Domestic rat: description of breeds, care and maintenance

general information

Weight: 450-650 g.
Body length: 18-25 cm.
Tail length: 15–20 cm.
Average life expectancy: about two years.
Average price: from 100 to 1,000 rubles.

What are the types of domestic rats

Rodent species standards are set by many organizations around the world. We will be targeting the AFRMA Fancy Rats by the American Rat and Mouse Association.

Rodents are white, black, brown, gray and beige. There are more than 15 variants of AFRMA Fancy Rats - Self color. Spotted individuals are sometimes found. The eyes of animals can be black, ruby, red. These characteristics are usually not considered when defining a variety. Experts look at the shape of the ears, the structure of the tail, and the presence and appearance of hair.

In total, there are seven varieties of AFRMA Fancy Rats domestic rats.

Rat standard

The fur of the animal AFRMA Fancy Rats - Varieties covers the body tightly and shines. It should be short and sleek. In males, the hairs are slightly longer and stiffer than in females.

Rat rex

This species has curly hairs on its body. The coat should be thick and soft. Curly whiskers are normal for these rodents.

Tailless rat

Such animals can have any color and structure of the coat. The main feature is the absence of a tail.

Sphinx

These rats are bald. They have thin, almost transparent skin. It can be pink, gray, or mottled. Normally, there are no scars or acne on it, but wrinkles are allowed. The ears are large and smooth. The mustache is usually short and curly. Although they may not exist at all.

Satin, or satin, rat

The coat of these animals is long, straight and thin. It may seem like it sparkles. The hair is pleasant to the touch. The mustache is usually wavy.

Rat dumbo

A distinctive feature of the variety is its large round ears. They are set low on the sides of the head. But the wool can be any.

Bristly rat

These rodents have slightly wavy hair. She gets rougher and straighter with age. It feels like a metal brush. The mustache can be straight or wavy at the tips.

What is the character of domestic rats

Rodents are attached to their owners. Recognize them by their voice 5 reasons why you’d love a pet rat! and appearance. Animals like Rat Personality, Intelligence, and Care, when the owners scratch them behind the ears, stroke and massage the back. At such moments, rats often start chattering their teeth. This means that the pet is happy. Some animals "look after" their owners: they lick and bite their hands gently.

When a person is not around, rodents need the company of their own kind. Animals like to play together and clean each other.

It is better to keep rats in same sex. Caring for your rat in pairs. Otherwise, they will often bear offspring: there are from eight cubs in the litter.

Females are active and mischievous. They love to explore new places and run. Males are a little calmer. They can sit relaxed in the owner's arms while he watches TV.

Rodents are very smart. They quickly learn to use nicknames and perform simple Rats tricks! The Perfect Pet? … For example, jumping over a ring or playing with a ball.

Remember: Rats sometimes bite Rats! The Perfect Pet? … This can happen if there are cubs in the dwelling, a stranger put a finger in the cage, smells of food from the owner's hands, or the animal is frightened because it was suddenly picked up. Therefore, wash your hands before touching a rodent. Don't tease him with food. Be careful if there are cubs in the cage. Try not to get animals out of your home too quickly. First say something to the rat, pet it. If your pet is scared or hurt, wrap it in a towel. Only then take it out of the cage. Pick up your pet every day. Otherwise, it will break the habit and stop trusting you.

What conditions of detention are required for decorative rats

It is best to put the rat in a spacious wire cage Caring for your rat. Height - not less than 50 cm, minimum floor area - 50 × 80 cm. The flooring must be firm and even, such as plastic. The option with rods will not work: the animal can injure its legs.

There are several rules for placing a house. Rodents are susceptible to cold and heat. They feel best at a temperature of 20 degrees. Therefore, the cage is usually placed away from direct sunlight, batteries and drafts. If there are other animals in the house, then the dwelling should be, for example, on the Rat: Species Profile bedside table or on the table.

A nipple drinker and bowls must be placed inside the cage. If you wish, you can buy a rodent tray and litter. Also, the rat should have a shelter: a hammock or a house.

You will need a house to keep domestic rats

Rodents are very fond of toys. For entertainment, the owners choose running wheels, tunnels, platforms and wooden figures. The latter should be changed regularly, otherwise the animal will get bored.

Rats love to build nests. Therefore, you can periodically put paper in the cage. Remember, newspaper sheets will not work. The ink can poison your pet.

What to feed domestic rats

These rodents are omnivorous. What should I feed my pet rat?, but you still need to control their diet. The simplest meal option is dry, balanced food. These are sold in pet stores. Before buying, you should carefully study the composition. The protein content should be at least 16%, fat - 4–5%.

The diet can be varied with vegetables and fruits. Pears, apples, bananas, melons, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery and peas are considered safe.

Treats to rats include grains, grains, seeds, breads, cookies, sweets, and breakfast cereals. But treating them to a rodent too often is not worth it.

Here's what you absolutely shouldn't give to domestic rats:

blue cheeses;
green bananas;
raw potatoes and skins;
licorice;
Orange juice;
mango;
raw artichokes;
avocado;
raw beans and peanuts;
rhubarb;
raw red cabbage and brussels sprouts;
dried fruits;
peanut butter.

Regardless of what is in the bowl, the rodent should always have clean, fresh water in the drinker.

How to care for a decorative rat

There are some tips to help make your rodent's life more comfortable.

Get out of the cage

The pet needs cleanliness. If the dwelling is dirty, the animal may develop a Cleaning Your Pet Rats' Cage lung infection.

Once a day, remove faeces from a litter box or corner the animal has chosen as a toilet. Wipe the cage lightly with a damp cloth.

If there is filler, change it to fresh every week. Remove toys and bowls from the cage. Spray them with a non-toxic disinfectant spray. It is sold at pet stores. After that, it is worth rinsing the accessories with hot water, drying and putting back.

General cleaning of the dwelling is carried out once a month. Repeat the same thing that you do every day and once a week. Then disassemble the structure and spray with an antibacterial agent. Rinse with water and dry.

Let the rat out of the cage

The rodent must run and play outside the cage for at least an hour a day. The room in which the animal spends time, you need to prepare Caring for your rat. Close windows and doors before releasing your pet. If there are gaps in the floor, between the skirting boards and the walls, plug them with something. Remove plants and wires.

Trim your claws

This procedure should be performed by Rat: Species Profile once every two months. You will need special scissors for it. You can buy them at a pet store.

To get it right, look at the claw through the light. You will see a translucent tip, and you need to cut it off. Slightly above this appendix is the pink part. These are blood vessels and nerve endings, you cannot touch them. If damaged, the animal will be hurt and bleed. If this happens, dab some cornstarch on the wound.

Bathe the rat

Usually, the animal cleans the fur with its paws on its own. Normally, it shouldn't smell bad. If a pungent smell appears, this means that the cage has not been cleaned for a long time or the rodent is sick.

The animal needs to be washed How to Bathe Your Pet Rat Without Stress in extreme cases. For example, if gum or other unsafe substance stuck to the hairs. For the procedure, you will need warm water, a special shampoo from a pet store and a towel. While bathing, the animal must be held: rats do not like water.

The main rule is not to wet your head and eyes.

If your pet really doesn't like the process, treat him to a slice of apple or pear. This will distract the animal from unpleasant emotions.

What indoor rats are sick with

Most rodents do not suffer from any disabilities during their life. But the condition of the pet still needs to be monitored. Sometimes animals develop the following abnormalities Keeping your rat happy and healthy:

Tumors. Females and all elderly individuals are at risk. Most often, the neoplasm can be removed.
Parasites: ticks and fleas. The main symptoms are itching and rash. You may need a medicated shampoo.
Too long teeth. They grow back if the animal does not grind them on hard vegetables or wooden toys. This makes it difficult for rats to eat and drink.
Respiratory diseases. The rodent can be a carrier of mycoplasma, which lives in the respiratory system. The microorganism leads to a fatal infection. The disease is determined by red spots on the nose and around the eyes, sneezing and wheezing.
Obesity. Due to excess weight, the pet begins to have problems with its paws. Life expectancy is shrinking. To avoid deviation, you need to exclude fatty and sugary foods.

In order to notice violations in time, the rat should be examined every day. Normally, there are no bumps on the body, the coat is smooth and shiny, the rodent has a good appetite.

If you notice any changes, take your pet to your veterinarian.

There are diseases that are dangerous not only for the rodent, but also for humans. Domesticated rats sometimes infect They're intelligent and friendly, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Why some people think rats are the perfect pet, for fun and comfort. people with leptospirosis, salmonellosis and fever. These deviations almost never occur, and rarely die from them.

In order not to pick up a disease from a rat, you need to try to avoid bites and wash your hands immediately after contact with an animal. If the animal still bites you, wash the wound with warm water and soap with What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Mouse. Pat dry with a towel, apply antibiotic cream or ointment, and briefly bandage.

What to look for when buying a rat

The safest way to buy a rat is at a pet store. There are usually documents for rodents and certificates that confirm that the animal is healthy.

It is best to choose a pet at the age of 1–1.5 months. Before you pick it up, pay attention to the conditions of detention. The cage should be spacious and clean.

It is worth carefully examining the animal that you liked the most. Observe how it behaves in the house. Normally, the rat is not sleepy, but it is not hyperactive either. Take the specimen in your arms and check if it is sick. When all is well, the fur is clean and free of bald spots. There are no scratches or wounds on the body. The anal opening is dry, no fluid leaks from it. The rat breathes calmly and does not wheeze.

If one of the rodent's neighbors in the cage behaves strangely or looks bad, it is better to refuse the purchase and find another store.