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Fancy Rat
(technically Rattus Norvegicus, although they've been bred in
captivity so long Rattus Domesticus would be more appropriate)
Description
Typically 18-22 cm long, with a tail approximately 18.5-24 cm in
length, but selective breeding has produced some "dwarf" rats, as
well as big, beautiful show rats. The ideal rat should be long and
somewhat racey, but show strong bone structure, with a well arched
loin. The tail (if not a tailless rat) should be thick at the base,
and taper to a fine point, free of kinks, and as long, or slightly
longer, then the body.
Diet
They should be maintained on a diet of lab blocks, and rat or mouse
mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat
bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate,
fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy
crickets and mealworms as treats, but never too many. Vitamins, like
Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium
during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those
times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used
to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes
work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire
mesh hopper that allows the rats to eat the lab blocks through
without them falling is also a good idea.
Habitat
Rats are very social animals indeed. If you'll forgive the
expression, I think of rats a lot like a "pocket sized" addition of
the family dog. They have much the same personality, and adore any
kind of positive attention they can get. If possible, you should
always keep them in same-sex pairs or groups. That means two males,
or two females. They need the interaction to keep from becoming
bored.
Housing should allow your rats lots of room for playing with
eachother, and have toys such as wheels, ladders, swings, ramps and
tunnels. Setting up a playground for your rats can be quite an
enjoyable experience.
The smallest possible cage for one rat would be a ten gallon tank,
but it would absolutely require playtime outside it's cage for
several hours every day. Larger, guinea pig cages would work much
better.
Bedding should be aspen, paper based, or hay. Try to avoid using
cedar or pine.
Special needs
Lots of love and attention, just as if you were bringing home a new
puppy. They need to be mentally and physically stimulated every day.
Tricks and playtime outside the cage can help your rat be well
socialized and happy.
Personality
Attitude - Puppy friendly, very good first pet
Tamability - Excellent
Trainability - Excellent
Activity level - Fair to High (males are often more laid back)
Vocal - If frightened they might squeek or grind their teeth,
sometimes squeek at play
Minimum owner's age - 6 (if supervised by an adult)
Reproduction
Lifespan - 2-3 years
Maturity 8 weeks
Sexual maturity 2-3 months (should not be bred until 3-4 months)
Receptive - 4-5 day cycle, and post birth
Gestation 20-25 days
Infants show color pigment at 4-6 days
Infants can be handled within 1-2 days after birth
Infant eyes open at 16 days
Ready to wean at 5 weeks
Mutations
Many, many colors and patterns have been discovered, and even more
pop up every year. Fancy rats have even had coat and body mutations
that have been accepted by rat clubs, including Tailless, Dumbo ear,
Hairless, Rex (curly hair), and Satin (silky hair)
Pet Status
Very common, although it is sadly more accepted as reptile food then
as a pet. A point of view that many rat fanciers would like to see
changed.
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