Accessories

 

There are some things that your rats need in their home, these are:

• Food bowl
• Water bottle
• Sleeping Area
• chews
• Toys

 

Food Bowl

Rats need their food served, in a bowl, about once a day.

I find that the best bowls are the stainless–steal bowls (designed for birds) that clip to the side of the cage as these will not be tipped over as easily and, if clipped high up on the cage bedding will not fall in it as easily.

Or, alternatively you could use the ceramic bowls as they are heavy and are not easily tipped over they are also easy to clean.

(I don't recommend plastic as these always get chewed!)

 

Water Bottle

Rats need clean, fresh water every day.

It is best in a ‘gravity-fed’ water bottle.

These have plastic bottles and lids; the lids have a metal spout (with a ball bearing in it) where the water is dispensed.

They will need to be cleaned, with a bottle-cleaning brush (like for cleaning babies bottles) or a toothbrush, about once every few weeks to avoid a build-up of algae.

My rats also (not as their only supply of water as it gets bedding in it so has to be changed regularly!!) love a bowl of water to drink (as well as the bottle).

I use the stainless–steal bowl for their water as they don't sit in it or put bedding in it (as much!!).

 

Chews

All rats have two continuously growing front (incisor) teeth so they need something to gnaw to prevent them from getting overgrown.

I have found that my rats are not keen on gnawing wood so i have found a better (tastier, for rats) thing for them to gnaw:

Above is a picture of Rat gnawing a bone, this is one of his favorite treats because he hardly ever gnaws wood chews!

I find that the 'Knuckles' are the best as they are large (so they last for a while) and they have a bit of meat on them that rats love eating!

Also rats can be given other bones e.g. lamb, beef, pork or even chicken bones, because (unlike cats and dogs who can't be given chicken bones) rats gnaw the bone so it won't splinter.

Some rats though, enjoy wooden chews and i find the best are those that you can put treats in the center and are off the ground (so the don't get wet or dirty).

 

Sleeping Area

Rats enjoy a quiet, dark place to hide/sleep in especially if they have just moved in to a new home/environment.

This could be an ‘igloo’ (plastic 'igloo' made for rats), a hammock, plant pot, cardboard box, or all four!!

You will need to put some loose bedding in it so if they want, your rats can sleep in it.

A sleeping area will help your rat settle in to their new home, as they will be more relaxed than if they are out in the open.