Basic Advice when Buying Pet Rats
Infomation on Rat Characteristics and Care for New Owners
May 10, 2009
No animal gets a worse press than the poor old rat. Indeed the very mention of rats can make many people’s skin crawl. They are associated with disease, squalor, filth and death – even used by the mafia to describe informers.
However, for anyone considering investing in a pair of pet rats, rest assured, this is a very wise choice. Rats are some of the cleanest and most good natured little animals. They actually spend over a third of their life cleaning – much more than Gerbils and Hamsters – and have tons of personality. They are also very loving and highly intelligent - apparently in the top ten most intelligent animals on the planet.
So they really are not the disgusting disease - ridden vermin that many people make out, and for anyone considering buying a pair, here is some basic information.
Basic Rat Information for New Owners
Probably the most important thing to realise about rats is that, as previously discussed; they are nothing like Gerbils or Hamsters. Although they might look similar, their much higher level of intelligence means that it is essential for them to be kept in pairs. Keeping a rat on its own is basically an act of cruelty, unless the owner is prepared to get them out and interact with them for at least four hours a day.
Difference between girl and boy rats
There are also a few basic differences between girl and boy rats. Although both sexes are equally as loving, females are move active throughout their lives while boys can be slightly more subdued. However that does not necessarily mean that having a pair of girls is better, as they can be a bit of a handful, while boys – although they grow larger – are more responsive to affection.
Rat Cages
Getting a good cage for new pet rats is very important. The cage must be fairly big; a hamster cage or gerbil tank is not really ideal, especially for boys. A Chinchilla cage might seem like a good choice, but the problem with cages of this sort is that although large, they have sharp metal grills covering the sides and floor. This is not good for rat’s feet and claws, and over time, they can develop problems from being too exposed to the harsh metal.
So it is much better to get a cage with a long, plastic bottom which can be layered with dust extracted sawdust or other alternative bedding, accommodate toys and give the rats plenty of room to run around.
Overall Advice for Rat Owners
When a suitable cage has been found and the new rats have first been put in their new home, it is a good idea to leave them for at least 24 hours for them to get used to their new environment. Rats can be sensitive, occasionally slightly neurotic little creatures, so they need time to settle into their home. However, after a few days, they will be eager to leave the cage and explore, and this is when new owners can begin to train them.
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