Mouse and Rat Care

RATS AND MICE

GENERAL

Rats and Mice are classified as rodents. They do have sharp teeth for gnawing hard foods in their diet but they will rarely bite their owners as long as they are handled carefully.

Rats and mice that are sold in pet shops are clean and do not carry the germs associated with wild rodents.

Rats and mice are social creatures and adapt well to human contact. Mice are generally cuter to look at than rats, but rats are more intelligent and thrive on human interaction.

They are similar in their general health care and feeding requirements.

CHOOSINGYOUR RAT OR MOUSE

Look for lively, alert and plump animals with clear eyes and no sign of diarrhea.

Mice will tend to run away from our hands when we put them into the cage at first where as baby rats will be inquisitive and sniff at our fingers.

Mice come in a variety of colours and coat lengths and generally live for about 2 years.

Rats are not as smelly as mice and they come in combinations of white, black, brown and cream as well as albinos. Rats can live be¬tween 2 to 4 years of age.

Odourless pellets are a good substrate to use in your cage as they help eliminate odours, are easy to clean, and are biodegradable.

It is best to use ceramic or metal bowls rather than plastic as rats and mice will chew anything they can.

water tubes such as 'Drinkie' are the best type of water container, as the mice and rats cannot dirty their water like they do if it is in a bowl.

FEEDING

Rats and mice should have a small dish of' food available to them at all times. We suggest a small good animal mix. You can also feed your rat or mouse, crunchy vegetables such as: Carrots, apples, zucchini, corn on the cob, celery etc. two or three times a week..

Make sure the produce is free of chemical sprays. It should be fresh if you wouldn't eat it your rat or mouse shouldn't be given it!

HANDLING

The safest and easiest way to pick up your rat or mouse is to slide your hand under its belly and gently pick him up. Until he gets used to you it is a good idea to gently hold onto the tail also, so that the rat or mouse doesn't run away.

BREEDING

If you do not want many rats or mice do not mix the sexes as they are prolific breeders. They can breed from 6 weeks of age!

WORMING

Rats and mice need to be wormed on a regular 3 monthly basis. You can buy a sweet liquid wormer for this purpose.