Newbie

[maxlavigne]

Hello everyone, I'm new here. I do not currently own any rats but I'm looking into getting 2 female babies. I had one when I was 16, given to me by my grandparents, when I knew nothing about them and she died so this time I want to do a lot of research to make sure they live a long time. I have a few questions and I hope you guys can help me out

Comments

[katydidmischief]

They absolutely need vet care. There is debate over whether or not rats are carriers of the Mycoplasmosis virus, but regardless, they get Myco which needs antibiotics to treat; females can get pyometra and/or mammory tumors which is why it's recommended they be spayed.

Any cage that can provide a rat with 2 square feet of space is good. More space is of course better, but there are plenty of "rat cage calculators" out there. Try a google search. :) I know, myself, I had a modified birdcage, Midwest's Ferret Nation, and am currently using a much smaller, but still adequately sized ferret cage by Superpet.

I used fleece, with eco-bedding in their litterbox. They've got several hideaways, ferret & cat balls, a bird mirror, a dog rope toy, and several baby toys. And hammocks. Lots of hammocks, lol.

A lot of people use Harlan Teklan or Mazuri; the other option is Oxbow which is catching on. I use Oxbow as well as a homemade mix that they get two or three times a week mixed in with their lab block. For treats, they get fruit from whatever I'm eating and all natural small dog treats.

Oxbow at the local mom & pop store is 15$ a bag, but it tends to last me a while since I've only got my two boys these days.

Do as much research as you can. :) There are lots of websites out there with a ton of info and don't be afraid to ask questions.