How Hard Are Rats to Look After?
When you get a rat, you will need to learn how to properly care for it. Rats are social animals, which means they will enjoy being petted and picked up. They also need to be kept in a large cage that will allow them to socialize with other rats. If you have more than one rat, you should get two separate cages for them.
Rats are extremely intelligent and can form strong bonds with their owners. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to live long and prosper. Luckily, there are some helpful guidelines for caring for a rat, and the RSPCA NSW can answer any questions you may have. Generally, you should try to keep one male rat separate from the others, and always desex male rats before keeping them.
Rats live about two and a half years, which makes them a suitable pet for families with young children. However, they are still a big responsibility and should be looked after by an adult. Rats are social animals, so if you have young children, they should be supervised at all times.
Healthy rats are active and alert, with clear eyes. They should also be odorless and have a healthy coat. They should also have clean teeth and no lumps on their bodies. Most veterinarians recommend a health check every six to twelve months. They also recommend a blood test and fecal parasite testing.