Resources & Guides
Contents
Getting Started With Pet Rats
Basic Rat Information and Care
This guide covers all aspects of basic rat care including housing, bedding, diet, and more.
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Choosing Between Males and Females
Highlights the differences between male and female rats, including behavior and traits.
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Bringing Your New Pet Rat Home
How to make your new rat comfortable in the first few weeks.
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Understanding the Risks of Owning Pet Rats
Learn about potential risks and how to prevent issues before they start.
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Adopting from Coastline Pets: Our Process Explained
A transparent, step-by-step look at what it's like to adopt pet rats from Coastline Pets, from application to lifelong support.
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Genetics, Lineage & Physical Traits
Coats, Colors, and Patterns
Learn more about the amazing varieties we offer.
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The Stages of Rat Development
Learn about the growth stages of pet rats from pinky to senior.
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Rat Whiskers
Learn what rat whiskers are for and how to care for them.
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Housing, Environment & Setup
Rat-Proofing Your Home
Safety tips for free roaming time.
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Bioactive for Rats
Learn the facts about bioactive setups for rats.
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Dollar Tree for Rats
A budget-friendly guide to safe, useful Dollar Tree finds for rat care, enrichment, cleaning, and more.
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Enrichment Ideas
Discover a variety of creative, affordable, and rat-approved enrichment ideas to keep your mischief mentally and physically engaged every day.
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DIY Playpen
Learn how to build an easy, budget-friendly DIY rat playpen using simple materials—perfect for safe, supervised free-roam time and enrichment.
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Summer Cooling & Winter Warmth
A seasonal care guide with simple, low-cost tips to keep rats cool in summer and warm in winter through strategic cage setup, bedding choices, hydration, and temperature monitoring.
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Daily Cage Cleaning
A step-by-step guide to quick daily spot cleaning and maintenance tasks that keep your rats’ cage sanitary, odor-free, and safe between deep cleans.
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Deep Cage Cleaning
A detailed weekly routine for fully sanitizing your rat’s cage, accessories, and surroundings to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
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Nutrition & Feeding
Rat Safe Foods
Wondering what your pet rats can eat? This in-depth guide covers safe foods, treats, animal feeds, and ingredients to avoid.
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Transitioning Your Pet Rat's Diet
Learn how to transition from your breeder's diet to your pet rat's long-term diet.
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Mealtime Enrichment for Pet Rats
Learn some creative ways to feed without a bowl.
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Do Rats Have Food Preferences?
Understanding their tastes and how to work with them.
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Why Rats Hoard Food
When it's normal and when to worry about your rat's hoarding.
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Socialization & Behavior
Introducing a New Rat to Your Mischief
Learn how to safely introduce your new rat to an established mischief.
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Why is My Rat Biting Me?
Understanding rare biting behavior in pet rats.
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Breeding Ethics
The Reality of Breeding Rats
An honest look at the emotional, financial, and ethical realities behind breeding pet rats—and why it’s far more demanding than most people realize.
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What is a "Feeder Line" Rat
Learn what "Feeder Line" rats are, why it matters, and how to care for them responsibly.
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Temperament Testing
An in-depth look at our step-by-step temperament testing process that ensures every rat we adopt out is confident, people-friendly, and matched perfectly to their future home.
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Health & Medical Care
Rat Health Guide
Learn how to do daily and monthly health checks on your pet rats.
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First Aid Kit for Rats
Learn how to assemble your own first aid kit for your pet rats.
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Can Rats Catch a Cold/Flu From Humans?
What you need to know about transmission from humans to rats.
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Talking to Your Vet About Rats
How to advocate for your pet rat at the vet.
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Local Veterinary Options
Local to New England and searching for a vet? Check out our list of rat friendly options.
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Special Coat Care
A guide to caring for Harley, Double Rex, and Hairless rats, covering their unique coat needs, common issues, and essential care tips.
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How to Safely Give Medications To Pet Rats
A simple, practical guide to safely medicating pet rats with easy tips for dosing, delivery, storage, and monitoring.
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Printable Resources
Pet-Only Adoption Contract
Lost your original contract? Feel free to print a duplicate.
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Breeder Adoption Contract
Lost your original contract? Feel free to print a duplicate.
Coming Soon
Adoption Certificate
Lost your original certificate? Feel free to print a duplicate.
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