Handling: You will need to handle your rat regularly, but remember it is only a baby now and will need plenty of time to eat and rest. Handling your rat gently and regularly will ensure it bonds to you quickly and will love cuddles and face massages. Giving it a treat while you have a cuddle will ensure it really enjoys your company. See our website, Facebook and Insta for more
Teeth Health: Rats’ teeth grow constantly throughout their lives, and if they are not fed an appropriate diet and given things to chew on, teeth will over grow. Teeth can dig into the sides of their face and make them unable to chew normally. Without proper attention, overgrown teeth can cause serious trauma, anorexia, infections, pain, and even death from the inability to chew and swallow. To avoid these problems, always have a wooden toy for them to chew on in their space.
Worming and Mite Spray: Rats are susceptible to worms as they naturally explore new objects with their mouths. Worming within the first two weeks of being home, and every 3 months thereafter should prevent infection. Spraying your rat with mite and lice spray every six weeks is important as pests are very easily transmitted, even if you do not have other pets. While rare, they can contract fleas, if this does occur the safest method is to use a flea shampoo or powder and do a complete wash of their cage and bedding.
Diet: Rats are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal material. High quality rat pellets/mix is recommended to make up 95% of their diet along with treats, fruit, and vegetables. Ask our team about our specialty rat mix. Avoid supermarket or commercial brands of rat food, as they are usually can be unhealthy and can contain additives or waste foods. If you do decide to use a different brand, we recommend supplementing your rats’ water with Small Animal Vitamins to make sure they are getting the essential vitamins they need.
Hygiene: Because rats live in such close contact with their litter and bedding these must be kept clean and free from toxins. Cleaning your rat’s cage regularly, with the right cage cleaner, is essential to avoiding unnecessary health problems. Ammonia in the fumes of urine causes irritation in the nasal passage, which makes them more susceptible to infection. If your cage gets stinky you have left it too long. Hemp and Kaytee is our most popular rat bedding we stock.
Toys: Rats are very clever and playful creatures. They will need a large variety of toys to keep them stimulated and free of boredom. They particularly enjoy things to climb inside of i.e. tubes, tunnels, boxes etc. they also enjoy balls and soft toys to chew or pull apart. Be sure to always keep their toys clean and replace any broken ones.
Please Note: Please be aware these animals are not DNA sexed. Whilst we may give an opinion on sex, this is not a guarantee, as young rats can be hard to sex. No refund, credit or exchanges will be given if an animal is not your desired sex.
Boarding is available throughout the year, please visit Petsville Hotel to book your stay. Come see us in store if you have any concerns, or questions and feel free to bring your rat for us to see!
Recommended Vets
| Southern Cross0 2 9516 0234 St Peters | SASH 02 8913 400 Alexandria | SERV 02 9436 4884 Artarmon | The Wild Vet 1300 9453 838 Glebe | Carlingford Animal Hospital 02 9871 6036 Carlingford |
Fruits & Veggie Guide
Examples, not limited to:
| Fruits– Banana, Apple (no seeds), Blueberries, Strawberries, Rockmelon, Grapes, Pear, Papaya, Raspberry and Mango Vegetables –Broccoli, Carrots, Peas, Kale, Zucchini, Sweet potato, Capsicum, Bok Choy, Spinach and Green beans Poultry and meat are also fine in moderation e.g., chicken, beef, fish and eggs. | Don’t’s Avocado, Garlic, Onion, Rhubarb, Grapes, Raisins, Coffee and Alcohol |
