Pet Rats – All About Fancy Rats
“…Fancy
rats, lab rats, & most ‘wild’ rats that thrive alongside human societies
are all of the same species, Rattus norvegicus. What sets fancy rats apart is
the fact that they have been bred over many generations for their good looks
& pleasant natures. This has resulted in beautiful animals who truly enjoy contact
with people. They seldom bite & are less likely to carry diseases that can
be transmitted to people than are many other species of pets.
Varieties of Fancy Rats
Breeders
have developed a dizzying array of fancy rat varieties. According to the American
Fancy Rat & Mouse Association (AFRMA):
At
present, all rats are shown in 7 varieties:
STANDARD
– With short, smooth, glossy hair.
REX –
With curly hair & curly whiskers.
TAILLESS
– Complete absence of a tail, similiar to the Manx cats.
HAIRLESS
– Complete absence of hair.
SATIN –
Thinner, longer coat, with a lustrous sheen.
DUMBO –
Larger ears set on the side of the head.
BRISTLE
COAT – Stiff, coarse coat.
Each of
these 7 varieties is grouped into 6 Sections by color & body markings.
There are 40 distinct colors recognized among these Sections…
Where to Get Fancy Rats
If you
are looking for a very specific type of fancy rat…you will need to go through a
breeder. Debbie ‘The Rat Lady’ Ducommun, internationally recognized expert on
rats & founder of the Rat Fan Club, says ‘a reputable breeder working to
breed pet rats, & not feeder rats, is a very good source for healthy &
friendly rats.’
…Ducommun
says that rat rescues are excellent places to get pet rats, adding that ‘they
will often have babies for adoption from accidental litters.’ She also says
that ‘animal shelters in large cities commonly have rats who need homes.’…
Basic Care of Rats
Rats
are quite easy to care for, particularly if you have a good understanding of
their basic needs & provide for them right from the start.
‘First
of all, rats are social animals that do best with a cage-mate- or 2 or 3!’
says Ducommun. Therefore, if you are
new to rat ownership, you should plan on purchasing or adopting at least 2 rats at
the same time; this will have an effect on how you set up your rat habitat.
One of
the biggest mistakes that new owners make is purchasing a cage that is too
small. While a small ‘starter cage’ may be necessary if you are bringing home
baby rats…you should plan on getting the largest rat cage that you can afford
& that your home will reasonably permit. At a minimum, cages for healthy
adult rats should provide 2 cubic feet of space per rat, have multiple levels,
& be very easy to access & clean…
The
bottom of the rats’ cage should be filled with an absorbent litter such as
shredded paper, recycled newspaper pellets, or wood shavings (not cedar).
Litter needs to be replaced at least weekly, & the cage should be washed on
a regular basis. Cages should also be outfitted with the following:
Hammocks
A nest
box & bedding that the rats can shred & manipulate (e.g., paper towels
or commercial bedding material)
Toys
Branches,
ladders, or ropes for climbing
Wood
blocks or other safe objects for chewing
An
exercise wheel.
Even if
you put together the ideal habitat, your rats need at least 20-30 minutes
outside of the cage every day. During this time you should interact with your
rats through play & some cuddle time. You can even train your rats to
perform tricks, come when they are called, go through an agility course or
maze, or walk on a leash.
Feeding Rats
Rats
are omnivores, meaning they will eat almost anything, but you still need to
give close thought to what you offer them. Pellets made specifically for rats
should make up the bulk of their diet. Seed-based foods are not ideal because
rats will eat only their ‘favorites,’ resulting in a nutritionally imbalanced diet.
Small amounts of fresh fruits & vegetables make ideal rat treats.
Fresh
water should be available at all times. Bottles with sipper tubes work best
since rats will make a mess if water is available to them in bowls.
Health Challenges
Rats
are generally quite healthy, but like other pets they seem to be prone to a
specific set of problems. According to Ducommun, ‘the most common health
problems in rats include respiratory infections & mammary tumors in the
females. Respiratory infections can be controlled with the right antibiotics,
& mammary tumors can be mostly prevented by having females spayed when
young.’…
Rat
fancier clubs are another great source of information on everything from ‘the
basics’ of keeping rats to referrals for reputable breeders &
veterinarians. And, as Ducommun puts it, ‘since club members love rats &
love to talk about them, they can be supportive friends for families just
getting started in rats.’”
Jennifer
Coates, DVM
petmd.com
Cute Critter Pic
Memorial
Max RIP Sept. 28/2017
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