FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Per my policy, I only adopt out rats in pairs or more. When deciding how many rats to adopt, it's important to recognize their social nature and prioritize their well-being. Rats are highly social animals and require the company of their own kind to engage in natural behaviors like grooming and playing, which are crucial for their mental and emotional health.

For new rat owners, it's recommended to start with two rats, but having a small group of 3 to 4 can provide even better social interaction and support for each other. Having more than two rats can also offer resilience in case one passes away unexpectedly, ensuring the remaining rats still have companionship.

Ultimately, the number of rats you adopt should depend on your ability to care for them properly and commit time to meeting their social and environmental needs. As you become more experienced in rat care, you can consider adopting more if you have the resources and space to accommodate them responsibly.

Once you've decided to adopt rats, one of the initial choices you'll face is whether to adopt males or females. Mixed-gender pairings or groups should only be considered if the rats have been spayed or neutered, eliminating the risk of breeding.

While there are distinct differences between the behaviors and physical traits of does and bucks, each rat possesses its own unique personality, temperament, and idiosyncrasies. However, there are some general characteristics to consider:

Males:

• Typically, larger and heavier than females.
• Display more obvious physical features, such as large testicles.
• Tend to become more settled as they age, remaining charming and curious but becoming more contemplative in their adventures.
• More likely to enjoy cuddling and physical affection.

Females:

• Generally smaller and lighter than males.
• Retain a playful and lively demeanor well into middle age.
• Can be just as affectionate and cuddly as males, especially if handled well.

Other behavioral and physical traits, such as scent marking, are more individualized and not strictly tied to gender. While male rats may have a slightly stronger scent, both sexes engage in scent marking, which involves rubbing scent glands along surfaces and dribbling urine. The frequency of scent marking is not significantly more common in either sex.

When considering how many rats to accommodate, the suitability of the cage takes precedence. Since rats spend a significant portion of their time, up to 22-23 hours a day, within their cage, it's crucial for the enclosure to be spacious, engaging, and sufficiently large to support their active and fulfilling lives.

The size of the cage should align with the number of rats being housed. A cage for two rats will differ significantly from one designed for a larger group, potentially ranging in design and structure. The key consideration is ensuring each rat has ample room to explore and engage in natural behaviors comfortably.

To determine the appropriate cage size, utilizing a rat cage calculator is recommended. This tool aids in assessing how many rats can be comfortably accommodated in a given cage, helping prospective owners align their choice with their lifestyle and preferences.

A minimum height of 20 inches (50cm) is advisable for cages, allowing rats to indulge in their natural inclination to climb and move between levels. Additionally, the cage volume should exceed 8 cubic feet, even for a pair of rats, to ensure adequate space for each rat and facilitate proper cage setup and enrichment.

Careful attention should also be given to cage bar spacing to prevent escapes. Bars spaced between 0.4-0.6 inches apart are suitable for most rats, while anything exceeding 1 inch (2.5cm) is unsuitable. Ease of cleaning is another crucial factor, with cages featuring large doors or fully open fronts being preferable for regular maintenance.

Avoid cages advertised for "rats and mice," as they are typically too small for rats. Wooden cages and those lacking proper ventilation, such as plastic or glass enclosures, are also unsuitable for rat companions.

Ultimately, the choice between a wide but stout cage or a tall cage with less volume depends on personal preference and available space, ensuring that the selected cage meets the needs of the rats while fitting into the owner's living environment.

Providing your rat with a varied diet is crucial for meeting their nutritional needs and promoting enrichment. Similar to hamsters and gerbils, a significant portion of a rat's diet should consist of a well-balanced, uniform, fortified pellet or rodent block free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. These pellets serve as the foundation of the diet, ensuring that your rat receives essential nutrients and calories.

Using a uniform pellet or block helps prevent selective eating of high-fat and high-calorie items, which rats may naturally prefer. By controlling caloric intake and encouraging stimulating activities, you can support your rat's overall health and well-being, as they are prone to obesity, which can lead to various negative secondary effects.

You can also feed the following for enrichment and supplemental reasons:

• Diversity of Lettuces
• Kale
• Squash
• Green pepper
• Cucumber
• Zucchini

• Cooked brown rice
• Whole-grain cereal (unsweetened puffed rice or wheat)
• Cooked whole-wheat pasta
• Oats
• Barley
• Whole-grain crackers

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Mealworms
• Cooked beans
• Cooked chicken
• Crickets
• Cottage cheese

• Apple (no seeds)
• Melons
• Banana
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Kiwi

• Pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
• Sunflower seeds (no shell, unsalted)
• Pistachios (no shell, unsalted)
• Pecans (unsalted)
• Brazil nuts (unsalted)
• Avocado (no skin)