How Much Do Rats Cost to Buy?
WouterIf you are considering owning a pet rat, you may be wondering how much they cost. Some articles will tell you that a 20-gallon aquarium and similar wire cage will set you back $30 or more. Add to that the cost of bedding, toys, and food. Even if you don’t intend to raise more than one rat, this will still amount to an average annual budget of $40 to $50.
Even though rats are not cheap, they can be a great pet for kids. However, you should be careful to keep a watchful eye on them. Rats are not toys, so they should be treated with respect and kindness. Typical pet rat costs are around $35 for a cage and $50 per year for food, toys, and bedding. It is also possible to adopt a rat from a local shelter for a cheaper price.
Fancy rats are usually smaller than wild rats and have a more beautiful appearance. Private breeders often charge more for these rats. They have more distinct features and colors, and can be considered cute. This is because they are specially bred. However, fancy rats can be expensive, and may cost more than $100 USD each.
The best bedding for your pet rat is natural paper bedding. This type of bedding is dust-free, dye-free, and highly absorbent. Blank or shredded paper is an affordable option. Newspaper is not acceptable for your rat as it contains ink. Pellet bedding is another option, but it can be expensive if you plan on keeping larger rats. Aspen bedding is also popular, but it can be messy and is not as absorbent as the other types of bedding.
