Rats
Food and drink
What should I include in my rat's menu?
Rats are omnivores
Rats have a very easy dietary pattern, as they are naturally opportunistic omnivores. This means that they can also be given small amounts of animal protein, though this is less important for a rat than for a hamster.
Buy a good food specially for rats, so that you know for sure that your rat is getting everything it needs and is not ingesting too much fatty food because this can easily make them overweight. You should also give them a varied menu of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is definitely good for their health. Don't forget to provide fresh water every day too.
Important information
Five useful tips!
What should I definitely bear in mind when thinking about buying rats?
Rats are very curious and lively animals that can be tamed very easily.- Rats should never be kept on wood shavings/sawdust because of the dust content. Hemp fibre or beech chips are suitable.
- Rats are definitely group animals that can be kept as at least two or preferably more animals of the same sex.
- Rats must be able to climb in their home. They enjoy this a lot and it's good for them to keep fit.
- Rats are curious and like to investigate things so give them plenty of different types of toys, tunnels, climbing tubes etc.
Rats are omnivores
Rats have a very easy dietary pattern, as they are naturally opportunistic omnivores. This means that they can also be given small amounts of animal protein, though this is less important for a rat than for a hamster.
Buy a good food specially for rats, so that you know for sure that your rat is getting everything it needs and is not ingesting too much fatty food because this can easily make them overweight. You should also give them a varied menu of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is definitely good for their health. Don't forget to provide fresh water every day too.
What should I definitely bear in mind when thinking about buying rats?
- Rats are very curious and lively animals that can be tamed very easily.
- Rats should never be kept on wood shavings/sawdust because of the dust content. Hemp fibre or beech chips are suitable.
- Rats are definitely group animals that can be kept as at least two or preferably more animals of the same sex.
- Rats must be able to climb in their home. They enjoy this a lot and it's good for them to keep fit.
- Rats are curious and like to investigate things so give them plenty of different types of toys, tunnels, climbing tubes etc.
Fun facts!
Five facts about rats
Did you know... Five fun and important facts about rats!
- A rat uses its tail to balance when it is climbing and clambering.
- Although some people think rats are dirty, they are actually very clean animals.
- Rats are highly intelligent animals and can learn tricks.
- Although rats are not picky, they do have clear preferences for particular foods.
- Males are usually cuddlier whilst females are more active.
Housing
Tips for a comfortable home!
How do I make my rats as comfortable as possible?
Rats are definitely group animals that can be kept as at least two or ideally more animals of the same sex. The cage should be at least 80 x 50 x 60 cm, but preferably even higher, especially if it is home to two animals. The floor can be covered with beech chips or hemp fibres. Make sure there are plenty of climbing opportunities, tunnels, sleeping houses, hammocks etc. They like to be active.
Did you know... Five fun and important facts about rats!
- A rat uses its tail to balance when it is climbing and clambering.
- Although some people think rats are dirty, they are actually very clean animals.
- Rats are highly intelligent animals and can learn tricks.
- Although rats are not picky, they do have clear preferences for particular foods.
- Males are usually cuddlier whilst females are more active.
How do I make my rats as comfortable as possible?
Rats are definitely group animals that can be kept as at least two or ideally more animals of the same sex. The cage should be at least 80 x 50 x 60 cm, but preferably even higher, especially if it is home to two animals. The floor can be covered with beech chips or hemp fibres. Make sure there are plenty of climbing opportunities, tunnels, sleeping houses, hammocks etc. They like to be active.
For the professionals!
Ambition to breed?
Are you already familiar with breeding rats?
When you consciously decide to breed, always make sure you have plenty of new homes for the young. Only breed healthy animals with a good character.
A female is fertile once every five days. If the future parents live in a group with other animals of the same sex, it is recommended to put the animals together for a short time and return them within half a day, so that they don't have to decide on a new pecking order with their cage mates. Rats have a gestation period of three weeks and will then give birth to about ten young, known as kittens.
Leave the mother in peace for a couple of days and then start handling the kittens regularly so they become used to being picked up. At the age of six weeks they will be independent enough to leave the nest.
Rewards & treats
I like a snack sometimes too!
A snack won't do any harm, but always use moderation.
Everyone likes to treat their pet sometimes, but for pets that live in a restricted space, it's important not to just constantly provide snacks. Witte Molen's snacks for rodents are formulated with care so it's no problem to treat your rats to something tasty now and then.
Products for rats
Food, bedding and sticks!
Are you already familiar with breeding rats?
When you consciously decide to breed, always make sure you have plenty of new homes for the young. Only breed healthy animals with a good character.
A female is fertile once every five days. If the future parents live in a group with other animals of the same sex, it is recommended to put the animals together for a short time and return them within half a day, so that they don't have to decide on a new pecking order with their cage mates. Rats have a gestation period of three weeks and will then give birth to about ten young, known as kittens.
Leave the mother in peace for a couple of days and then start handling the kittens regularly so they become used to being picked up. At the age of six weeks they will be independent enough to leave the nest.
A snack won't do any harm, but always use moderation.
Everyone likes to treat their pet sometimes, but for pets that live in a restricted space, it's important not to just constantly provide snacks. Witte Molen's snacks for rodents are formulated with care so it's no problem to treat your rats to something tasty now and then.