1:Obtaining a rat.

1a: How many rats?


Rats like company. Two rats are good to have because they keep each other company. If you want one rat, you have to have the time to play with it alot to give it company. Also you have to be careful of the sexes of the rats you put together. 2 males or females from the SAME litter or 2 that have been together. If you want to introduce 2 rats to each other you must take special precautions. If you put 2 rats of different sexes together they most likely get friendly. But you must always be ready for baby rats.


1b: Female or Male?


Both sexes make great pets. Females are more adventures and active. They are very fun to watch. Adult females also go in heat every 5 days. Just make sure you change the bedding after. Male rats are more calm and like to cuddle more.


1c: The Cage and Supplies.


The Cage,
There are two kinds of cages for rats.
1: the tank
2: the wire-cage

The Tank
Advantages
1:Easy to clean.
2:Bedding stays inside the tank
3:No bars to squeeze thought or to rust.

Disadvantages
1:Not as much ventilation
2:hard to hang toys
3:sometimes you have to put stuff on top to stop the rat from escaping
4:cant climb on bars

The Wire Cage
Advantages

1:Easy to hang toys in.
2:Climb on bars.
3: Good ventilation

Disadvantages

1: bedding may fall out
2: if bar gaps are too big the rat may escape.
3: the smell escapes more easily



Other things you will need.
1: Water bottle
2: food dish and food
3: bedding. No cedar or pine. Use aspen or any other. Cedar and pine are poison to rats.
4: Toys- wood toys are good to chew on.
5: If you have a tank you will need a wire top.


2:Feeding your rat


Rats need to eat fruit, vegetebles, and grains.


Rat need to eat something called lab blocks which are big pellets. They can have some sunflower seeds, peanuts and other fatty foods. Dont feed chocolate to rats.


Fruits- apples, bananas, grapes, cantalope. Avacado is high in fat, feed in small amounts. Rats can also have some citris fruit but not alot.


Vegetables- peas, carrots, green beans. lettuce is okay in small amounts, too much might upset rat's stomachs.


Others- dried pasta, rats like it and they like chewing it since its hard. Rats can also have plain cooked pasta.


Remember if there is a food not good for you most likely it will not be good for your rats.


3:Taking Care of Your Rats

3a: Cleaning the Cage


The cage should be cleaned regualy. If you have 1 rat clean about every week to two weeks. If there is more then one rat in a cage clean it every week or less if needed. If you notice the cage is dirty or smells then clean it.


3b: Keeping the rat out of trouble


dont let your rat run around the house without something up to enclose it into one space. Dont let it eat house plants. Dont put them on shelves or high places. Make sure the tank has a screen top on or if you have a wire cage dont leave the door open.


3c: Food and water


You should give the fresh water and new food to your rat(s) everyday.