So your interested in having rats?
The most important things to remember before getting rats is :
- Time
- Cost
- Room
Time
Do you have the time to look give them the attention they deserve. Rats are not a pet you can just stick in a cage and forget about. Them need time out the cage. You have also got to have the time to feed them and clean the cage. Getting rats for children means this is the number one thing they get returned to me for. The children get bored this can not happen with any pet.
Cost
Rats are not a cheap pet Although may people believe they are. They need a big cage. Hamster cages and gerbil cages are not suitable. Most cages that are suitable are labled as ferret cages. Although it is worth looking for a second hand one.
If you want your rat to live a long and heathly life then giving them good food is the place to start many pet shop bought food are poor quiatly and too high in protein and are very boring for them. I would suggest if you worry about making your own mix get some from rat rations first.
Room
Do you have space for rats this includes the cage and bedding food and toys. Rats should not be put in a smaller cage just because you don’t have room for a suitable sized one. You should measure the area you would like to put the cage but be prepared to have to move things about.
if you have to move home you will also need to make sure you look for somewhere that allows you to take pets with you.
There is a few things to ask yourself before you go out and get some rats.
Why do you want rats? Is it for a present for someone else? Do you have time for them space to let them out of the cage and money to care for them well.
Make sure you research about them find out if they really are the pet for you. Rats have life span avenge of between 2-3 years sometimes longer.
If it’s a present for someone make sure it really is the pet the person wants and make sure they understand how to look after rats.
If it is a person under 18 be prepaired that you may have to look after them as well. Maybe make it a project for the younger person to find out more about rats so you are sure they will look after them well.
Personally I would always recommand getting your first rats from a breeder. Part of the reason for this is they will be experienced and be able to offer the best advice. You then need to decide if you want Bucks (males) Does (females).
Not all rats are the same but you may find Bucks are more laid back in a way seen as cuddle friendly.
Does are more active more likely to be able to teach tricks to.
There is no difference between a top ear rat and a dumbo ear rat apart from the look of them. Neither is more friendly than the other.
Rats need company and you should not get a lone rat. Please note most breeders will only home a minium of 2 kittens (young rats) together. Unless you are getting a young rat/have a young rat already. I will not home any of my rats out by themselves.
Even if you have had rats before things do change.
Another thing to remember is vet bills although breeders do work on giving you the heathiest rats they can things do happen. Rats can not be insuranced so the best thing to do is set up a savings account people call these vet funds. Illnesses in rats make them go down hill very fast so they need treatment as soon as possible.
Some prices as a guide line of course all vets are different and it’s important to remember rats are classed as excoist pets and many vets have never treated them before.
Vet appointment £15-£30
Out of hours appointment £100-£150 (normally times for these are 7pm-8am and all day sunday)
Basic medicine e.g baytil £15
Lump removal £100-£150
Spray £100-£150
Castration £80-£120
Baytil is the only medicine that is licensed for rats so anything else you will need to sign for.
Some things you can do yourself is cleaning out small cuts, clipping claws abcesses can be burst and cleaned out as well.