Rats make great pets. There are several reasons for this;
Rats are intelligent.
This makes them interesting and fun to be around. It is possible to
train them to do tricks but they will have to be very tame to do this
and you will need to spend time practicing with them. Rats are so
intelligent that you only need to show them round a maze once for them
to remember the way and find their way round
on their own next time.
Rats are hygienic. Although wild rats are famed for spreading diseases domestic rats are much safer and can even be toilet trained.
Rats are sociable.
They make strong bonds with each other and with humans, making them
rewarding to be around. They communicate to each other by signalling
with their tails as well as wobbling their eyes from side to side.
Food.
Rats like eating the same food as humans. Special rat food can be
bought from pet shops which contains all the nutrients that a rat
needs. It is good to supplement this with fresh fruit and vegetables
sometimes. Because rats teeth grow
continuously they will need
something like a hard seed stick to grind their teeth down. Otherwise
they become painfully long.
Bedding. Rats
need to be kept on absorbent bedding to soak up urine. Sawdust will do
but you are better off with anti-odour bedding as the cage can smell
quite strong otherwise.
Warmth. Keep the cage somewhere warm, but not too warm. Keep them away from cold draughts as well.
