Rats

Question 1

Habitat

Answer 1

Large, multilevel cage with horizontal bars for climbing
Should be at least 100cm long, 50cm wide, and 70cm in height

No tanks as produce too much ammonia + not enough ventilation

Question 2

Diet

Answer 2

• pellets (best to scatter) or muesli
• fresh fruits and veggies e.g brocoli, berries, leafy greens, carrots
  Avoid: rhubarb, grapes, citrus, onion
• proteins e.g insects, lean meats, cooked eggs
  Food bowls for wet food

Water bottoes/bowls

Question 3

Necessities for inside the cage

Answer 3

Deep base (can be a storage box or diy)

Climbing toys:
Cargo nets
Branches
Hanging toys

Sleeping:
Hammocks (multiple)
Hiding houses
Wooden houses

Litter trays -> the more rats, the bigger the trays

Toys:
Willow balls
Loofa toys
Wooden sticks
Pine cones
Foraging toys e.g balls

Wheel (not necessity) but 14-16 inches

Question 4

Bedding

Answer 4

Three types:

Main bedding for base of the cage -> wood shavings + paper bedding
Litter tray bedding -> paper pellets
Nesting material -> hay

Question 5

Cleaning

Answer 5

• use pet safe disinfectant
• clean out bedding regularly using dust pan and brushes etc

Question 6

Free roam

Answer 6

Can use playpen
Toys include tunnels, more foraging toys

Question 7

PAH necessities

Answer 7

1x wooden raised house
1× Cargo nets
3× mixed fruit chews
1× willow ball
1× hanging toy
1× steel dish
1× water bottle

Question 8

Rat facts

Answer 8

Life expectancy: 3 years
Sleep pattern: active during the day, especially if you’re around
Omnivores

Question 9

Overall health

Answer 9

Eyes and nose free from discharge and noses should be clear of red staining
Skin and furr free from bites, sores or flaky skin
Nails are short
Teeth are straight and not too long
Rats can have respiratory issues to watch out for sneezing or discharge around the nose