RatS

Rats get a bad rep for being seen as dirty creatures. But rats are actually very intelligent! They're social beings and are trainable. 

THE MORE, THE MERRIER!

Rats do best in groups! They need companionship from their own kind. We highly suggest sterilizing your rats, even if you plan to keep them in same-sex groups as this helps prevent health issues and lowers risk of aggression. 

RAT ENCLOSURES

There's controversy when it comes to what size do rats need. And sometimes, calculations don't work for every home. It can depend on your individual rats as well. As an absolute minimum, their enclosure should provide at least 2.5 square feet per rat. Most choose tall enclosures but long enclosures work as well, as rats are fossorial animals. The bar spacing should be 1/2 inch or less as anything larger is unsafe. 

BEDDING OPTIONS

Bedding that can easily be replaced and cleaned on a regular basis is needed to prevent any risks of respiratory issues or ammonia build up. Some options include: paper bedding, aspen, hemp, kiln dried pine. Pine shavings and cedar are not safe! We also do not recommend fleece, as it will easily be chewed, peed on, and need to be replaced daily. 

TOYS + ENRICHMENT

Some great options for enrichment are adding an exercise wheel (must be 16+ inches in diameter). Rats also love hammocks, hides. You should provide them with opportunities to climb as well as various chew toys to help keep their teeth filed.  

RATTIE DIET

Rats need a fortified pellet diet that provides all the nutritious they need. Many muesli mixes and similar do not provide a balanced meal as rats can pick through the mix and only eat the bad stuff. Brands we recommend: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat, Science Selective rat, Mazuri rat/mouse. 

SAFE FRUITS:

Apples, bananas, dates, apricots, raisins, pears, prunes, figs, cherries, all berries, plums, melons, kiwi, apple sauce

SAFE VEGETABLES + HERBS:

Avocados, corn, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, kale, lettuce, asparagus, peas, mushrooms, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, cooked squash/potatoes. Rosemary, mint, basil, parsley

OTHER SAFE FOODS:

• Unsalted seeds: Soy nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds

• Grains: Rolled oats, rice, rolled barley, puffed wheat cereal, puffed rice cereal, dry pasta

• Insects: mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, crickets, grasshoppers, shrimp/prawns

• Cooked Proteins: Egg, chicken, turkey, beef, cheese, cottage cheese

• Other foods: Grain-inclusive dog food, baby food, popcorn, crackers, bread, lentils, split peas, shredded coconut