TEN TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOUR RAT

ARE THEY SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

Older children (10 years and older) can also take on the responsibility and care of domestic rats, with the cooperation and supervision of their parents. However, bear in mind that rats live an average of only two years (as do mice and hamsters), and this is something they need to be taught because it will be a painful time.

WHERE SHOULD I BUY MY RAT?

Whenever possible, rats should be purchased from an ethical breeder specialising in rats or from what are known as "new generation pet shops" which only sell rats bred by the owner of the shop itself (rats in pet shops usually come from large-scale farms). By purchasing a rat from an ethical breeder, not only will you have someone to turn to with any problems or queries, but you can be sure that your rat has been socialised, its genetics are cared for and it is at the correct weaning age.

ADOPT A RAT

If you want to adopt one or more rats, you should take a look at the shelter in your city, some of these shelters are specialised in exotic animals (those that are not dogs or cats), they have forms and specific requirements and follow up of the animals they give up for adoption. These animals are often adults or have behavioural problems (which can be worked on) or health problems, but it is a good option if you want to help an animal and give it a second chance, especially animals like rats that live such a short time. Sometimes the ethical breeders themselves have animals up for adoption because they are retired rats or were born with some kind of problem.

HOW MANY RATS SHOULD I HAVE?

The important thing in the care of domestic rats is that they are never alone in the cage because they are gregarious animals. The problem with having rats of different sexes together is that we will end up with irresponsible or unwanted reproduction, the vast majority of vets do not sterilise rats because of the sensitivity of the anaesthesia (they only do it when they are having another type of operation).

 HOW MUCH SPACE DOES A RAT NEED?

For a group of between two and six rats, we recommend a large cage of 100 × 50 × 120 with several floors, making sure that the bars are not too far apart to prevent escapes or accidents, but always making sure that they are well ventilated on all four sides. Some people set up a room for them alone and the rats live free in that room, this is another fantastic idea if the characteristics of our house allow us to do so, but we will have to protect holes, windows and cables to avoid accidents.

WHAT SHOULD I EQUIP THE CAGE WITH?

We will need to provide corner areas for them to relieve themselves, ceramic feeders, drinking bowls or bowls (the latter can get a bit dirtier), toys, hammocks, beds or caves to hide in and wooden toys that they can gnaw on, without rattles or strings (these can be swallowed or get caught in their teeth/nails).

THE WALKS

However large and varied the cage, daily excursions are essential in the care of domestic rats. They should have the opportunity to explore the protected room under supervision for several hours a day if they live in a cage and, if we want to take them out into the street to accompany us, we should get them used to carrying them on our shoulder from an early age so that there are no escapes, and always carry them with a harness specifically for rats and a leash; a small tag hanging from the harness with a contact telephone number is highly recommended.

THE TREATMENT OF THE RAT

Rats tend to be trusting and affectionate animals when they come from a home where they have been socialised. Rats from macro-farms are usually more fearful and distrustful because their socialisation is non-existent, so we must be patient and gain their trust with affection, a good option is to use food to make them trust us. We will always be careful with their treatment, although they are resistant and very flexible animals they are living beings and we must try to never be abrupt with them, do not shout at them (we will only make them fear us) and reward them every time they do something well (like going to their name or doing their needs in the right place). We will never hold them by their tail, as they are very sensitive (but we can pet them there).

THE FOOD

Rats are omnivorous, but they eat more plant food than animal food. We will always offer them a base food as natural and varied as possible, such as Reis d'Aranda natural rat food, combined with fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of animal proteins: dehydrated farm-raised insects (few, as they are very fatty), boiled/dehydrated chicken, dehydrated/boiled beef, natural yoghurt, fresh cheese, quality cat/dog food, quality wet dog or cat food (see composition of ingredients) or boiled egg.

WHEN SHOULD I GO TO THE VET?

It is advisable to go to the vet every three months for a simple check-up, always opting for a vet specialised in exotic animals. In older rats (1.5 years or more), check-ups are essential and a blood test will always be beneficial.