|
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 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.
|
|