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.