The Rat:
An Owner's Guide toa Happy Healthy Pet

Fancy Rats
(Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

My Pet Rat
(All About Pets)

Rats
(Early Bird Nature Books)

When debating between a rat and mouse for you, your child, or a friend, you should consider every possibility.

Mice:

Less space

Not as social with other mice unless brought up together

Not as playful with people

Socialization is a must

More prone to bite or nip

Rats:

Require larger cages

Very social with other rats, actually prefer the company

Love people attention

Socialization isn't as hard

Less likely to bite

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Rats can eat just about anything, but you don't want to feed them everything.

You want to create a nice staple diet for you pet rat(s). In doing this, you will want to either purchase a high quality lab block by either Harlan Teklad or Mazuri or you will want to make your own.

Both Harlan Teklad and Mazuri can be purchased at their websites, wholesale companies, most feed stores, and select pet stores.

Otherwise, you can take a trip to the grocery store and purchase select items in order to make your own Homemade rat diet. This will ensure that your rat(s) are getting the nutrition that they deserve.

I, personally, keep my rats on Mazuri lab blocks, but at least twice a week they get a homemade mixture. They love it and my girls are healthy.

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Rats:
Complete Care Guide

Training Your Pet Rat
(Training Your Pet Series)

Pet Rats

Rat
(I Am Your Pet)

Running Rats
(Perfect Pets)

There are several different choices for rat housing. You can use various wire or plastic cages that are sized appropriately for the number of rats that you have, or intend to have.

Do NOT house rats in 10 gallon aquariums, plastic cages, hamster cages, or ventilated storage bins.

Make sure the cage has plenty of room add a litter box, as rats are clean animals, at least one house, food bowls, water bowls, and toys. You may even want to include a plastic wheel, as some rats love running on the wheel.

If you choose a wire cage with wire levels, make sure that the bottom is not wire. You want some solid surfaces in the cage to prevent bumble foot.

I prefer cages that are at minimum for one rat at least 24"W x 12"D x 24"T. You want to make sure that you can add plenty of things for your rat to do, so that (s)he doesn't get bored.

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Aquarium:
Pros:

Litter can't be kicked out onto the floor.

Safe and most petstores carry a large selection of large aquariums.

Easy to watch the rat.

No wire floors.

Great for breeding rats and elderly rats.

Cons:

No ventilation.

Must be cleaned more because of pooor ventilation. The ammonia smell can build up quickly.

Contain heat.

To get the same amount of space as a wire cage, you will have to spend more on a large aqarium.

Cannot attach toys.

Heavy, hard to carry, and easily broken.

Wire:
Pros:

Great ventilation.

Toys are easy to attach and rearrange

Generally cheaper.

Rats can climb the sides.

Often have more than one level, doubling the space.

Cons:

Litter can be kicked out through the bars

The wires can be spread too far a part, allowing smaller rats to slip through the bars.

The floors floor may be wire, which can cause bumblefoot.

Because not all wire cages are rat approved, they can be harder to find.

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AMAZing Rat Maze / Rodent Maze / Playpen

This amazing rodent maze is made so that you can create different designs by moving around the inner walls. Your pet rat, or mouse, will love this maze, as it will exercise his brain. You can put your pet's favorite treat at the end of the maze so that he gets rewards for completing it and finding the end.

This is a wooden kit that includes 30- 12'x6' panels, 24- 6"x6" panels, and 56 connector pieces. The panels are 6 1/4" tall. You'll, also, recieve maze designs to get you started. The possibilities for different designs are nearly endless.

This kit is easy to assemble and break down, so you can take it apart and move it as needed.

You can purchase this maze for a science fair project, or you can just purchase it for weekend fun. It's up to you, but your pet rat will love it!

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Rats are intelligent creatures. They can be bored easily, which ends in destructive behaviors. You don't want to have to replace the cage too early because you didn't provide enough toys and entertainment for your rat(s), so it(they) decided to chew the bars.

Rats enjoy hammocks, ropes, ladders, tunnels, and other enclosed toys. You can buy toys or make toys. Toilet paper and paper towel rolls are a quick and easy toy.

You can give your rat ferret and rabbit toys. You can, also, let them play with cat toys, as long as there is no catnip.

Play games with your rats. Provide them with plenty of attention.

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Marshall Pet Small Animal Pen

The Marshalls Ferret Playpen is gret for rats. With the height they will be able to climb the bars, but they can't escape through them. Each panel is 18"W x 29"H, and with the starter playpen you receive 8 panels to equal a 9 square foot playing area. The wire panels are easy to assemble without the use of any excess tools. You can use the playpen indoors or outdoors for extra exercise and play for you pet(s). But, you will want to take into consideration various elements when you take your pet(s) and the playpen outside.

The most worrisome elements would include overheating from sun exposure and birds of prey- you don't want you pet(s) picked up and carried off by a larger bird.

Small Animal Playpen Mat/Cover
8 Panel Size

If you're thinking, "I really would like to let them get fresh air," well you are in luck because you can purchase the Marshall's PlayPen Mat to cover the top of the playpen and another one to place on the bottom (to prevent digging).

The PlayPen Mat is, also great to protect your carpet and hardwood floors when your pet(s) play inside, as well, as outside. It is great to prevent soiling of your carpets or scratches to your hardwood floors when indoors, and if you choose to take the playpan outside, it prevents digging. You can, also, place it ontop of the playpen to shield sunlight exposure and birds of prey.

Plus, using the PlayPen Mat ontop of the playpen, you reduce the risk of escape. As rats will climb the wires, you want as much protection as you can have. There are velcro straps to attach the mat to the playpen for added security.

Marshall Pet Small Animal / Ferret Playpen Expansion Panels 3 Pack

Small Animal Playpen Mat/Cover
11 Panel Size

If you want more room for your pet(s) to be able to run and play, you can purchase the expansion panels. They come in a pack of 3 panels. But remember to purchase the larger sized mat, as the small one only fits for 8 panelled playpens. Now, that you're thinking about expanding the size of the playpen, you'll need to expand the size of the mat.

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Treats should not average more than 10% of the rat's diet. Treats can be fatty, and you want to reduce the fats.

Rats love fresh and dried fruits, but in excess they can cause diarrhea.

Yogurt treats, are a top fav as well, but again, in excess diarrhea can be the end result.

Try to limit nuts and seeds to minimum, as they are the most fatty treats.

You may even want to consider making your own homemade rat treats. Try these recipes:
Homemade Rat Treats
Homemade Rat Recipes

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Rats are not invincible. They are succeptable to illness. Rats can get tumors, pneumonia, upper respiratory infection, abscesses, colds, bumble foot, etc.

You want to stay on the lookout for signs and symptoms of the various illnesses before it gets too late.

Now, I'm not saying that bringing home a rat today, will mean it will be sick in two days. They are not as sensitive as other small animals pets, but they are succeptable.

Make sure that your rat(s) is(are) eating appropriately, active, and have clean eyes and nose. Watch for labored breathing, lethargy, and a swaggering gait.

If you feel that your rat may be sick, contact the nearest vet in your area and make a an appointment, if he deems it neccessary.

*** Although, most rat disorders can easily be prevented, one that you can ensure does not occur is bumblefoot. Bumblefoot occurs in rats that are housed in a primarily wire cage, with wire levels and a wire bottom (usually in cages that have pull out pans). Purchasing a cage with wire levels can be easily corrected. You will need to add plenty of solid surfaces, such as ledges and houses. You can cover the levels and ramps with material, such as towels.

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Ratatouille

Remy, the rat, dreams of becoming a great chef despite his family's wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat. When fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely and unwanted visitor in the kitchen, Remy's passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Despite he's physical features... Being a rat... Remy teams up with a young boy, recently hired as a garbage boy, who definately lacks cooking abilities.

It's up to the unlikely pair to avoid the insane head chef, bring Remy's family up to his standards, win his partner a girl, and produce the finest Ratatouille in France.

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There's An Easy Way To Take Care Of Your Rat(s) And Have A Happy Life Together.

By purchasing this guide to pet rats, you will learn how to:

Make your pet rats feel comfortable.

Keep your rat(s) healthy and living a long time.

Introduce your friends to your pet rat(s) so that they like your ratties every bit as much as you do.

Train your rat to stand and walk on his hind legs.

Clip toe nails properly.

Prevent Bumblefoot.

Discipline your rats.

To purchase this all intensive guide
CLICK HERE

With this guide you will learn:

How to travel with your pet rat.

Toys you can make yourself.

Which foods could poison your rat.

How to train your rat to come to you when called.

Tips on finding an escaped rat.

15 easy tips to make your house absolutely rat proof.

How to groom your pet rat.

How to train your pet rat to sit on command.

CLICK HERE
To purchase this all intensive guide

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