the how to's of caring for your rats
bedding pro's and con's
Things to know when choosing a bedding; Whatever bedding you choose needs to be completely water absorbent. Rats pee... a lot! Even rats who use pee blocks or litter pans still dribble around their cages. It’s natural, a way of scent marking but its going
to happen. There also needs to be some pretty intense ammonia control going on, of which there is quite a lot.
When rats are exposed to large amounts of ammonia they can have major respiratory issues
including but not limited to, URIs and lung tissue scarring.
to happen. There also needs to be some pretty intense ammonia control going on, of which there is quite a lot.
When rats are exposed to large amounts of ammonia they can have major respiratory issues
including but not limited to, URIs and lung tissue scarring.
ASPEN AND PINE:PRO'S
Absorbent, really good ammonia control, and odor control. Pine bedding is very cheap, but you must used Kiln Dried Pine. Rats are fossorial, this gives them the opportunity to dig. CON'S
Some people find it dusty. Pine can be just as bad as ceder, if not kiln dried. cederDon’t use it. The oils in it are toxic for rats. |
FLEECE:PRO'S
Its sooo pretty and soft. CON'S It has no absorbency , liquids just sits on top or gets wicked underneath. It has no ammonia control. The is no odor control, and their dander,fur, and body oils like to cling to the fleece making the smell that much worse. Fleece needs to be swapped out very two days to work correctly. No opportunity to dig. |
PAPER BEDDING'S:PRO'S
It comes in lots of colors and can be pretty! It’s usually recycled. It is actually fairly absorbent. Rat's are fossorial, this gives them the opportunity to dig. CON'S There is absolutely no ammonia control. There is no odor control, though there may be a new wet paper smell added to your home. |
CORNCOB:PRO'S
People with allergies to pine and aspen seem to like the corncob really well. From studies done rats really seem to like it as well. It has really good ammonia, odor control and is very absorbent. Rat's are fossorial, this gives them the opportunity to dig. CON'S Likes to mold fairly quickly once its wet. |
WHAT I FEED
The rats here are a very spoiled bunch, and they well know it. Their main diet consists of dog food, Mazuri, and pasta (of the veggie variety usually). A few times a week they also get a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Mostly I give them carrots, bananas, strawberries, peas, corn, apples, and broccoli. Of course I throw in other things according to the season or availability. They also get a wide variety treats. |
NOTE:
Dog food is a widely excepted food source for rats, but it must meet a few conditions.
The protein needs to be 20% or less, low fat, and have no dyes.
Dog food is a widely excepted food source for rats, but it must meet a few conditions.
The protein needs to be 20% or less, low fat, and have no dyes.
NOTE:
Mazuri rat blocks and Oxbow rat blocks are good all around food sources that meet rats nutritional needs.
Mazuri rat blocks and Oxbow rat blocks are good all around food sources that meet rats nutritional needs.
WHAT NOT TO FEED
Not surprisingly there are many things that rats should not eat. A good rule of thumb is
that if you can eat it they probably can too. Here are just a few of the exceptions;
that if you can eat it they probably can too. Here are just a few of the exceptions;
Note:
This list is not a full list of healthy or dangerous foods, just a small sample. If you plan on introducing
anything new into your rats diet I recommend looking the food up first just to be safe.
This list is not a full list of healthy or dangerous foods, just a small sample. If you plan on introducing
anything new into your rats diet I recommend looking the food up first just to be safe.
Raw Sweet Potato:
Contains compounds that make it possible for cyanide to form in the rats stomach. Citrus: Especially for males, they CANNOT have citrus anything. Females though should be fine but still feed in moderation. Carbonated Drinks: Rat’s are unable to vomit or burp, so these type's of food are very dangerous for them. |
Wild insects:
Insects in general are just fine, but insects from the wild are not. They can contain parasites and diseases. So please just buy your insects at the local pet store. Raw dry beans and Peanuts: These foods contain anti nutrients that like to destroy certain enzymes and Vitamin A, which are vital for a rats stomach to breakdown proteins and starches. They will also cause red blood cells to clump which just isn’t fun for anyone. |
contact us
email
|