Caring for Pet Rats Trivia Quiz

Answer: No, rats are social animals and generally prefer companionship.

Rats are usually much happier in pairs or larger groups. This is most like the way they live in colonies in the wild. There is the occasional rat, who doesn't like living with others, or refuses to accept a new cagemate after their previous friend dies, but this is rare.

Answer: From a reputable breeder or rescue.

There are many homeless rats out there, so please rescue first! Reputable breeders will know the full lines of their breeding stock for many generations back, and breed for health and temperment first, with looks second.

Rats from backyard breeders and pet stores have more frequent health issues, and promote the idea that rats are commodities, easy to breed and sell.

Answer: Bigger is better!

The generally accepted size is about 2 cubic feet per rat, but bigger is better! Rats need room to play, eat, and have a bathroom corner. Larger cages will also help reduce squabbles between cage mates competing over resources or a favorite spot.

Answer: Powder or vinyl coated wire.

Powder or vinyl coated wire are easier to clean than bare wire and won't hold the urine smell as strongly. Rats can chew through wood and plastic very easily and will be free in no time. Glass aquariums do not provide enough ventilation or climbing for a rat, unless you use a multi-story wire cage topper with them.

Answer: Yes, but only large, non-wire wheels.

Many rats will enjoy running in a wheel, but wire wheels can get their paws and tails caught and injure them. The wheel must be large enough for the rat to run comfortably. Too small a wheel can cause back problems.

Some rats don't care much for wheels, especially the boys, but others love to run!

Answer: A balanced lab block or mix designed for rats that is heavy in grains and low in seed content.

Rats need a lower protein diet than hamsters. Too much protein can cause skin problems. Seeds and nuts are very high in protein. Rats can not properly digest alfalfa.

Lab blocks properly formulated for rats are best. Many rat enthusiasts make their own food mixes using cereals, grains, dry pasta, and other ingredients.

Answer: Once a day.

Most rats will not over eat if food is always available, so usually you can just leave a steady supply. Some rats will overeat, or if being fed a mix, will stash their food and only eat their favorites, creating an unbalanced diet. Because of this it is often best to only feed them once a day.

However hairless rats have a higher metabolism and it is best to make sure they always have food available to them.

Answer: Yes, supplement with lots of fresh fruits and veggies.

Rats love variety and fresh fruits and veggies are a wonderful and healthy way to keep them interested in their food. Junk foods like pizza and french fries are just as bad for the rats as they are for us - maybe worse!

Answer: Yes, raw sweet potato, avocado peels and orange juice, to name a few.

Although rats CAN eat just about anything, there are many foods that are damaging to their health. Raw sweet potato contains cyanide-forming compounds. Orange juice contains d-limonene which can cause kidney cancer in male rats. Avocado is high in fat, but can be a wonderful addition to a rat's diet, however the pit, rind, skin and leaves of avocados are toxic. The part of the fruit in contact with the pit has a higher concentration of toxins.

This information, as well as a full list of forbidden foods for rats can be found here: http://www.petratscanada.com/forbidden_foods.htm

Answer: Yellowish-orange.

A healthy rat will have yellowish-orange teeth due to the porphyrin in their saliva. If a rat has white teeth, it usually means it has some kind of vitamin deficiency.

Answer: Sneezing, labored breathing, scabs on the skin, bald patches in fur, lethargy.

Sneezing is not always a sign of illness. It can just be a sign of stress, but is usually cause to watch more closely. Respiratory illness is the most common health issue rats face. Scabs and bald patches on the fur indicate a possible parasitic infection.

Small amounts of reddish-orange discharge around the eyes and nose are normal due to porphyrin in their saliva, mucus, and tears. Rats can not vomit. Darkening of the skin on the tail is usually just dirt.

Answer: Take it to the veterinarian.

Rats need veterinary care! They are very prone to respiratory illness and tumors. Most respiratory issues can be treated with simple antibiotics.

Answer: Yes, and it can have health benefits.

Spaying female rats has been shown to decrease the incidence of mammary tumors. Neutering male rats often helps get rid of aggression issues, and stops their marking behavior.

Answer: As often as possible!

Rats are very social animals and the more time you spend with them, the stronger your bond will be.

Answer: No, they can transmit illnesses and parasites to each other.

Even if you think your friend's rats are healthy, they could have health issues that could spread to your rats. Who needs the extra vet bills?

In fact if you play with your friend's rats at their house, you should wash your face and hands and change your clothes before handling your own rats, to prevent spreading anything.