BASIC INFO
Rats and mice are sociable animals and are fairly easy to look after, this is why they make great pets.
Rats will live between 2-3 years and will grow to 9-11 inches including tail.
Mice will live between 1-2 years and grow to 3-4 inches including tail. Make sure rats are kept in a separate enclosure to mice.
Rats and mice are sociable animals and are fairly easy to look after, this is why they make great pets.
Rats will live between 2-3 years and will grow to 9-11 inches including tail.
Mice will live between 1-2 years and grow to 3-4 inches including tail. Make sure rats are kept in a separate enclosure to mice.
FEEDING
Rats and mice are omnivores and will eat most foods. They can be fed pellets that are available from pet shops. Grass hay should be made available regularly. Fresh green vegetables should be included in their daily diet. You can feed them:
Feeding the right food throughout your rat or mouse’s life will assist in fighting obesity and other health problems.
Rats and mice are omnivores and will eat most foods. They can be fed pellets that are available from pet shops. Grass hay should be made available regularly. Fresh green vegetables should be included in their daily diet. You can feed them:
- cabbage
- lettuce
- carrots
- broccoli
- apple
- celery.
Feeding the right food throughout your rat or mouse’s life will assist in fighting obesity and other health problems.
Your rat or mouse may love eating:
- Fruit: apples, cherries, grapes, bananas, strawberries and other berries, melons, plums.
- Vegetables: broccoli, potatoes, peas, carrot, corn, cooked sweet potato, kale, parsley, bok choy, squash.
HOUSING
Rats and mice need a sturdy cage, that can’t be chewed through, with plenty of ventilation. There is a great range of cages suited for rats and mice and choosing a cage can become overwhelming. It’s best to choose the largest cage you have space for to ensure your new friends will have enough space for exercise. Cleaning the cage should be done 2-3 times a week, depending on how many rats or mice live in it. Replace any bedding and clean the cage with a pet safe disinfectant. |
BEDDING
Premium wood shavings or specialist bedding are suitable for rats or mice and should be placed at the bottom of the housing. Make a nest-like area with the bedding for your rat or mouse to sleep in. Clean and replace regularly to maintain hygiene and keep odour to a minimum. |
HANDLING
Allow your rat or mouse to get used to you and your hands over the first couple of days before picking them up. Domestic mice and rats generally rarely bite, but it’s advised to wash your hands if you’ve been handling food incase they do mistake your hands for food. With rats, use two hand to pick them up, and with mice one hand is acceptable. |
EXERCISE
Rats and mice can get overweight fairly easy, so in conjunction with a healthy diet, they need to exercise. They love to climb, so have ladders and ropes in their cage, and exercise wheels are popular too. |
HEALTH
Rats and mice will need worming regularly and should be treated for mites and lice every 6 weeks.
Rats and mice will tend to hide the fact that they are sick, so keep a close eye on any symptoms of illness.
Signs that your rat or mouse might be sick include bare spots of fur, lumps, abnormal stools, not eating, excessive scratching, rapid breathing, change in behaviour, and sneezing or throat rumbling.
HEAT STRESSRats and mice can easily suffer from heat stress. Once the temperature rises above 30°C you must regularly monitor your rats or mice. Do not to place the hutch in direct sunlight. Keep it in the shade, even on warm to cool days. It doesn't take long for heat to build up in small areas. On hot days you can provide a frozen ice brick or drink bottle in the nesting area of the hutch to reduce the temperature.
DESEXING
Rats or mice can be desexed if desired. It can reduce serious health risks and your rat or mouse may also have a calmer temperament. Contact your vet if you wish to desex your rats or mice.
Females become fertile as soon as 50 days, so separation between male and females is wise if you do not wish to breed.
Rats and mice will need worming regularly and should be treated for mites and lice every 6 weeks.
Rats and mice will tend to hide the fact that they are sick, so keep a close eye on any symptoms of illness.
Signs that your rat or mouse might be sick include bare spots of fur, lumps, abnormal stools, not eating, excessive scratching, rapid breathing, change in behaviour, and sneezing or throat rumbling.
HEAT STRESSRats and mice can easily suffer from heat stress. Once the temperature rises above 30°C you must regularly monitor your rats or mice. Do not to place the hutch in direct sunlight. Keep it in the shade, even on warm to cool days. It doesn't take long for heat to build up in small areas. On hot days you can provide a frozen ice brick or drink bottle in the nesting area of the hutch to reduce the temperature.
DESEXING
Rats or mice can be desexed if desired. It can reduce serious health risks and your rat or mouse may also have a calmer temperament. Contact your vet if you wish to desex your rats or mice.
Females become fertile as soon as 50 days, so separation between male and females is wise if you do not wish to breed.
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Images Credits in order of appearance
https://www.thesprucepets.com/homemade-toys-for-pet-rats-1238516
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/427630927094878476/
https://www.boredpanda.com/cute-pet-rat-photos/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
https://www.reddit.com/r/RATS/comments/7gufcg/cage_recommendations_for_the_uk/
https://www.jwoodvet.co.uk/category/pet-advice/rodents/mice-and-rats/