RATS 101

Mostly complete guide to taking care of rats, contact LCR for any questions

Housing requirements: 1/2in or smaller mesh with as much ventilation as possible. Lab cages and single/double critter nations are greatly recommended. Ideal enrichment is multiple hides (cardboard or plastic), toilet paper tubes, deconstructable PVC pipe, boxes, hammocks, and rope to climb. A significant amount of dig space is required to house rats as they like to make tunnels and nests. Rats need to be able to stand up and run around their cage without restriction. Water and food must be provided 24/7, LCR recommends 26oz glass bottles.

Food: Oxbow Rat and Mouse, Mazuri 6F, Doggy Bag (brand), pig food. Food must be accessible 24/7.
Additional foods that can be fed in small amounts: Unseasoned cooked vegetables in all forms, cooked bone scraps with minimal seasoning, triscuits, birdseed, and fresh herbs.
Rats cannot eat uncooked onion, citrus fruits, walnuts, rhubarb, grapes, and raisins.

Bedding: Kiln dried pine and aspen. Recommended brands are Mallard Creek Triple Screened and Mallard Creek Mini Flake. Odor reducers are recommended at the bottom of the bins, rats normally pee in corners. Good odor reducers are Sweet PDZ, Stall Dry, and Mallard Creek MegaZorb pellets.
Straw, alfalfa, oat grass, and various types of hay can be provided as enrichment. If possible, freeze bedding prior to use to prevent mites. 
Paper and fleece bedding is not safe for rats due to poor ammonia absorption. 

No scents in the room, including but not limited to: Air fresheners, printer ink, hand sanitizer, candles, scented wax products, wax melts, leather dye, perfume, air fresheners, etc.
Air purifiers and fans can help with controlling the smell of rodents.

Temperature:
Between 65° F and 75° F
Note: temp needs to be consistent due to possible respiratory infection. Rats are sensitive to temp and humidity

Medication to keep on hand:

Doxycycline 10% (liquid or powder) - to treat respiratory infections
Enrofloxacin 10% (liquid or powder) - to treat respiratory infections
Kitten revolution - to treat mites
Pour on cattle ivermectin - 1:4 ratio of ivermectin to water in a spray bottle to treat mites and parasites
Please contact LCR for proper dosing information. Doses vary by product. LCR recommends importing medication as some meds listed are unavailable without a prescription.

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