The appearance in the house of a new pet is not only joyous efforts and new impressions, first of all it is a big responsibility. And even unpretentious at first glance, decorative rats require attention and care from their master. Home rats are often commonly called white rats, although they can be of various colors. In addition, there are bald rats, satin, down, and dambo rats, the care of which may differ from the care of ordinary rats.
Quite often, newly-minted rats owners mistakenly believe that the pet does not need special conditions, and only after the occurrence of problems begin to wonder how to care for domestic white rats. After all, in fact, decorative rats, unlike their wild relatives, are very vulnerable and in need of the owners' care. And to avoid difficulties and provide the animal with comfort and safety, experts recommend studying how to take care of domestic decorative rats, before purchasing a pet. And first of all it is necessary to pay attention to the following nuances.
Cell
The cage should be quite spacious, at least 50 cm wide and 60-70 cm long, so that the animal can move freely in it. Recommended high 3-4 tiered cells. The height between the floors should be from 10 to 20 cm. Stairs, floors and the pallet must be solid, made of moisture-repellent material. Latticed tiers and stairs can injure a rat. You should choose a cell design that is convenient for daily cleaning.
In the cage it is necessary to install a house in which the rat can rest and, if necessary, hide. If several rats are planned, then there should be 2-3 outlets in the house. Without a house, the rats feel restless and uncomfortable. It is not superfluous to buy a special hammock for rest. Also in the cage there should be a special drinking bowl for rodents, and a feeder with attachments. Unlike hamsters, rats do not run in the wheel, and moreover the wheel is contraindicated because of the danger of injuries and sprains of the vertebrae, so it is best to purchase a special walking ball in which the rat can move around the apartment.
Acquisition of pet
Rats do not tolerate loneliness, so it's best to buy several animals of the same sex. The joint maintenance of the male and female is due to certain difficulties associated with reproduction, therefore, without sufficient experience and knowledge to engage in breeding of rats should not be.
It is recommended to buy a pet directly from the breeders, as in pet stores and the more so in the markets, conditions of detention are often violated, which leads to various diseases and death of rats. In addition, breeders will give valuable recommendations on how to care for decorative domestic rats and who to contact in case of animal disease.
How to take care of a domestic rat?
Care for the rat can be divided into the following stages:
1. Temperature regime. The cage must be insulated from drafts. Also, sudden temperature changes, direct sunlight, excessively moist or overdried air are unacceptable. The optimal temperature regime for the content of rats is 17-22 degrees C.
2. Hygiene. The health of the animal largely depends on the purity of the cell. Daily it is necessary to wipe the tiers of the cell, wash the pallet, since rats, especially males, often mark the territory, which leads to the formation of a sharp specific odor. Do not allow contamination of drinkers and feeders. For maintenance of cleanliness it is recommended to use a special filler, absorbing a moisture and neutralizing smells, or napkins without dyes and flavorings.
3. Care for the coat. Rats independently take care of their fur, so they should not be bathed. When fleas, lice, or ticks appear, it is necessary to determine the type of ectoparasite and to treat the animal with the appropriate preparation. But bathing a pet with shampoo for dogs or cats may not only be useless, but also dangerous for a rat. To determine the presence of parasites is not difficult due to the condition of the coat, the appearance of itching and wounds on the animal's body.
4. Feeding. Proper nutrition, like hygiene, is the key to the health of the rat. The basis of the ration is a special mixture for rats, containing the necessary vitamins and trace elements. You should buy quality products and ensure that the grains are not damaged by mold. In addition, once a day the rat should be given juicy feed, vegetables and fruits. Periodically it is useful to feed the animal with boiled liver or chicken hearts. In moderate quantities, various kinds of nuts and raw seeds are also needed.
Rats can not produce raw potatoes, Brussels sprouts, beans, tomatoes, artichokes, red cabbage.
Since it is not difficult to care for a domestic white rat, such pets are often purchased for children. It should be borne in mind that children may need help, as well as control from adults. Parents should check the condition of the cell, as well as monitor the health of the pet, so that when symptoms of the disease appear, turn to a rathologist, a specialist in rodents.