Talk to me about rats.

[Notsurewhatsgoingon]

Hi,

So after much discussion and reading me and dh think we would like to own some fancy rats.
My brother did have one as children but that was too long ago to remember.
I have kept hamsters, rabbits and Guinea pigs as a child and adult but never rats. I have a cat but she's old and lazy and won't be interested in anything other than being fed dreamies and laying on our bed.

So what do I need to know before we make the final decision. I have googled this to death but I find it much more helpful to hear from actually real live rat parents.
What is the best food?
What's your cages like?
Anything I need to know or will find helpful?
What diseases can they get and will a normal vet treat them?
Boys or girls?

Thanks

I have 7 boys 💞. They are basically like mini dogs. They get so excited to see you, you can easily teach them tricks and they love kissing you. You need at least 2 but 3 is better so if one dies you are not left with a single as they get depressed. If getting babies you always need to get at least 2 the same age but again this doesn't matter when starting out as you need at least 2 anyway. They need height as well as floor space, so really you are looking at around 100cm wide cage (coco large is a great starter cage, or mumble 100). You need to consider cage bar sizes to ensure babies/females can't squeeze out.

I'd suggest you join rat care uk or rat lovers uk on FB. Do not buy from a pet shop, they are ill bred and come from byb. Look for reputable breeders on the NFRS list, again the Facebook pages mentioned will help. Boys or girls don't matter, they all scent Mark you and are all crazy but so loveable and non bitey.

Excited for you.

Thank you @hairypaws can I ask what you feed yours?

I make my own mix following the shunamite diet (see isamu rats on YouTube). As far as nuggets go, science Selective isn't bad but definitely do not buy pets at home nuggets for rats as some of the breeders have noted a higher incidence of tumours.

Rat rations on line are the best for pre made mixes but can work out expensive due to delivery costs, the pet shop ones don't tend to be the best for rats. Making your own is very easy, cost effective and enjoyable.

Long time since I’ve had ratties but they’re great pets! Great fun, taught ours to come when we clicked fingers.

Downside was they seemed to die younger and younger. Maybe our local pet shop was inbreeding them (though I’m sure we got some from other places too).