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What can I do to keep my rats living longer2007-11-24 22:16:41

How can I make sure my rats can live longer than two?? I always heard that they were supposed to live until they were three? My sisters rats lived until they were five, and thats no joke! But my rats only live until they were two, I need tipson how to keep my rats alive longer! I don't want them to live short lives! Only one of my rats has lived until she was three. Do males have longer lives than females, because we always get females and my sisters rats were males. (and actually only one lived because one ate the other)

Answers:

My females have always outlived males - females of most species outlive the males.

Don't keep them on pine or cedar shavings - they're toxic to rats. Try and find some hardwood (ie aspen) or paper shavings instead.

Clean them out every other day.

Feed them Debbie "The Rat Lady" Ducommun's Ratty Molasses Mix - recipe here --> http://www.ratfanclub.org/diet.html...

At first sign of any respiratory problems take them to a vet and get them on Baytril.

Feed them LOTS of fresh fruit and vegetables - they contain antioxidants which help prevent mammary tumours in girls.

Make sure they're generaly happy, contented and loved rats, the less stress the better!

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Give them very large living spaces, and give them alot more to stimulate their mins--tons of toys and things to do. Also feed them a good variety of foods!

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The average lifespan of the pet rat is 2 to 3 years of age.