Rats need a few things to be happy and healthy
*Cage-Rats need a spacious cage with plenty of room to run and climb. Wire cages with multiple levels are ideal. Here is a wonderful cage size calculator to be sure your ratties have as much room as they need.
http://www.ratzrus.co.uk/ratguides/rat-cage-calculator.php
Here at Aristorats, AZ I use a variety of wire cages such as petco's Rat manor, Coast Cages, Lg Martins cages, All living things, and smaller one-level cages or glass aquariums in our nursery. Our favorite cage is the Midwest Critter Nation double unit. I have one for the girls and one for the boys.
*Here are some great examples of cages that we recommend*
http://martinscages.com/products/cages/rat/
http://www.superpetusa.com/product-list/my-first-home-large-for-exotics.htm
http://www.petco.com/product/106171/PETCO-Rat-Manor-Habitat.aspx
http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com/category/default.aspx?maincatid=27&subcat=4&submenu=0&catid=140
*Bedding-Aspen shavings or paper pellets such as Yesterday's News are good choices for bedding. Eco-bedding is a good option that the rats love to play in. Carefresh is nice and soft, but somewhat dusty. I usually give moms a handfull or two to mix with the aspen to make nests with.
I am currently using paper shavings from Resourceful Paper in Colorado. www.papershavings.com
This is the best bedding I have ever used, and I have tried just about everything under the sun. I have to have it shipped as it is not available locally yet. It currently comes only in 30lb bags, but I was told that 4lb bags will be available soon. I am hoping to get the smaller bags to have available for my adopters in the near future.
**NEVER use pine or cedar as these contain toxic oils that can cause respiratory problems and liver damage, and can also be fatal to your pets.
*Food-A good quality lab block made specifically for rats is nutritionally balanced. Harlan Teklad 2018 or Native Earth 4018 are the best blocks available. We offer them in the Lixit Food Hopper . Blocks can be used as their staple diet, however, they should also be given fresh fruits and veggies for variety. There are also some high quality, low fat and protein dog foods that make great rat foods, such as Avoderm Lite and Natural Balance low calorie or vegetarian formulas.
Our rats are currently eating Avoderm Lite that is soy, corn and gluten free and the rats seem to love it. They also get a home made mix similar to the Subee's Diet, lab blocks, fruits and veggies and a variety of treats and ocassionally table food.
Rats can eat almost everything we can eat, but be cautious of salt and sugar content. There are, however, some foods that they should never be given or given in very limited amounts.
*Water-A water bottle made for rodents should be used, as opposed to a dish, and changed daily.
*Bed-Rats enjoy a nice cozy place to sleep. Many things can be used for this like cardboard boxes or food storage containers, either upside down with a door cut out or right side up with some blankets inside. Pvc pipes, terra cotta flower pots on their sides, clean plastic milk jugs or similar with the neck cut off and many other items will serve as a great bed/hiding spot. Of course good old igloos and hammocks always work. Use your imanigation.....
*Toys-Rats are very curious and love to play. I use jingly plastic cat balls they love to roll and carry around, and bird toys hanging from the ceilings of my cages. they love to climb on these. Again, the possibilities are endless.
*Companionship-Rats are very social critters and do best if kept in same-sex pairs or more. See "Why Rats Need Company" and "The Case Against Single Rats" for more info
