Brief description of rat care

Background

The fancy rat (Rattus norvegicus forma domestica) is a form of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) originating from laboratory breeding, but has little in common with its relatives originating from Asia. The very curious rat lives in large, social pack associations with a clearly defined hierarchy and should therefore never be kept alone. Groups with at least four animals of mixed ages are ideal. Rats become tame and trusting very quickly and later recognize their keeper by voice and smell.

Rats are crepuscular, but are often awake during the day as the sleep-wake rhythm is about 1.5–2 hours. Through a routine daily schedule it is also possible for the rat to adapt to the keeper, for example with feeding always at the same time. Rats reach sexual maturity at about 5–6 weeks of age and every 21–23 days they can bring up to 20 babies into the world. Life expectancy is 2–4 years (average: 2.5).

Integrations are always necessary when new animals join the pack. The animals must slowly be accustomed to each other on neutral ground. This works best with young animals.

Care

Rats need at least 2 hours of activity per day and a secured free-run area. They want to be encouraged and challenged. Intelligence toys are gladly accepted and very trusting animals can also be taught small tricks using clicker training. The animals can be picked up by carefully sliding one hand under the chest and supporting the hindquarters with the other hand. The tail is an extension of the spine, which is why the animals should never be lifted by it. Fearful animals can be moved together with their hiding place. Rats are very clean animals that groom themselves around the clock. In older or sick animals, a red secretion at the eyes or nose can often be observed, but this is completely normal. The so-called Harderian secretion is removed directly by young, healthy animals and distributed in the fur.

Nutrition

The fancy rat feeds omnivorously, whereby the plant-based part predominates. Most dry food mixes consist largely of grains, vegetable flakes and herbs.

Animal components must not be missing and can be supplemented in the form of e.g. boiled eggs, insects or cooked meat. Cooked pasta has proven itself as an occasional treat, but raw pasta also provides good activity and additionally serves tooth wear.

Fresh food (vegetables, fruit, herbs, egg, …) should be given at least 2–3 times per week and drinking water should be changed daily. Rats begin to selectively eat when food is over-supplied, which can easily lead to obesity.

Healthcare

Unfortunately, most rats show a tendency toward tumorous tissue growth. These are often benign and can be surgically removed. Increased scratching, patchy fur, and constant grooming can be signs of parasites or an allergic reaction. Affected animals should be presented to a veterinarian.

Housing

Rats are very social and should be kept in groups of at least four animals. Groups of males get along just as well as groups of females. Mixed-sex housing is not recommended, especially due to the rapid reproduction rate.

Rats need a cage with a base area of 0.5 m² and a total running area of at least 1.5 m² for a group of 4 animals, which corresponds for example to a base area of 100×50 cm with a height of at least 100 cm and two additional full levels.

The equipment includes drinking bottles and heavy bowls for food and water, various hiding places in the form of houses and tunnels, as well as cozy items such as hammocks, cuddle houses, etc. A well-structured activity area with digging box, branches and ropes should also be set up to satisfy the animals' urge to move.

Running wheels are neither suitable nor necessary with sufficient free-run time. Low-dust bedding such as shavings, linen bedding, hemp bedding or towels/blankets are suitable. Additionally, sufficient nesting material should be provided, for example kitchen paper or newspaper strips. Thorough cleaning is necessary once a week. Too frequent cleaning can increase marking behavior. The location of the rat cage should be well considered and not exposed to direct sunlight or drafts, as rodents are very susceptible to respiratory diseases.

Profile

Latin name: Rattus norvegicus forma domestica
English name: Fancy Rat
Suborder: Mouse-related animals (Myomorpha)
Superfamily: Mouse-like animals (Muroidea)
Family: Long-tailed mice (Muridae)
Subfamily: Old world mice (Murinae)
Genus: Rats (Rattus)
Species: Fancy rats
Head-body length 22–26 cm
Tail 18–22 cm

Weight: 250–600 g
Life expectancy: 2–4 years (ø 2.5 years)
Sexual maturity: 35–42 days
Gestation period: 21–23 days
Litter size: 8–20

Parental care:
The young are born naked, blind and deaf. After approx. 14 days the eyes open. At about 5 weeks the pups are weaned.

Social behavior: Group/family associations
Activity phases: Crepuscular
Habitat: No natural habitat
Diet: Grains, seeds, vegetables, fruit, animal protein (omnivore)