General

General

Choosing A Rat - added: 22/06/2009 - 15:08

Male Versus Female Both sexes make wonderful pets. Females tend to be smaller and in most cases are more active than unneutered males. Although experience has taught that males can be just as playful and hyperactive as their female counterparts (at least, most I have met are!). Females tend to be less smelly! Unneutered males seem to like to leave their scent everywhere, so be warned....

General Information - added: 22/06/2009 - 14:56

Rats are long tailed nocturnal sociable rodents and they can make the most gentle, affectionate and intelligent pets. They are omnivorous with long incisor teeth continue to grow throughout life (but the cheek teeth do not). The urine from a rat normally contains protein, which can sometimes lead to allergy in some people and is responsible for some of their odour that they give off! General...

History Of The Fancy Rat - added: 22/06/2009 - 15:15

Two different species of rats were involved in the evolution of what has now become known as the Fancy Rat. Both types, the Black Rat (rattus rattus) and the Brown Rat (rattus norvegicus) are thought to have originated in Asia, spreading out through Europe and onto other countries via the shipping trade. Rats, indirectly, have been responsible for millions of deaths among humans, the largest...

Pet Rats - Why They Make Great Pets - added: 22/06/2009 - 22:35

by: Scott McHenry Anyone looking for a new pet wants a pet that is clean, socialized and well trained. Most people don't know that these are all qualities of pet rats! There are many misconceptions about rats. People think that rats are unclean and carry disease. In fact, rats are quite clean and groom themselves several times a day. These aren't sewer rats we're talking about. These pet rats,...

Rat Intelligence - why rats are the smartest pets out there - added: 22/06/2009 - 22:47

by: Catherine Smith We know are rats are intelligent, just by being around them. The knowing looks they give us, the way they solve simple problems and work out how to cause even more mischief. Here is some more info on what we already knew. Our Rats Are Smart! Learning Rats pick up new behaviors and tricks very quickly. They try hard to please their owners and you may be surprised how much...

Rat Species - added: 22/06/2009 - 15:19

This list of Rat Species is by all means not exhaustive, but there are a great many on it (including ones I had never heard of!). They are not all, of course, even remotely related to the pet rat, but I thought it fun to gather together all species with the word rat in their name! Over time I hope to complete the list as far as possible, as well as add snippets of information about each species...

Understanding Common Rat Behavior And Body Language - added: 22/06/2009 - 22:55

By: Diana Davidson What's a Rat Stare? Do your rats have a disturbing habit? Do they stare straight ahead for long periods of time? Is it rather unnerving to see them staring, unmoving, with their eyes wide open for hours on end. I will be covering this rat behavior, and other rat behavior and body language you may have questions about. Understanding common rat behavior. I'm about to take you"...

Vet Care - added: 22/06/2009 - 15:14

No vaccinations are required for rats. A veterinary check-up immediately after purchase is a sensible precaution as some problems may be identified even at this stage. Most vets can even offer advice on housing, management and feeding. Rats are often neutered to control breeding. A six monthly check-up will allow the weight to be monitored and as a way of spotting problems early. A faeces...

Vital Statistics - added: 22/06/2009 - 14:57

Below is a summary of the ideals a rat should be : General Average Life Span 24-42 months Body temperature 37.5-38.2oC 99.5-100.8oF Respiratory rate 70-150/min Heart Rate 250-480 bpm Blood pressure (60-90)/(75-120) mm Hg Average Weight At Birth 5-6 g At 12 weeks Female: 150-270 g Male: 200-400 g Adulthood Female: 250-500 g Male: 450-800 g...