Rats are incredibly intelligent animals, so it’s no wonder they’ve become popular pets. But unlike the rodent that likes to rummage through the garbage, pet rats are prettier and much cleaner! This is where fancy rats come in. A fancy rat is actually a domesticated rat that is a descendant of the brown rat. The term describes the rat-keeping hobby and doesn’t refer to appearance.
Now that we know why they’re called fancy rats, let’s learn all about their care needs and why rats have become such great pets.
Do Rats Really Make Good Pets?
To answer the question as to whether rats make good pets, we have to look at their domestic origins. Rats were first domesticated as companions in the 16th century in Japan. Leading up to the 18th century, Europe adopted fancy rats for use as bait in rodent sports. Brown rats were only tamed in the 19th century when the hobby of keeping rats as pets was known as fancy rats. These rats were trained and raised in social environments to become companion animals. Their behavior is completely different from that of their wild relatives, and they do not carry diseases synonymous with rodents.
Owing to the affectionate and intelligent nature of fancy rats, they certainly make good companions. While popular pets, they aren’t for everyone because they have specific care requirements.
The Best Housing for Fancy Rats
If you’ve decided that a fancy rat is your next pet, you need to provide a secure home for them to live in. The appropriate-sized enclosure for up to five pet rats is 30x18x18 inches. Even if you have one pet rat, a larger cage is always better because rodents are active and like to explore their environment. In addition to the length of the cage, rats should be able to stand without their heads touching the top or having to crouch when enclosed.
Never use wire flooring because it is harsh on a rat’s feet and not conducive for any pet. Solid and absorbent flooring is ideal because it is kinder to rodents and easy to clean. Remember: rats are clever and curious creatures, so add enrichment to their immediate environment with toys. Hamster wheels, wooden bridges, and chew toys are excellent accessories to keep rats entertained for hours.
Feed Fancy Rats a Protein and Grain-Based Diet
Rats are omnivores and should be provided with a diet consisting of protein, grains, and fresh vegetables. While these nimble pet rodents can eat virtually anything, it is important to satisfy their nutritional needs while preventing excessive weight gain and health problems. Most fancy rat keepers feed their pets a pellet-based diet containing the correct balance of nutrients. They supplement this feed with some boiled eggs, fruits, and vegetables to serve as treats.
If you are going to prepare their feed from scratch, it should consist of some cooked lean meat, such as liver, and healthy protein sources. Grains are a must and should include cereals from millet and barley to oats and wheat. Rats can also be fed rice, pasta, and oatmeal but in controlled portions to avoid obesity. If you want to teach your pet rat a few tricks, use rice cakes, banana chips, and sliced fruit to positively reinforce good behavior.
How to Handle Your Pet Rat
Physical interaction with fancy rats is important if you want to develop a healthy and loving bond with them. But never grab their tails or force them into particular positions because it will lead to squeals and a possible bite. Gentle handling a few times a day builds trust. Rats can become so trusting of their keepers that they’ll comfortably rest on their shoulders, much like a parrot.
When you first get a pet rat, allow them to approach and sniff you to familiarize themselves with your scent. It won’t hurt to offer a treat or two to draw them to you and let them know that you’re offering a positive experience and reward. To lift fancy rats, support their bodies by placing your hand underneath their chest and abdomen. Hold their rear when lifting them and keep them close to avoid stress or fear. Patience and sourcing your pet rats from a reputable breeder will go a long way to forming a long-term friendship with these unique animals.
Fun Facts About Fancy Rats
When rats were first recognized as more than pests in Europe, they were used in baiting activities. In the 18th century, rats would be released into an enclosed space, and dogs, such as terriers, were released to hunt them down. But somehow, the intelligence and personalities of rats were recognized and soon they became exotic companions instead of bait. In North America, fancy rats emerged as a hobby with breeders specializing in producing different coat colors and patterns.
Here’s another fun fact: pet rats will laugh when tickled! When a pet rat is happy and having fun, they produce an ultrasonic squeak which is inaudible to humans, signifying their delight. This vocalization was discovered by researchers who measured brain activity and audio during play sessions with rats. From learning tricks and forming deep bonds to laughing when they’re happy, rats are amazing animals with a bad rap. If you are up for building a bond with fancy rats, give them the best possible care, and you’ll have a new friend in no time.
