Decorative rat - care and maintenance at home

Content:

     Types of decorative rats
     Character and behavior
     How to choose and arrange a cage
     What to feed pet rats
     What other care may be required
     Veterinarian recommendations

Pet rats are intelligent and sociable rodents that are bred as pets. They are small in size, with soft fur of different colors, a long tail, and sharp teeth. Rats are well socialized and trained, and can become loyal companions for people who are willing to give them attention and care.

Types of decorative rats

Among the many rodents, the following types of rats have gained popularity:

     Dumbo (Fancy Rats). This type of decorative rats is the most common. Dumbos come in a variety of colors (from white to graphite to black) and patterns, making them especially attractive to those looking for individuality in their pet.
     Hairless. An unusual hairless species that requires special care.
     Pet Rats. This is a general name that unites various subspecies bred for home maintenance. Pet rats are often known for their friendly nature and excellent socialization.
     Selected varieties. Breeders are engaged in active selection, breeding new breeds with certain sizes, colors, ear shapes, and coat structure.
     Rex. This species is characterized by a special fur structure that gives the coat a unique curly appearance.

Researching and breeding different species of ornamental rats brings satisfaction to experienced breeders and newcomers to the world of rodents, allowing everyone to find their ideal companion.
Character and behavior

Rodents have versatile traits that shape their personality:

     Sociality. Rats are highly social creatures. They prefer to live in groups and communicate with each other using sound signals, facial expressions, and gestures.
     Intelligence. These rodents have a high level of intelligence. They easily learn various commands, can remember certain places, and recognize their owners.
     Curiosity. These rodents are curious and love to explore the world around them. They are interested and ready to explore new places, toys and objects.
     Playfulness. Play is an important part of rat behavior. They can engage in various games, both with other pets and with objects in their enclosure.
     Affectionateness. Pets can be incredibly affectionate. They appreciate attention and care from their owners and often show affection.
     Activity. Rats are energetic creatures. They need activity and physical stimulation, so games and training are necessary to maintain health and prevent stress.

Proper socialized education and care ensure the formation of positive traits in the behavior of pet rats, which makes them not only smart and inquisitive, but also loyal to their owners.
How to choose and arrange a cage

Selecting and arranging a cage for pet rats is an important step that determines the comfort of your pets. Here are some tips to help owners without experience.

 
Size

Provide adequate space for your kitty rats to be active. The minimum cage size for a pair of animals is approximately 70x50x50 cm. Make sure that the distance between the bars of the cage does not exceed 1 cm to prevent escapes.

 
Material

The preferred materials for the cage are metal and glass. Avoid plastic cages as rats may chew them. Provide good ventilation.

 
Space planning

Place platforms, ladders and houses in the cage. Rats love to climb, hide and play in hiding places. Provide swings, rope ladders, and other toys and decorative items to encourage activity.

 
Filling the cell

Add a bedding of non-chip wood, such as Hamburg noodles. It is safe and does not cause allergies. Place a water bottle and food bowl at the bottom of the cage for easy access to water and food.

 
Cleaning and caring for the cage

Regularly remove old bedding and debris, change water daily, and regularly wash drinking bowls.

 
Cage location

Place the cage in a quiet place, away from direct sunlight and drafts. Provide good visibility so your pets can observe their surroundings.
Decorative rat - care and maintenance at home - photo 2
What to feed pet rats

Proper and balanced nutrition plays an important role in caring for pet rats. Here are the basic principles of feeding.

 
Ready mixes

Use high-quality store-bought kitty rat formulas that contain all the essential nutrients.

Make sure the food is made for rats and not mice or hamsters, as their nutritional needs vary.

 
Fresh fruits and vegetables

Give your rodent fresh fruits and vegetables as an addition to the main food. Rats love apples, pears, bananas, carrots, broccoli and pumpkin.

Avoid feeding sour

fruits and citrus fruits, as they can affect the health of the pet.

 
Protein food

Animals need protein to stay healthy. Start by including boiled eggs and lean meats (such as chicken or veal) in your menu. If your pet tolerates them well, add other types of protein foods.

The basic diet can sometimes be supplemented with dog or cat food, but this should not make up the majority of the diet.

 
Grain and seeds

Give your decorative rats grains and seeds: bran, oats, millet, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. It is optimal to offer seeds in their natural form, not treated with salt or oils.

 
Lack of sweet and fatty foods

Do not give rodents sweets, salty and fatty foods, chocolate, chips and salted nuts. Limit foods rich in sugar, as this can lead to obesity and disease.

 
Access to fresh water

Always provide access to clean, fresh water. It is important to regularly check and update the water in the drinking bowl.

 
Decorative rat - care and maintenance at home - photo 3
What other care may be required

In addition to feeding and cage maintenance, caring for a pet rat includes grooming and socialization:

     Taking care of wool. If a rat has long hair, it needs to be looked after: regularly brushed and combed to avoid the formation of tangles and knots.
     Domestication and socialization. Interact with your pet often. The more you communicate with her, the stronger your connection will be.

The pet also needs veterinary supervision for regular preventive examinations and treatment of possible diseases.
Veterinarian recommendations

When it comes to caring for pet rats, veterinary advice plays an important role in maintaining their health and well-being. Here are some reasons to visit veterinarians regularly:

     Regular inspections. It is recommended that your rat be examined by a veterinarian at least once every six months. This will help you spot problems early and prevent them from getting worse.
     Vaccination and prevention. Ask your veterinarian about the possibility of vaccination and prevention of diseases that may threaten rodents, such as mycoplasmosis. Parasite prevention may also be necessary.
     Diet and nutrition. The doctor will help you create an optimal diet, including vitamins and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
     Teeth and coat care. The veterinarian can give recommendations on caring for teeth and coat, and help you choose cleaning products.
     Disease control. The doctor will tell you what symptoms may indicate health problems in the rat.
     Emergency cases. Ask your veterinarian about the signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention and what to do in an emergency.

Talking to a small animal veterinarian can help you better understand the care of your pets and ensure optimal care for your pets' health and well-being.