Following on from How to Care for Young Rats, here is a guide to caring for your rats as they mature.
As your pet rats grow they will begin to change, in both shape and temperament. Here are some simple things to be aware of as your rats’ age:
Slowing down
Badger & Willow
As your rats grow older they will start to slow down. There is no definite age for this, but you will probably realise one day that they are not climbing the curtains like they used to, no longer getting into as much trouble and have started disappearing for a nap in a quiet corner, or if your lucky popping home to bed. This is perfectly normal and it doesn’t mean your rats aren’t going to be any fun, just a little less chaotic. This is the time when the bond you have formed with your rats really starts to pay off. They will begin to sit still more and rather than trampling all over you they will be happier to sit and have a cuddle or some fuss.
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Caring for a sick pet rat can be a big responsibility and sometimes it is made harder by your rat not cooperating in taking its medicine. Here in the UK Baytril is one of the first and most effective antibiotic medicines that vets will give your rats. Baytril comes in liquid form and is often administered orally. Unfortunately you cannot tell your rat to eat up its medicine to make it all better and they will often turn their noses up at it if offered it to lick up. You can try syringing it straight into their mouths, but if your rat is particularly wriggly, or just too poorly to be manhandled then this is not going to work.
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Rats are intelligent, loyal, inquisitive and fun loving little animals. Once a few basic needs are met they do not take much looking after. The more time and attention you give your rats the more confident and rewarding they will be.
So, here are some simple tips to set you on your way to having a rewarding relationship with your rats.
Making time for your rats
Willow
When getting pet rats, ask yourself if you have the time to properly care for some rats. Rats need more than just a big cage and some toys if you want your rats to be as happy and healthy as they can be it will take time and commitment from you. If you work, or go to school; will you make time to say hello to your rats? Will you get them out of their home for a cuddle? Will you check they have food, water and their beds are clean and just tell them that you love them before you head out for the day?
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Rats Like Socialising
Rats are by nature social animals, living in colonies in the wild. Though it is a common mistake, particularly of first time rat owners, myself included, getting a solitary rat isn’t a good thing to do if you want a happy, healthy and well adjusted animal.
Willow & Badger
Things have changed so much over the years that most reputable pet shops will not sell lone rats. There are some people who still say that lone rats are more affectionate and bond with humans better, and while it may seem like this in some cases its not the full story. Anyone who has seen two or more rats interacting, grooming, or tussling with each other will see behavior that no amount of human interaction can replicate. On top of that there are those long lonely hours when the rat is left alone; school, work, social activities and of course every human needs to sleep.
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Biscuit & Badger
Rats are wonderful and intelligent creatures and sharing your home with them can be an amazing experience, but as a new rat owner it may be a daunting one. When my first rat joined my family 15 years ago I was ill prepared for the responsibility and I made mistakes in his care including keeping him as a lone rat. There was little advice available for a first time rat parent and the rat books I managed to find back then were hard to relate to as a new rat owner. They were addressed in a factual manner and didn’t explain or encourage me to think about my rats needs and behavior.
Things have changed over the years and more books and even free advice on the Internet are now widely available, but it still can be very confusing to someone just starting out on an adventure with their first rats. A lot of experienced rat owners forget what it was like to want nothing more than the best for a new pet and can provide an overwhelming amount of information.
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