Caring for a domestic rat

Despite the fact that the word "rat" is disgusting to many, in fact, domestic rats are very cute and have high intelligence. It is not difficult to take care of these rodents, even a child can cope with such a task. And for this mobile and mischievous creatures will thank you with devotion and friendliness.

Keeping a domestic rat

The main advantages of rats include:

1. Rats have a good memory, they quickly understand who their master is and become attached to him like children. You can even train them and they will follow simple commands. The rat will just as quickly get used to its name and will respond to it.
2. Such a pet is absolutely harmless. If you take it from a young age, then it will never show aggression and will not bite its owner.
3. The rat is a clean animal, if you regularly clean the house, then it will not smell.  

You need to keep your pet in a metal cage, so it will last longer and the rat will not be able to damage it. But a structure made of plastic or wood is not suitable for these animals. An aquarium for a rat is also not an option, since the animals can jump to a height of 40-50 cm and easily escape from the glass house, moreover, the aquarium quickly becomes dirty.

In terms of health, the rat is a very sensitive animal, if the cage is in a draft, then your pet can get pneumonia. Also, do not put the rat house in direct sunlight. But it is not worthwhile to install housing for these rodents near the battery, dry air also has a bad effect on them. The optimum temperature is 18-20 degrees. The proportions of the house for rats are 60x40x30, these data provide for the growth of a rat, the house is often built on two floors.

If you want your pet to have everything on a level, then it is advisable to install the following items in the house:

1. Plastic pallet with filling. It is desirable that these are wood pellets. Other fillers will only harm the animals - sawdust often leads to allergic reactions, getting in the eyes and nose of rats. The newspaper, in the form of small pieces, contains harmful substances.
2. Ladders, tunnels, a wheel for running.
3. Set up a separate plastic house for the animal to retire.
4. Place a mineral stone in the cage to make the rat sharpen its teeth.
5. Drinking bowl is obligatory.
6. Cups for food.
7. A rag or hammock for sleeping.  

What to feed a pet rat

You should not feed your pet from a common table. If you train an animal, it will eat at the same time. Take dry food as a basis for nutrition, which contains all the useful vitamins and minerals, it contains all kinds of cereals.

In addition, the rat's diet should be soft and moist foods such as greens, pieces of pumpkin, apple or carrot. Rats eat everything, even porridge on the water will be an appetizing delicacy for them. With special respect buckwheat and wheat porridge.

But do not feed the animal with these products every day. Porridge will be enough 2 times a week. Occasionally add protein foods to your rat's diet. For example, cottage cheese of not too fatty varieties, a piece of boiled chicken or white fish. Especially if it is a pregnant or lactating female, as well as a weakened animal. If there is excess wet food, it is better to remove it from the rat's cage.

How long do domestic rats live? 

The question of the lifespan of decorative rats worries every person planning to purchase this pet. On average, they live 3-4 years. So that it does not happen that the animal died immediately after buying it, go to purchase a pet in specialized stores, and not to the market. Buy an individual that has already reached a month and a half, while fully examining the animal from all sides.

In addition, the lifespan of a domestic rat will depend on its breed:

1. Sphinx. It was bred by mutating rats of different breeds. They have warm and soft skin, so rats like to spend most of their time in the arms of their owner. Due to this sensitivity, they do not live a lot, on average 1.5-2.5 years.
2. White rats. They acquire them more often than others, since this breed is more sociable and not picky. White rats may have red or normal eyes. Their immunity is weak, so they live on average 1.5-2 years. If you take special care of animals, then some representatives live up to 3 years of age.
3. Domestic rats. The appearance of a domestic rat can tell a lot about its lifespan. If the animal does not have a tail and long hair, then it catches a cold faster. This means that life will be about a year shorter than other breeds.

But such types of rats as dumbo, satin or rex safely live up to three years of age.

The rat is a social creature, it actively communicates with both its fellows and people. The animal loves the hands of the owner, to climb on his shoulder and thus explore the world around him. And if at the same time you feed her with various delicacies, then you are her friend forever. But do not let your pet go alone to explore the house, remember it is still a rodent, it can harm furniture, wires or eat something harmful.