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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/16/2009 3:42:23 PM
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Hi! I am going to get my first rat. I need help. I think I am going to get a Siamese Rat. What do I need? How do I take care of it. PLEASE HELP!!!!
Thanks
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/5/2013 11:11:11 AM
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First: you need at least a pair. Rats are social creatures and should not be housed alone. When done so, they easily get bored and depressed. They will be smarter and a lot happier to have a friend. Do make sure they are the same gender though! No mixed genders unless one if fixed.
Second: A cage. Rats need 2 cubic square ft of space per rat. So you'll need a cage about 4 sq ft.  Do make sure the cage is a wire cage. Tanks do not make good homes for rats, as they do not provide the much needed space rats need to thrive, and do not offer rats the ability to climb (and "spider" rats are just so darn cute  Another problem with tanks is the lack of good ventilation. Rats have very sensitive respiratory tracks, and the ammonia from their waste builds up very fast in tanks. If a tank is not cleaned on a regular basses, then the rats can get sick and vet appointments needed. Also, a 30 gallon Long tank (The smallest tank for a pair of rat is big and can be a pain to clean. Tanks in my opinion are terribly annoying to clean. At the pet store I work for, the poor ratties are kept in a 20 gallon tank, and they constantly have respiratory problems, and when cleaning time comes along, they have successfully smeared poop all on the bottom and sides of the tnak, which are a huge pain to try and get off). To make sure a cage is big enough for two rats just check the dimensions with a rat cage calculator 
-->http://www.rattycorner.com/odds/calc.shtml
So that this post doesn't get too long, you can find everything you will need for a pair of rats in the link below.
-->http://www.freewebs.com/dreamchaser023/ratinfo.htm
-a list of suitable cages
-cleaning the cage
-bedding
-diet (Including forbidden foods)
-treats and chews
-toys
and if you click on the website section, you'll find even more info on rats.
Oh! And if at all possible, please look into adopting a pair of rats from a shelter or rescue. You can check out petfinder.com or you might find a rat up for adoption on goosemoose.com's adoption center.
If you would like to go through a breeder, then just google your area or near by big city and rat breeder and you may find one that way.
If you have any problems finding a rescue or breeder, just let me know and I will ask people in another community I frequent that has a tone of breeders and rat rescue people who either may be in your area, or know someone who is.
Good luck with your rats!
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/16/2009 3:42:23 PM
Posts: 16,
Visits: 29
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| Thanks Yuraki Angel!
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Community Moderator
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Last Login: 4/11/2013 6:30:02 PM
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/5/2009 7:15:35 PM
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| My two males are housed in the Super Pet Deluxe Home for Exotics (it has three levels and a 12" exercise wheel) which they love! Kaytee Forti-Diet, Oxbow Regal Rat, or Harlan Teklad are all great foods for rats; don't forget chew sticks and a 12" wheel to help them release boredom. I find Gree Pet Products Clean-n-Comfy as a very good bedding. Also google for local and/or national fancy rat clubs, they always have helpful people and information.
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/5/2013 11:11:11 AM
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Dodge recommended some good foods (oxbow and HT) but I wouldn't recommen Kaytee. They have to formulas of lab block, the first is in a green bag and this version contains a pesticide called Ethoxyquin. The other version in the blue bag does not, and they have added Omega 3s to the formula. However, both blocks are still way to high in corn content and dried corn is actually not good for rodents. It can contain fungus, or moth larva, plus dried corn can be cancer causing. The last two brands that dodge lists are a lot better and are of higher quality (Oxbow being the best).
If Oxbow or HT are not available in your stores/rat rescues or you can't buy online, then Mazuri lab blocks are the next best thing. They still contain dried corn, but a lot les the Kaytee's lab block.
Also, you can try a homemade mix. There are two kinds (best listed first):
http://www.ratfanclub.org/diet.html
http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html
I know this is an old thread, but I thought I would just let any future readers know.
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