How to Raise Pet Rats

Rats make good pets for people willing to keep their cages clean and enjoy nocturnal animals. Many rat owners train their rats to sit on their shoulders or stay near them when they're out of their cages. They are highly intelligent, affectionate creatures that respond well to human interaction as long as their basic needs are met.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rat cage Litter for bottom (from reclaimed wood pulp waste) Bowls Toys (toilet paper rolls, bird toys)

How to Raise Pet Rats

1. Provide a large cage for your rats. Rats like company, so consider getting two rats if you can. Put bedding on the bottom of the cage: pine and cedar shavings are not recommended because they can cause respiratory problems in rats. Instead, use reclaimed wood pulp waste.

2. Have your veterinarian examine your rat when you get him and on a regular basis thereafter. Rats can have health problems just like birds, dogs and cats.

3. Give rats fresh food and water each day in clean bowls. Rats can eat a variety of food, including products made for them by pet food companies. You can supplement their diet with apples, carrots, raisins, broccoli, pasta and potatoes. Though rats love people food, avoid dairy products because they can create digestive problems.

4. Give your rats toys for entertainment. Some rats enjoy rat hammocks hung in their cages, while others like the cardboard roll from toilet paper or paper towels. They like to hide in the rolls as well as chew on the cardboard. Bird toys and cotton rope dog toys can also be fun for rats.

5. Clean your rats' cage regularly, including the food and water dishes. The bedding needs to be taken out and the bottom of the cage needs to be cleaned about every three days. Some rat cages have a slide-out bottom for easy cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Rats can be litter box trained like a cat. Talk to your vet or pet store owner for advice.