I rescued some rats from some people who could no longer care for them. NEVER get a pet rat without a companion. Male rats will occassionally fight for dominance but what may look aggressive to us is very natural
-
Melissa Maroff
Dec 02, 2008
Excellent information for someone thinking about getting a rat. You cover all the bases, plus you dispel some of the myths. Definitely a 5 star article.
-
freelancechick
Nov 07, 2008
Pet rats are fun! My daughter's class has two and babies. But my cats would eat them if I brought any home...you should see how they watch the chipmunk that lives under the front porch!
