What does my rat need?
CAGE
I recommend Martin's Cages and the Midwest Critter or Ferret Nation over any other cage. They are the best ones on the market in my opinion, though what matters most when picking a cage is the size.
If you choose a Martin's Cage, go to www.martinscages.com click on Rat, then scroll down to the R-680. R-685, the R-695 or the RUDD. The other cages listed are too small or not the proper dimensions for long term habitation (i.e. too narrow). You need to choose "powder-coated," as the galvanized rusts too easily with rat urine.
The ferret nation or Critter nation is sold at petsmart.com or allpetfurniture.com (free shipping) in either the single or the double unit. It is a very nice cage, and cleans very very easily. It houses up to 6 rats per unit (12 in the double), though comfortably, I would have no more than 5 per unit.
Other than that, any cage with 1/2'' to 3/4'' bars that is larger than 18x30x20 for 2 rats. Some of the super pet ones are suitable, but you need to make sure they are not too small, or have bars that are too widely spaced, allowing for escapees.
Calculating Cage Size: Is this cage big enough?
You can calculate cage size by multiplying all of the dimensions together and dividing that number by 3456 which will give you the number of rats you can fit in the cage. This is not always reliable however, as you still need to make sure the cage is a minimum of 30 inches long by 18 inches wide, otherwise the rat will not have room to walk or run around in the cage.
BEDDING
Yesterday's News or other recycled paper bedding like carefresh, or any hard wood bedding like aspen. NO cedar or pine! Cedar and pine are softwood beddings that are very aromatic (smelly!) and will hurt rat's delicate respiratory systems. They will cause lung scarring, and cause your rat to sneeze and get sick. Don't get your rat any kind of scented bedding. It may be pretty to you, but it is not healthy for your rat.
I also use plain towels, fleece or other fabric as the main bedding in my cages. You can also use shredded paper as a cheap homemade bedding. Rats also love to use it for making nests.
FOOD
Harlan Teklad 2018 blocks, also known as Native Earth on petfooddirect.com, click small animals, rats, then food, and you should see native earth on there in 40lb bags. It is the most nutritious food on the market and the cheapest because it comes in such large quantities. The only other commercial foods that are ok are "Regal Rat" by Oxbow at some pet supplies plus locations or mazuri, sold at petsmart. Kaytee is NOT a good food.
I also recommend supplementing their diet with baby food every night. Wouldn't you get bored just eating lab blocks all the time? Exactly! Rats love variety. My rats each get a little bit of each kind of baby food: meat, veggie, fruit, and baby cereal. They also get a few fresh greens or fruit. They also like yogurt and raw oatmeal flakes. Basically anything healthy that you would eat, your rats can eat in moderation.
Treats: I recommend Gerber Puffs in any flavor, but sweet potato is the perennial favorite here!
ACCESSORIES
Wheel: Rats need a 12" diameter wheel. I recommend the Wodent Wheel which you can buy from http://mainelyratrescue.org/
You can also use almost any 12" diameter wheel found at a local petstore, though they are not as sturdy. No wire wheels though! Get one with a solid bottom!
Hammocks: Rats are creatures of comfort, just like you and I, and they love their hammocks! I make hammocks, and you will be sent home with a few, free of charge when you adopt. If you want to get more, please see my site http://www.freewebs.com/ribbonhammocks for all the styles I make. You can also buy cage liners there.
Igloos: Rats love igloos, even cardboard boxes. Cardboard is fun because they can "modify" their home :) Old soda boxes work great for this.
Water Bottles: You should have more than one water bottle in the cage as a back up in case one fails or runs out. You should replace the water every week at least, and wash the bottle out well. I usually wash mine in the dishwasher once a month.
TIME
Rats need interaction and should come out for at least a half an hour a day. More is preferable. A rat with no companion should get 4 hours out of cage interaction a day. Ideally, no rat should live alone, unless they have repeatedly refused all rat company after being neutered or spayed.
VET CARE
Rats will need to go to the vet at some point in their life. Most common ailments are respiratory disease, for which they will require antibiotics. They may also develop a tumor, and would need it removed. In Grand Rapids and the surrounding area, I recommend Dr. Rebecca Vincent at Animal Medical Center of Wyoming on 44th and Byron Center Rd.
