Rats have been domesticated for thousands of years. Rats are intelligent, extremely social and enjoy human interaction. Rats can be kept in same-sex pairs.

Average Size

The average size of a rat is 8 inches in length.

Life Span

up to 5 years.

Feeding

Fresh food and water should always be available. Small amounts of vegetables and fruits can be given daily, such as pears, grapes, strawberries, dates, raisins, sprouts and carrots. Vegetable and fruits not eaten within 24 hours should be thrown away.

Treats should not exceed 10% of total food intake. Do not feed chocolate, alcohol or caffeine; these are dangerous.

Use a constant supply of high-quality rat food/lab blocks containing a minimum of 16-20% protein, 4% fat and a maximum of 18% fib

Housing

Rats acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; habitat should never be in direct sunlight or in a drafty area. Habitat should be glass, plastic or metal, escape proof and with a solid bottom. A 15 gallon aquarium makes a good home for two rats. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible.

Rats love to climb, so if possible, a tall habitat will allow you to create challenges for your rat.

Maintenance

Remove wet spots daily; change bedding weekly or more often if needed and wash all items in the habitat. Clean the habitat once a week by scrubbing it with mild soap and water, rinse and allow to completely dry to minimize fumes before placing rats back into the habitat.

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Temps

Stable room temperature is adequate. No special requirements.

Humidity

No special requirements

Lighting

Rats are nocturnal, keep out of direct sunlight. Use room lighting as needed.

Water & Accessories

Rats should be given a sipper bottle, hung from the side of the cage. They also need small toys to play with and a running wheel for exercise. Keep a food bowl; chew stick and nesting house as well.

BASIC REPRODUCTIVE INFORMATION

It is recommended that the males and females should always live and play separately, and only meet for a planned mating. When the mom gives birth, she immediately goes into "post-partum estrus," and if a male is present she can get immediately pregnant again, which is not healthy for her, her newborns, or the unborn litter growing inside.

Different people have different methods as far as the actual mating is concerned. A possible method is to place the rats into a cage with all the necessities (food, water, bedding etc.) towards the end of the evening (keeping an eye on them to make sure they get on ok for a little bit) then to remove the male in the morning.

Signs over the first few weeks will include your doe being very dominant over other females in the cage; she will generally instantly become the alpha rat and be very restrictive of others taking "her" food. BUT, this doesn't mean that you need to give them extra food as the doe will become large and may cause complications during labor. Generally the other rats will "know" that the doe has become pregnant and will let her have the food that she needs and will give her respect and space if needed.

After the first 14 days you should notice an increase in weight and the doe can look like she has swallowed a tennis ball. BUT if the doe is large and carrying a small litter there may not even be a noticeable weight change.

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