Rats truly have an undeserved bad reputation, as nasty, disease carrying rodents. If you can overlook the stereotype, I’ll show you how to make one into a fantastic pet!
Why a rat? In today’s world, many people do not have the space or yard for a dog or cat. A bird in a cage is loud and messy, and frankly, would rather fly away. Mice, gerbils and hamsters are not evolved enough to bond with humans, and snakes would eat you if you were small enough to fit inside their mouth. A rat, considered to be snake food by many, is quite possibly the perfect pet. Why?
Rats are smart, cute and clean. When you walk into the room, a pet rat takes notice, and stops what he is doing to say hello. A rat is easy to feed, consuming many common foods and seeds. A rat uses its tiny hands to grasp fingers and food, which is fun to watch. Rats are inexpensive, and easy to care for.
Where do I find a pet rat? You will need to purchase a domesticated rat, preferably hand-raised. Pet stores carry the usual variety, gray and whites (hooded), and solid white. The cost varies from $2 for a feeder rat, to $10 for a pet rat baby. If you’d like something more exotic, find a breeder. They specialize in the unusual, from Dumbo-eared rats to hairless rats.
What does a pet rat need?
Before you buy your pet rat, you’ll need to set up its cage. The rule of thumb is to get the biggest and best rat cage you can afford. Buying the cage will be the largest expense you should incur, so be generous. Your friend will appreciate the space, bells and whistles in his fancy new home. The cost of a deluxe cage starts at about $70. It should be made of a small wire, sturdy enough that your rat will not be able to bend it, and with slats small enough that he cannot put his head through and escape. It’s for his own protection that he stays in his cage, away from predators and household dangers. So, make sure that the door to the cage has a strong latch; otherwise Sparky will use his tiny hands to open it and go sightseeing. Also choose a cage with a removable bottom tray, to make cleanings a snap!
Any pet store or discount center offers a choice of rodent bedding. I prefer wood chips. Any substance that is made to absorb odor should work, and you can experiment with different varieties, to find the one you like best. Place about one inch of bedding on the bottom of the cage.
Next, you’ll need to buy a water bottle. The standard hanging variety can be found at most stores for around $2.00. Rats drink a lot of water, so you’ll want to make sure the bottle is clean and full at all times.
You’ll want a sturdy dish to hold seeds, nuts and other small treats. Sparky will appreciate these goodies when you are asleep, and he gets the munchies.
Rats are nocturnal, which means, like the band Slaughter, they’ll be “up all night and sleeping all day.” (Unless, of course, playing with you is an option; Sparky always chooses playtime over sleep).To keep your buddy in good physical condition, you can purchase a rat exercise wheel. Make sure it’s large wheel, made specifically for rats. A smaller wheel will not accommodate the rat's long tail, which might result in injury to your friend. Some rats run on wheels, some do not. It’s a rat thing.
Of course, rats need plenty of healthy foods. You can buy a prepared rodent diet mix at any pet store. Create variety by adding fresh fruits and vegetables everyday. Most rats love carrots and lettuce!
Set the cage in a room that has plenty of indirect sunlight, and where you plan on spending time everyday. Don’t lock Sparky up in a dark pantry, let him see you! Put him where the action is. Make sure he isn’t in front of a radiator, or in the direct sunlight, and gets lots of ventilation and fresh air to breathe.
What kind of rat do I choose? Well, they are all cute! First, decide if you want to save a life by buying a feeder rat, or if you would rather have an exotic rat from a breeder. Either way, you’ll want to handle the rat in the store before you purchase it. While older rats can make fine pets, starting with a baby is recommended. Look for one that has clear eyes and is inquisitive and playful. Make sure his coat is healthy, and that his feet, tail and ears are free of sores. Does he like to be held? If so, he’s probably your new rat!
Should I choose a male or female rat? That’s your choice. But, unless you’d like hundreds of rats to play with, you should choose a male, a female, two males, or two females. It’s just as easy to care for two rats as it is for one, and two rats are twice the fun! They play together all night, and pile atop each other when they sleep. Two girls is good, two boys are good. Boys are much larger than females, and are said to be more relaxed, more sedentary. My experience is that every rat is different, regardless of sex. Some like to run and play, while others prefer to sit and be stroked.
Males may urinate more than females, so you might consider that while choosing your rat.
Taking Your Pet Home
You’ve chosen your new pal (or pals) and are taking them home with you. The pet store will put the rat into a box for the trip. Leave Sparky in the box, even if you are tempted to hold him. He might be nervous and could bite. The bite wouldn’t hurt you. But why take chances? Better to leave him in his carrier, until you get home and he is sure you are his friend.
What happens when I get Sparky home? Take your rat out of his box and put him in his cage. Sometimes rats need a few hours, or even a day, to adjust to the change. If the rat is alone, you can give him an old sock or washcloth to sleep in. If you bought two rats, they’ll be investigating their new home!
How do I interact with my new pet rat?
There are many things you can do!
You’ll want to handle your pet rat everyday, for at least thirty minutes.
You can hold him in your hand, and let him climb up to your shoulder. Most rats love to ride around up there!
He might crawl through your sleeves, or hide in your pocket.
Give your buddy snacks, and let him eat out of your hand. I promise, he won’t bite! Rats love almost all fruits and vegetables, seeds and grains. Experiment with healthy foods, but don’t give salty snacks, or junk food. Just like humans, rats need to fill their fuzzy bellies with nutritious fare.
Pet your rat, and gently scratch his nose and ears. Rats love to be handled!
Make a chirping sound, and he’ll chirp back. It’s your secret language!
Give your pal a name, and use it when addressing him. He’ll learn quickly.
You can bathe Sparky in the sink if he starts to smell a little cagey. Just hold him in one hand, and wash with the other. Use gentle, baby soap, and work quickly. (Rats don’t usually care for baths). When he rinsed, wrap him in a nice warm towel, and he’ll forgive you for the assault.
Anything else?
Clean your rat’s cage weekly, replacing the soiled bedding with new. You should wash your pets dish everyday, and rinse the water bottle daily, filling it with fresh water. Each day, make sure you remove any uneaten fresh foods from the cage.
Some special notations about rats: My rats do not like to be outside, and it’s no wonder. There are so many predators out there in the big world; Ratty wants the safety of four walls. Even if you purchase a rat harness and leash, make sure your pal is safely inside a secure cage, anytime he is outside. He doesn’t care for the sun, or the thought of being a snack for the first cat or bird that sees him.
Finally, love your rat! He’s cute, he’s funny, and he loves you, too!