How To Care for Your Pet Rat

Rats are generally soft, intelligent and enjoyable pets that are a joy to be around. Although they’re generally low-maintenance but they do have some conditions to ensure they are healthy and happy. There are a variety of breeds and 40 distinct color and markings of rats. The most commonly used varieties of pet rats include:

Rat Housing

Enclosures are the primary element to keep your pet rats healthy. Blue Colored Birds  Rats can be apprehension animals So, the housing should be constructed with a strong foundation to avoid escapes. The size that is appropriate for the cage depends on the number of rats living in the same cage. The minimum enclosure size for one adult rodent is 2 feet by 2 feet and 1 foot. The floor must be made of solid either made of plastic or metal (never wire) with enough space for normal rat behavior such as burrowing nesting, exploring, or exercise.

Carefresh bedding fabrics, fleece recycled newspaper, as well as shreds of paper are all suitable substrates for pets. They should be maintained 0.5-1 inches in depth. Do not use cedar or pine that can lead to health problems due to toxic. The bedding must be cleaned regularly and changed completely 1-2 every week.

Foods for rats

Animals that are omnivores generally prefer quality pellets that include fresh fruits, vegetables, and a small amount of animal meat, such as chicken. The pet rats can be a fan of fruits, apples, bananas as well as broccoli, citrus and bok choy, endive and celery, as well as berries and peas. High-quality, veterinarian-recommended pellet diets include Oxbow and Mazuri Mouse & Rat Food.

Consuming foods that contain seeds must be avoided as they’re loaded with fat, and can result in weight gain, and are empty of vital nutrients.

Be sure to have fresh water accessible and regularly refreshed. Glass bottles are preferable over plastic bottles because they are more easy for cleaning and more prone to storing bacteria.Follow the advice of your doctor regarding foods, especially

Rat Medical Needs

As with all pets rats need to be examined by a vet at least every year. Do Birds Have Ears  Most often, the first indications of a rat suffering from illness is weight loss and a decrease in appetite. However, owners might observe variations in the stool’s quality or fatigue as well as physical signs such as bumps on the skin and hair loss. Rats can also be susceptible to respiratory illnesses which is why sneezing and a higher breathing are reasons to take your pet rat for a visit to the veterinarian.

Since they are susceptible to obesity, keeping track of the weight of your pet’s rat every week is crucial. Consult with your vet to determine the ideal weight for your pet. Apart from the obesity issue, other common rat diseases include: