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i’m getting a pet rat soon, yes i’m getting two.
i’ve never had a rat before so i’d like to know the basics.
i’m getting two males, but i want to know the difference between Dumbo Rats and Fancy Rats.
is a cage of 24.5"L X 12.5"W X 14.5"H with a ramp and loft big enough for too males?
what veterinary care should i add to my check list.
and approximate monthly and beginning prices.
is there something i should ask/or know before i purchase my rats?
& what are the pros and cons of having a rat over another pet.
& don’t lecture me about buying them at the pet store, i know all the arguments.
if someone was handing me a rat that i was able to save it’d be another story.
i AM buying my rat from the pet store.
BUT if there are questions i should ask them about how they treat them then feel free to add them.
i don’t have much knowledge on rats so you can tell me as much as you like.
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June 4, 2010 in DUMBO Pet Care
Tagged amp, dumbo rats, fancy rats, loft, pet rat, pet store, pros and cons, ramp, veterinary care
Tagged amp, dumbo rats, fancy rats, loft, pet rat, pet store, pros and cons, ramp, veterinary care
A dumbo rat has rounded low set ears, but even a dumbo is a fancy rat. Any rat you find in a pet store will be a fancy rat.
As far as the cage goes the bigger the better. I would get a bigger cage especially for two males. Males can get huge and you don’t want to waste money on a cage you will only have to replace once your boys out grow it.
When considering a vet make sure you get a vet that is familiar with rats. They have very specific needs and a lot of vets assume that they can be treated the same as other small pets. You should also ask the following questions when choosing a vet:
1)How do you feel about rats as pets?
2)How many rats do you treat each year?
3)What type of rat surgeries have you done? How many and what has been the success rate? (It shouldn’t be less than 95%.)
4)Do you require that food be withheld overnight before surgery? (Tests whether they know that rats can’t vomit. The answer should be no.)
5)What treatment do you recommend for a mycoplasma infection? (Tests whether or they’re familiar with this most common of rat diseases.)
To get started you will probably spend $150-$200 depending on how crazy you get with rat toys and accessories. Per month on food and bedding I spend $10-$30 (I use Eco-Bedding, lasts about 6 weeks $16 for a large bag)
The most important thing to know about rats is that they are very social and need companionship, so I am glad that you will be getting 2. Other than that the best thing I can offer is read everything you can get your hands on about rats. There is way more to know than can be listed here. The more knowledge you have the happier your boys will be!
If you insist in buying from a pet store (which I am personally against, had a VERY bad experience) just be smart about it. First of all visit the pet store before you go to buy your pets and check the following..
1)What kind of bedding are they using? If they use pine or cedar go to another store (pine and cedar are toxic and cause severe respiratory and liver disease)
2)What are they feeding them? It should be a high quality lab block(Mazuri or Harlan-Teklan) Bonus points for fresh fruits and veggies. Pick another store if they use a seed mix. This is a very poor diet for rats.
3)Do they have a hidey house? A must to feel secure.
4)Do they have toys? Rats are very smart and need mental stimulation to be happy.
5)Are the rats in good health? They should be running around and playing. They should be interested in you and what you are doing. If you hear any sneezing or see any lethargic rats in the cage, again find another pet store. Rats (especially pet store rats) are very suseptible to Mycoplasma, a very contagious upper respiratory infection. If one rat in the cage has it, they all do.
Finally, the best suggestion I have for you is when you go to pick up your babies, let the rats pick you. Don’t worry about color, pattern or ear shape. If you want a good friend bring home the rats that are interested in you, and not afraid of your hand… if you get a rattie kiss make sure you bring home the lovey boy and you will have a very special friend.
Good luck with your new babies!