Random
A female rat goes into heat every
4-5 days.
Rats can get cancer, respiratory
infections, and other diseases just like people.
Bedding, Cages & Basic Homes
Cedar bedding smells good. That
smell can trigger respiratory problems and even
kill your rats. Same thing goes for Pine.
Bedding should be cleaned out as
often as needed. Generally frequent changing of
bedding and litter (every few days) and weekly
washing will keep the cages the cleanest.
Wire cages are better for rats
than aquariums. They provide better ventilation
as well as a whole world of climbing
possibilities. Martin's Cages are, in many
opinions, the best. They are well designed,
rat-tested & approved.
When it comes to cages the bigger
is usually the better. However, if it is too big
for you to move it to clean it, it might be too
big.
Scraps of fabric, shredded paper
towels and toilet paper all make great little
beds for rats.
Food, Water & Dishes
Fresh water should be available
at all times. Rinse your water bottle in hot
soapy water daily, and give it a good scrub every
week.
Food means a good basic diet for
rats.We recommend and use Mazuri lab block. Seed
diets should only be given as a treat, as the
rats don't get all their needed
nutrients/vitamins from them (they don't eat what
they don't like) and they can be very fattening.
You should supplement their diet with fresh
fruits, vegetables and healthier treats such as
cheerios.
Food dishes should be sturdy
enough that rats can not tip them. I prefer to
use the crocks that can be mounted on the wire
for cages where the residents like to bury their
food, otherwise I recommend small dog dishes.
They are cheaper and sturdier than the small
animal dishes.
Favorite Diet Supplements-
Here are just a few things I add to my ratties diets:
Treats-
Table Scraps -
Many rat owners like to feed table scraps to their
ratties. In moderation this is fine. Here are a few
favorites I share with them:
Pancakes
Rice
Bits of meat and chicken
Chicken bones
Rats & Chocolate:
Many people state that chocolate is toxic
for rats. A small amount of chocolate is safe.1
Chocolate contains Theobromine (2)
which is a bronchial dialator. Since dark chocolate
contains the highest levels of Theoromine (3)
a dark chocolate chip may help a rat with
respiratory problems. That means if your rat is congested
a bit of chocolate may help the rat to breath easier.
However chocolate is fattening, and it should never be
given in excess. We have been known on occassion
(generally special occassions) to provide our rats with a
single chocolate chip or M & M.
NEVER FEED YOUR RAT -
1- Sources: Rat & Mouse Gazette -
Chocolate & Rats by Lori Chaddock
2- Mmmmmmm, Chocolate by Sandra Beasley
3-Chemistry of Theobromine
4- International Agency for Research on
Cancer
Further Reading
Plant Foods for Human Nutrition
Toxic and antifungal growth effects on
raw and processed field bean on albino rats
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