Mary Allen
Our relationship with rats has long been strained. To this day, many associates these cute rodents with diseases and are disgusted by them. Many do not know: there are two types of rats – house rats and wandering rats.
The black rat shaped the bad image of rats as pests. It spreads diseases like the plague and is considered a food pest.
The migration rate, on the other hand, is familiar to us as a pet. She is also kindly referred to as the “pet rat”. It was adapted to the requirements of a domestic animal through special breeding.
Keeping a Rat as a Pet
Rats are housed in at least two cages. The size of the cage depends of course on the number of animals. For two specimens, the cage should be at least 80 cm long, 50 cm wide and 80 cm high. In addition, it should extend over at least two levels.
Rats are twilight active. They are therefore particularly suitable for working people and children. The rats sleep while the kids are out and the parents are at work. In the evening they are active again – perfect for letting off steam.
However, if the rats hide and don’t feel like playing, they should be given the freedom to do so. Otherwise, they can get a little bitchy and bite.
Life Expectancy
Unfortunately, pet rats have a very short life expectancy. Even with optimal husbandry conditions, they are only 1.5 – 3 years old.
In addition, small rodents suffer from many (non-communicable) diseases. The older a rat gets, the higher the probability of developing tumors, ear infections, or respiratory infections.
This is especially important to keep in mind if you are struggling to cope with the loss of your beloved pet. This is especially true for families with children.
Acquisition – Which Rats and From Where
Are you convinced that a rat is just the right pet for you and your family? Then you have a few options as to where you get the little rodents from:
Pet shop: Basically a good place to go. Here you will usually find healthy animals that have grown up separated by gender – so you don’t accidentally take a pregnant rat lady home with you!
Emergency placement: Animal shelters, classified ads, etc. often have to place many small rat babies due to careless keepers. Here you are doing something good for the animal and the provider.
Private sale: A breeder can also offer healthy animals. Pay particular attention to the breeding conditions such as cleanliness, gender separation, and the condition of the animals.
Grooming & General Grooming
Basically, and contrary to some prejudices, rats are very clean pets. They clean themselves several times a day. Only sick and old animals sometimes let their hygiene slip a bit. Here you have to pay attention as the owner and help the little furball.
If due to a small accident, the fur gets heavily soiled, you should also take action and clean the fur immediately.
Acclimatization
The cage, which has already been set up, can be moved directly by the new residents. To get used to it, they should first be left alone for a day. However, some rodents want to make contact immediately – which is also okay.
If not, you can try to lure the rats out of their hiding places with a small snack the next day. Don’t be sad if they don’t want to come out yet. Some animals just need more time.
Rats & Children
While rats make great pets for children, they are not toys. Children are sometimes not yet able to judge their movements and behavior sufficiently and could – albeit unintentionally – upset or injure the little rodents.
Small children up to 3 years of age should only have contact with the rats under strict supervision. Stuffed animals are a good way to prepare the children for this. The rat itself can only be touched after successful test cuddles.
Children of primary school age can help take care of the animals. In this way, they learn how to interact with their parents.
From the age of 12, children can take care of the rat as a pet on their own. Of course, as a parent, you should always keep an eye on it!
Dental Check
You should check the rat’s front teeth regularly. For this, you can use a treat to catch a glimpse of the teeth.
You will not be able to control the back teeth alone. A vet should do this for you.
If you notice that one of your rats isn’t eating properly, a quick look at their teeth can be very revealing.