Rat question
A bulk grain mix does not meet the nutritional needs of rats. Food blocks or nuggets made specifically for rats are best. If a fortified grain mix is fed, you must make sure your rats eat the vitamin/mineral nuggets in the mix. About 20% of their diet should be a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cooked sweet potato, and cooked beans. Fluoride is toxic to rats so if your water is fluoridated, you must give your rats bottle water. Chlorinated water also is not good.
Accessories
Rats need a water bottle, a food dish for fresh foods, and we recommend a hanging dispenser for dry foods. Many rats will use a litter box if it is placed in the corner they choose for a toilet. A concrete block, bird pedicure perch or similar toys in the cage will help keep their toenails short. Rats also need sleeping quarters and enjoy boxes, igloos, the Super Pet Giant Roll-a-nest and hammocks. While most rats will chew on a hammock and eventually destroy it, this rarely causes them any harm.
Toys
Because rats are intelligent active animals, toys are not optional, they are necessities! Rats enjoy exercise wheels, tubes, ladders, branches, and other climbing toys. Wheels must be at least 10" across and made of solid plastic or metal or 录" wire mesh, not wire bars. We recommend the Wodent Wheel from transoniq.com. Rats also enjoy food toys, and many bird toys work well for rats.
Handling
Never pick a rat up by the tail. A rat's tail is delicate and the skin on the end can actually come off. The best way to pick up a rat is to scoop him up with both hands. Or you can grasp him around the shoulders and middle. Then put your other hand beneath the rat's hindquarters and bring him close to your body so he'll feel more secure and less likely to squirm or try to jump out of your hands. Many rats will enjoy riding on your shoulder. Clothing - such as the snuggle scarf sold by The Rat Fan Club - will protect your skin from the rat's sharp toenails.