Bringing Your New Pet Rat Home
Rats make wonderful pets—they’re intelligent, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining. However, bringing a new rat home can be an overwhelming experience, both for you and your new furry friends. To ensure their transition into your home is smooth and stress-free, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide detailing what to expect, common concerns, and how to help your rats settle in quickly.
Preparing a Safe Environment
Creating a safe, comfortable home for your rats is vital to their health and happiness. Here’s how you can prepare their environment:
Avoid Irritants
No Smoking: Smoke from cigarettes, vapes, or anything else should not be allowed near your rats or in the same room. Smoke particles can linger on clothing and furniture, causing respiratory irritation.
Fragrance-Free Zone: Avoid air fresheners, scented candles, perfumes, and incense in the rats’ space. Even mild scents can trigger respiratory issues.
Laundry Caution: If you use fleece hammocks or cloth items in the cage, wash them with fragrance-free, sensitive laundry detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Cleanliness Is Key
Rats are tidy animals, and maintaining a clean cage is essential for their health. Remove soiled bedding daily and conduct a full cage clean weekly. Use pet-safe cleaning products and rinse thoroughly to avoid chemical residues.
Temperature Control
Keep your rats in a temperature-controlled room between 65°F and 80°F. Avoid drafts, direct sunlight, and extreme temperature fluctuations. When traveling, ensure your rats are neither too hot nor too cold, and block direct air from vents.
The First Few Days: Settling In
Your rats’ first interactions in a new home are crucial for building trust and helping them feel secure. As prey animals, they may initially be fearful or skittish, but with patience and consistency, they will warm up to you.
Handling and Interaction
One common mistake new owners make is leaving rats alone to “settle in” without interaction. Instead, begin bonding after the first 12 hours:
Be Confident: Handle your rats gently but confidently. Rats pick up on your energy, so acting calm and assured will help them feel safe.
Bonding Tools: Use bonding pouches, pockets, or a small carrier to keep them close to you throughout the day. Offer treats to encourage positive associations.
Safe Exploration: Use a safe, enclosed area like a bathroom or bed to let your rats explore and climb on you. This reinforces trust and helps them become comfortable with your presence.
Day/Night Cycle
Maintain a natural day/night light cycle to support their circadian rhythms and prevent health issues. Avoid placing the cage in rooms with artificial light or activity during the night.
Minimize Stress
Limit exposure to other pets, such as cats or dogs, during the initial settling period. Predator smells can be intimidating and may prolong their adjustment time.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Rats have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden dietary changes can cause upset. Follow these tips to ensure a healthy transition:
Starter Diet: For the first week, stick to the same food your rats were eating before coming home. Gradually introduce new foods to avoid digestive upset.
Recommended Food: Oxbow Adult Rat food and Mazuri (Our food of choice) are both excellent base diets.
Fresh Foods: Avoid offering fresh fruits and vegetables during the first week. When you do introduce them, do so slowly and in small amounts.
Clean Water
Provide fresh, clean water daily using a water bottle.
Check for leaks and ensure the nozzle is functioning properly.
We do not recommend using a water bowl in any circumstance.
All of our rats are familiar with drinking exclusively from water bottles.
Preventative Care
Before leaving, your rats were likely treated with Revolution (selamectin) to prevent parasites. This spot-on treatment protects against mites, fleas, lice for up to a month. As long as you properly follow quarantine and sterilize your substrates, preventative treatments should not need to be continued. If you do wish to continue with preventative treatments, you can obtain a prescription from a veterinary office, or there are some suppliers in Canada that offer shipping to the United States.
