EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Rats are active and social animals, so they need a spacious cage. The minimum recommended cage size for two rats is 24" x 12" x 18" (60 x 30 x 45 cm), but larger is always better to ensure they have enough room to climb, explore, and exercise.
  • Recommended Cage Types:
    • Wire cages are commonly used for rats. Choose a cage with horizontal bars to encourage climbing. The spacing between the bars should be no more than 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) to prevent escapes.
    • Glass aquariums can be used but don’t offer as much ventilation and can be difficult to clean.
    • Modular cages with multiple levels and platforms can be beneficial for your rats to explore, climb, and engage in natural behaviors.
• Bedding: Rats are burrowers and will enjoy bedding that allows them to dig and nest. Use shredded paper bedding or paper-based bedding like Carefresh. Avoid cedar and pine wood shavings, as the oils can be harmful to rats.
  • Deep bedding (2-3 inches) is ideal for nesting and hiding. Rats will often burrow and make cozy nests, so ensure they have plenty of material like shredded paper, soft bedding, or hay.
• Cage Location: Place the cage in a quiet, safe area away from direct sunlight, drafts, or extreme temperatures (should be between 65-75°F or 18-24°C). Rats are sensitive to heat and should not be kept in a location where the temperature exceeds 85°F (29°C).
  • Ensure the cage is escape-proof: Rats are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.

• Balanced Diet: Rats are omnivores, so they need a balanced diet that includes protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A high-quality rat food mix (either pellets or a combination of seeds, grains, and vegetables) is the best base for their diet.
  • Pellets are better than seed mixes because they provide balanced nutrition and prevent selective eating.
  • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Offer fresh produce daily. Good options include:
    • Carrots, broccoli, spinach, green beans, peas, sweet potato, and cucumber.
    • Small amounts of apple, banana, melon, and berries can also be provided.
  • Avoid high-sugar fruits like grapes and citrus in excess.
  • Protein Sources: Rats also need protein, which can come from:
    • Cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, tofu, or beans.
    • Occasional treats of mealworms, cooked fish, or cheese are fine in moderation.
• Chew Toys & Treats: Rats need to chew to keep their teeth healthy. Offer chew toys like wooden blocks, cardboard tubes, or natural branches. You can also provide occasional treats like unsweetened popcorn or whole grain crackers.
• Fresh Water: Provide fresh water daily in a water bottle with a ball-bearing mechanism to prevent contamination. Rats drink a lot of water, so make sure it’s easily accessible at all times.

• Climbing: Rats are very active and love to climb. Provide a cage with multiple levels, platforms, ropes, and shelves to help satisfy their climbing instincts.
  • You can add wooden ladders, cat hammocks, ropes, or bridges to give them vertical space to explore.
• Exercise Wheel: An exercise wheel is beneficial to help your rats burn off energy. Make sure it has a solid surface and is the right size for your rats (generally, at least 12 inches in diameter).
• Playtime Outside the Cage: Rats need outside cage time to stretch their legs, play, and interact with you. You can create a rat-proofed play area in a safe, enclosed space or use a hamster ball for short periods.
• Toys: Rats are intelligent and love to play. Provide interactive toys like:
  • Puzzle toys to stimulate their brains.
  • Cardboard boxes or paper bags for nesting and hiding.
  • Chew toys made from safe wood, coconut shells, or ceramic items.
• Social Interaction: Rats are social animals and should not be kept alone for long periods. Always consider keeping at least two rats together to meet their social needs. They will enjoy interacting with you and can even learn tricks.

• Gentle Handling: Rats are typically friendly, affectionate, and enjoy interacting with their owners. Start with gentle handling to build trust.
  • Hold them in both hands or let them climb into your hands, and support their body to prevent stress or injury.
  • Treats and positive reinforcement help rats associate handling with rewards and reduce any fear.
• Bonding Time: Spend time with your rats daily. You can let them sit on your shoulder, walk around with you in a safe space, or play with them in an enclosed area. Cuddling and petting also help reinforce bonding.
• Training: Rats are very intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks like:
  • Coming when called
  • Learning to sit
  • Walking on a leash (using a rat-specific harness).
  • Use clicker training or positive reinforcement (treats) to teach them tricks.

• Grooming: Rats are generally clean animals that groom themselves, but they may need occasional brushing if their fur becomes matted or if they are older or sick. A soft toothbrush or rat grooming mitt can be used to brush their fur.
• Teeth Care: Rats’ teeth grow continuously, so provide them with plenty of chew toys to prevent their teeth from growing too long. If you notice their teeth are growing excessively or they are having trouble eating, contact a veterinarian.
• Nail Trimming: Rats’ nails may need to be trimmed occasionally if they get too long. Use small animal nail clippers to trim them carefully, avoiding the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail).
• Signs of Illness: Regularly check your rat for signs of illness:
  • Lethargy, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
  • Discharge from the nose or eyes.
  • Labored breathing or coughing (which could indicate a respiratory infection).
  • Skin sores, hair loss, or excessive scratching.
  • Swollen limbs, lumps, or abnormal behavior.
  • If any of these symptoms appear, consult a veterinarian familiar with rats or small animals.

• Breeding: If you plan to breed rats, it’s essential to know the responsibilities involved. Rats can breed as early as 5 weeks of age, so it’s crucial to separate males and females before they become sexually mature.
  • The gestation period for rats is 21-23 days, and the typical litter size is between 6-12 pups.
  • If breeding, be prepared to care for both the mother and the pups, as well as to find homes for the babies once they are weaned (around 4-6 weeks of age).
• Avoid Inbreeding: Only breed rats from healthy, non-related pairs to prevent genetic issues.

• Toxic Foods & Plants: Rats can be exposed to toxins from certain foods and plants. Avoid feeding them:
  • Chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol.
  • Citrus fruits, onions, garlic, and raw beans.
  • Toxic plants like poinsettias, azaleas, or lilies.
• Escape-Proofing: Rats are very clever and can escape from small gaps. Be sure their cage is secure with no potential openings. When they are out of the cage, always supervise them to prevent them from getting into dangerous situations.

Rats are intelligent, social, and loving pets that can provide years of companionship and joy. By providing a spacious and enriching environment, a balanced diet, regular interaction, and proper health care, you can ensure that your pet rat remains happy and healthy. Whether you have a single rat or a pair, their affectionate nature and playful antics will undoubtedly bring delight to your home.