Care sheet
Caring for your new rats
Everything you need to keep your rats happy and healthy. Keep this handy for the first few weeks.
Before they come home
- Rats need a buddy. Keep at least two of the same sex together. A lone rat gets lonely and stressed.
- Find a vet who sees rats (an "exotics" vet) before you need one.
- Set up the cage before pickup so they can move right in.
The cage
- Get a wire cage with multiple levels. Plan on about 2 cubic feet of space per rat, and bigger is always better.
- Bar spacing no wider than 1/2 inch, or 3/8 inch for young rats, so they can't squeeze out.
- Solid floors and shelves only. Wire floors hurt their feet.
- Keep the cage indoors, away from drafts, direct sun, and loud TVs. Aim for 65–80°F.
- Add hammocks, hides, ropes, and a wheel at least 11 inches across if you use one.
Bedding
- Use paper-based bedding, aspen shavings, or washable fleece liners.
- Avoid cedar and scented bedding. The oils and dust can irritate their lungs.
- Spot clean wet corners every day or two, and do a full clean once a week.
Food and water
- Feed a rat lab block (like Oxbow, Mazuri, or Science Selective) as their main diet. Seed mixes let them pick out the junk.
- Add small amounts of fresh veggies most days: broccoli, kale, peas, carrots, cooked sweet potato.
- Fruit, cooked egg, and plain cooked pasta make great occasional treats.
- Always have fresh water in a bottle or bowl, and check it daily.
- Never feed: chocolate, caffeine, soda, raw dry beans, raw peanuts, green potatoes, or big globs of sticky peanut butter. Avoid citrus for males.
Handling and playtime
- Give them a day or two to settle in, then start with treats from your hand.
- Pick them up by scooping under the belly. Never lift a rat by the tail.
- Plan on at least an hour a day of out-of-cage play in a rat-proofed area. Rats chew cords!
- Their teeth never stop growing. Give wooden chews, cardboard, and paper to gnaw on.
- Hide treats in paper or boxes. Foraging keeps their smart brains busy.
Health: when to call the vet
- Sneezing a lot, wheezing, or clicking sounds when breathing.
- Red-brown crust around the eyes or nose that doesn't clear up. It can be a sign of stress or illness.
- Lumps, weight loss, not eating, a hunched posture, or a puffed-up coat.
- Rats usually live 2–3 years. Regular gentle handling helps you catch problems early.
Questions? We're here for the life of your rat.
Email us at coastalratterypets@gmail.com. If it ever doesn't work out, we'll take your rat back.
This sheet is general care guidance, not veterinary advice. For illness or injury, see a vet who treats rats.