Basics

Feeding and watering

Rats will eat almost everything and benefit from a varied diet. They should be fed commercially produced food especially formulated for rats.
The diet can be supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, cooked eggs, cooked chicken, cooked fish, etc.

Hamster mixes should not be fed to rats, as they may contain sunflower seeds and peanuts that can cause skin irritation.

Provide the food in a solid bowl that cannot be tipped over. Water must always be available from a sipper bottle and the average daily water intake of a rat is 10ml/100g body weight. Check the sipper bottle regularly for leaks and airlocks.

The food and water containers should be changed every day.

As rats will eat a lot of food given the chance, you should avoid giving your rats too many treats, as this can cause them to become fat. Obesity leads to a shorter life span and tumours are commoner in obese rats. Ann excess of sugary foods can cause diarrhoea and obesity as well as dental problems.

Handling

You should let your rat get accustomed to your hand first of all. Stroke your rat gently and offer it pieces of food. Let your rat investigate and step onto your hand. Once your rat is happy with this, you can then take the top off the cage, and gently scoop your rat up with both hands. Hold your rat firmly but not too tightly, as this will make it difficult for your rat to breathe. Rats in this situation may panic and bite. Always take care to avoid any potential falls as even a small drop can be harmful.

Rats rarely bite unless frightened or in pain, but don’t disturb resting rats as even tame ones may bite in these circumstances. Don’t scruff your rat, as they dislike this and may also bite from fear.