Rats are as social and playful as they are adorable, so it is crucial to provide a space for your rats outside of their cage so that they can run around, have some fun, and bond with you! Creating a safe space for your rats to free roam is just as important as ensuring that…
Cleaning is a job we must do regularly to eliminate germs, bugs and bad smells, and make sure our pets stay healthy. The practical basics of how to clean a rat cage are pretty straight forward (and we have a guide here to help!), but there are some less obvious things that are helpful to…
Pet rats come in lots of different varieties, but have you ever wondered why and how? Today’s article aims to demystify the genetics which give our rats different colors. Dominant and recessive genes Let’s start with a few terms. A gene is a section of DNA that tells cells, proteins and enzymes what to do….
When deciding to buy pet rats, one of the first decisions to make is whether to adopt boys or girls. Rats need to live in pairs or groups, as they are social creatures and don’t thrive living alone. However, unless you are desexing your rats, it is important that these are same-sex, as breeding is…
One of the downsides to keeping pet rats is that they are prone to illness. Although it is possible to breed against a lot of rat health problems, this requires expertise, effort, and careful record-keeping. That generally doesn’t happen where rats are being bred en-masse for sale. As a result, many rat owners will see…
Rats have long been misunderstood creatures, often associated with negative connotations and stereotypes. However, those who had the pleasure of owning rats know that they are some of the most intelligent and affectionate pets you can own. Whether it’s their playful personalities or their cute little noses, there’s no denying that these pocket puppies have…
Creating a safe and interesting cage layout for your rats is relatively straight forward. However, a new movement in pet keeping is challenging whether the way we keep rats – in cages, on shallow substrates and with artificial toys such as wheels – is the healthiest and best way to look after them. Being able…
Rats are naturally friendly and curious animals and, handled regularly from a few days old, usually have no problems bonding with their owners. That’s why I recommend adopting baby rats from a reputable breeder or a well-cared for rescue litter. However, rats bred commercially en masse don’t receive this handling and can experience several stressful…
Rats are adorable creatures, so it isn’t surprising that many owners wonder about breeding their pets. Some people want to make “more” of a loved animal, while others wonder if it could be a side-income. However, breeding rats well, in a way that is healthy for the animals, is not as simple as putting a…