Caring for Our Rats
Even though we have been caring for rats for several years, new and improved ideas continue to surface to enrich their lives. Whether it be nutrition, bedding, enclosures or toys, there's always something new to try. You never know when you'll come across something totally fun for the rats, or something that will make our lives easier in caring for them but still keeping up with quality in all areas. Keep in mind that what works for us and our rats may not work for everyone.
 
 
Diet
 Diet is one of the most important aspects of our rats' lives. Their health depends on it, and it is often one of the most exciting parts of their day. Like humans, rats LOVE food and it is important to offer them a complete and healthy diet while also giving them variety. We have fed the Suebee mix with high quality dog food, we've also fed them Harlan Teklad or Mazuri lab blocks for their staple. The rats do well on lab blocks from either Harlan or Mazuri.

In an effort to provide a healthier means of providing nutrients for our rats we have decided to use high-quality premium dry dog foods. Each individual has their own opinion on which dog food is better suited for rats. We have done our research and have chosen which brands will most benefit our crew. Thus far, our rats and their pups have been thriving on their new diet.

We have found a few different brands and varieties of food that would be beneficial to add to our list of staple diets. At this point in time we are using a mix of:

Rats over 6mos of age:
Solid Gold Holistique Blendz - 18% Protein, 6% Fat
Innova Reduced Fat Adult - 18% Protein, 8.5% Fat

Pregnant/Lactating Females,
Pups & Rats under 6mos of age:
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul SENIOR - 22% Protein, 12% Fat
Wellness SuperMix Senior - 18% Protein, 10% Fat

 In addition to the staple, we also prepare special meals for them several times a week to
offer variety (and fun!).
Bedding & Litter
 We have tried all sorts of litters for our rats. We have tried: Aspen, Carefresh, Carefresh Ultra, Carefresh Colors, Yesterday's News, Harlan's version of all the above plus their Sanichips. There are pros and cons to each of these litters. Our rats as well as myself sneeze on the Aspen or Sanichips beddings. Carefresh does not last long for odor control, and can be dusty. CareFresh Ultra is better than the regular, but also does not do too much for odor control. If we are to choose a specific litter to use on all the rats we would give a big thumbs up to Yesterday's News. YN is a pelleted recycled paper bedding and is excellent on odor control, absorbency and lasts quite awhile. YN can be found on sale often in the cat section of most larger chain stores and is quite economical even when not on sale.

 An important reminder in regards to purchasing bedding through pet stores -- Always freeze the bedding for 48 hours prior to use, as most bedding brought home from pet stores contain mites and/or lice.
Housing
We have housed our rats in Martin's Cages for the majority of the last few years. We have several different models of Martins, from their R-670s to their F-475s. Our favorite Martin's Cage would have to be the R-695 with a flip-top lid. This cage has lots of space for hammocks and toys, while also being relatively easy to clean. We love our Martin's Cages and think they are great for most individuals.

 For the past 18 months we have housed our rats in two 2-level Ferret Nation cages. These cages, with a little bit of modification, were great for big groups. However, now that we have downsized we no longer require the use of such large cages. We have recently purchased two brand new R-695s (with the larger doors!) for all rats under 20months of age.
Enrichment
Our rats enjoy a variety of toys and things to keep them enriched and happy. We are constantly changing the toys that they have to keep them on their toes. Regularly, though, they enjoy having their wheels, cat ball toys, ropes, hammocks, igloos and best of all: food!

  Our rats really like the soft sounds of Pet Music CDs and some even watch TV (how that is possible, we do not know, but they watch it!). Before you know it they'll be wanting their own computers, too!
Veterinary
 For all of our regular veterinary needs we use and highly recommend
Dr. Byron DeLa Navarre & Staff at
Animal House of Chicago

For emergencies we have access to two 24-hour clinics.