Rats should be fed lab blocks (also called rodent blocks) as a staple diet. Seeds and nuts should should make up a small portion of your rats diet because they are very fatty. I feed my rats Mazuri Rat blocks and a "fiesta mix" that is a variation of "the Rat Lady's" homemade diet. Mine includes oatmeal and different grains, granola, millet, whole grain cereal, sunflower seeds, dried fruit (small amounts), natural dog kibble, and peanuts. Fresh vegetables should be fed regularly. Mine enjoy different dark leafy greens and carrots. They also like peas, green beans, and "mixed veggies". Fresh fruits should be fed in moderation as they can cause diarrhea. Oranges should be avoided. Food should be available at all times. The food should always be fresh. Soiled food should be thrown away as it encourages bacterial growth. Fresh water should always be available. The water should be provided in a clean water bottle. Water bottles and food containers should be washed with soap and water at least once a week.

Rats are best kept in wire cages. If there are wire floors in the cage the size of the spacing should be no bigger then ¼" by ¼" to prevent foot injuries. Rats should also be provided with solid areas to rest on. This will also prevent a foot injury called bumble foot. The smallest cage one rat could be kept in is 18" x 11" x 12". Aquariums provide poor ventilation and should be avoided for adult rats. Rats should be paired with a same sex friend or two. They are very social creatures and enjoy the company. Keep in mind the more rats you have, the bigger the cage should be. Bigger is better when picking out a cage. Provide at least one sleeping area per rat. Cheap sleeping areas include small cardboard boxes and hammocks made from extra cloth.

Never use cedar or pine shaving. These shavings both contain aromatic oils that cause lung damage in rats. Aspen shavings are fine to use. I use and recommend them as they are cheap, absorbent, and smell good. Other safe alternatives are recycled newspaper litters like CareFresh and Yesterday’s News.

Cages should be cleaned at least once a week. The cages should be disinfected with soap and warm water each time it is cleaned. Cages should never be left until they smell because the ammonia build up can cause lung damage in rats.

Rats love to play with toys. Toys can be bought at pet store that are made for rats or other rodents. Other expensive or free toys include: cat toys (like a ball with a bell inside), bird toys, ferret toys, toilet paper rolls, small boxes, tread spools, milk caps, and dog rawhides or nylabones.

Rats should receive veterinary care when ever they are sick. Signs that your rat should see a vet are:

• Lumps or bumps
• Excessive sneezing or wheezing
• Excessive red discharge from the eyes or nose
• Dull coat and/or eyes
• Weight loss
• Excessive drinking and urination
• Excessive scratching with or without scabs and scratches
• Hair loss with or without scabs and scratches
• Pregnancy
• Not eating (this could be an emergency)
• Hunched posture
• Injuries
• Limping

• Average life span: 26 to 40 months
• Maximum reported lifespan: 56 months
• Length of gestation: 21 to 23 days
• Age of sexual maturation: 4 to 5 weeks
• Average litter size: 6 to 13 babies
• Females are called does.
• Males are called bucks.
• Babies are called pups or kittens depending on who is asked. Pet and show rats are usually called kittens.