How we keep our rats

We have moved house recently and have converted the garage into a purpose built room designed with the rats in mind.This allows for them to be separate to the house but close enough that I can spend plenty of time with them.

Our adult rats live in Savic Royale Suite cages. These are excellent cages that have plenty of space for enrichment and layouts. The large doors enable me to interact with the rats easily and access all parts of the cage for rearranging and cleaning.

New litters are raised in a variety of small cages, where our does can feel safe and secure. As kittens grown they will be upgraded to cages such as the Alaska, as they need more space.

Our rats have access to a range of cage furniture such as ropes,      ladders, tunnels, hammocks, fruit tree branches, hanging baskets, digging boxes, shelves and various hide outs. I aim to change the layout of each cage on a weekly basis to keep them entertained and active. They enjoy exploring new 'things' within their environment. 

Diet

They are fed on my own version of the shunamite diet which is frequently adapted to meet the needs and ages of the rats and to provide variety and enrichment for them.

They are also supplemented daily with a variety of fruit and vegetables and also occasionally fresh eggs (from local chickens), sardines, brown bread and a range of other table scraps. As babies grow they are supplemented with extra protein foods as required for healthy growth and development.

I have also included links on the care page to other suitable rat food.

Enrichment and Handling

The rats are given time outside of their cages most days to allow them to explore, exercise and bond with us. The area that they are confined to outside of the cage is changed regularly by adding tubes, boxes etc and by giving them opportunities to dig, climb and explore.

It has laminate flooring so that it is easy to clean up afterwards and has been made rat proof to ensure holes, wires and other dangers have been removed.

Rats do enjoy spending time with their 'people' as well as each other but on busy days at work they are just as happy getting some fuss and light handling.