RAT CARE
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Getting your first pet rats can be daunting. There's just so much out there when it comes to care and the supplies you should get for them.
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I've complied a list of supplies that I highly recommend all my adopters reference and purchase.
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Here is a link to my Amazon store front where everything can be purchased!
-Link-
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Caging:
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I only recommend two cages! The Critter Nation and for the financially conscious; 50 gallon bin cage.
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A single critter nation can hold 3-4 rats comfortably- the same goes for the 50 gallon bin cage.
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Both the critter nation and the bin cage will require some set up and modification.
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You'll need to create a base to hold substrate for the Critter Nation, and the bin cage will require you to cut out the front, back, and top of the bin so that wire can be added for air flow.
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Guide to Critter Nation Modification:
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While assembling your cage, you'll want to leave out the bottom grate of the cage, the plastic bottom and the plastic shelf.
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If you do not want a large/deep substrate bottom, you can leave the bottom grate in.
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The plastic shelf is taken out as rats typically only make it gross and it doesnt provide much enrichment.
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Your substrate base will be made out of perplex (or something similar. As long as its solid and water proof. You'll need to measure the inside of the cage for the exact dimensions of each base.
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Deep base dimensions: 00x00x00
Shorter base dimensions: 00x00x00
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Guide to 50 Gallon Bin Modification:
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The 50 gallon bin can be bought at Walmart, Home Depot, or Amazon.
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You'll want to also buy 1/2inch hardware clothe, something to cut the bin with, and fasteners.
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You'll be measuring and removing a section the top, front, and back of the bin and replacing it with the hardware clothe for air flow. Make sure to not cut too close to the bottom of the bin as you want to keep about 4 inches of height for substrate.
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Assemble everything together and you have a bin cage!
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Substrate:
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There are many things you can use for substrate for your rats! I only recommend Aspen Shavings for the substrate base, and you can use Paper or Pine Pellets for litter boxes.
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Some people perfer Pine Shavings, which are fine, just be aware that my rats tend to sneeze on Pine Shavings- which is why I do not recommend them.
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Food:
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I recommend either Oxbow Adult Rat food, or to make your own mix that contains a high quality dog food, grains, pasta, veggies, etc...
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My personal personal animals are fed the dog food mix, but I've seen my rats also have success on Oxbow.
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I suggest Oxbow for pet owners due to the ease of making sure your rats get everything they need in their staple food.
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Enrichment:
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Rats need things to do in their cage. Substrate gives them something to dig in. You'll always want baskets, ropes, hammocks, ledges, feeder puzzels etc... to keep your rat's bodies and minds fit.
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A playpen is also great so your rats can get out of their cage and explore something new.
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Potty Training:
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Most rats can be potty trained! You'll need a litter box, litter (Pine Pellets or Paper Pellets) and a "pee rock".
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I have an article showing you how to go about litter training your rats that can be found HERE.
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