Caring for Pet Rats

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Let's start off with the basics. In most cases should rats live alone? No, rats are social animals and generally prefer companionship. Yes, they are solitary animals. Yes, they will constantly fight if housed together. Yes, if they have rat friends they won't want to play with you as much.

2. Where should you get your rats? From anyone who breeds them. Catch one in the back yard. From any pet store. From a reputable breeder or rescue.

3. How large should the cage be? Big enough for the rat to turn around. Bigger is better! Big enough to fit their toys. Too large a cage is overwhelming to a rat. Rats don't need cages, just let them run around the house!

4. What material should you choose for your rat’s cage? Wood. Glass. Plastic. Powder or vinyl coated wire.

5. Should you put a wheel in the cage? Yes, any wheel will do. No, rats don't like wheels. No, rats should never run in wheels, it hurts their backs. Yes, but only large, non-wire wheels.

6. What dry food should you feed your rat? Hamster food is just fine. A balanced lab block or mix designed for rats that is heavy in grains and low in seed content. Seeds and nuts. Alfalfa and timothy hay.

7. How often should you feed your rat? Once a week, rats will over-eat if you give them too much food. Food should always be available to the rat. Once a day. When you think about it.

8. Should you feed your rat anything other than its dry food? No, rats do not adapt well to changes in their diet. No, fresh food will cause health issues. Yes, supplement with lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Yes, give them lots of pizza and french fries.

9. Are there any fruits and vegetables that rats shouldn't eat? Yes, raw sweet potato, avocado peels and orange juice, to name a few. No, rats can eat anything and be just fine. Yes, raw mushrooms, peas, and carrots, to name a few. Yes, rats hate veggies just as much as kids hate them!

10. While we're talking about food and eating, what color should your rat's teeth be? White. Purple. Brownish-red. Yellowish-orange.

11. What are some signs you should watch for to know if your rat is sick? Small amounts of reddish-orange discharge around the eyes and nose. Sneezing, labored breathing, scabs on the skin, bald patches in fur, lethargy. Vomiting. Darkening of the skin on the tail.

12. What do you do if your rat is showing signs that it is sick? Give it a multi-vitamin. Don't worry about it, it will get better on its own. Put it to sleep. Take it to the veterinarian.

13. Can you spay and neuter rats? Who the heck would do that? Yes, but there is no good reason. Yes, and it can have health benefits. No, they are too small.

14. How often should I play with my rat? Only once a day. Too much play over stimulates them. As often as possible! Only once a week. As long as they have another rat to play with they will be fine. Never. Just watch them in the cage.

15. Your friend wants to bring their rats over to play with yours. Is it a good idea? Yes, as long as you watch them carefully while they are together. No, your friend may take the wrong rats back home with them. Yes, it will be lots of fun! No, they can transmit illnesses and parasites to each other.