1. Getting rat. A person might think that getting rats is much additional work...or that a pet rat will bond with a human owner more readily if there is no other rat around to become friends with. The truth is that rats are highly social creatures. They need to have other rat-friends to play with and to "talk" to. Furthermore, looking after rats is not much more work than caring for.
2. Getting the wrong kind of bedding. Sometimes a rat owner will need to cut corners and use newspaper or cheap bedding. Rats are sensitive to the chemicals in the ink and cheap bedding can often have dusty particles that will irritate their lungs. In the event you see a red discharge coming from their noses, chances are, there is an irritant present in the air. Pine wood chips are not safe!
3. Feeding the rats an imbalanced diet. No, it is not cute how your furry friends can eat as much pizza as you. Look, there is no excuse. Fruits and veggies are not expensive items to buy; also, be sure they get their share of lab blocks, seeds, and a every day dab of a vitamin supplement.
4. Not cleaning the cage often or thoroughly . Their urine will decompose and produce ammonia. This, along with the decomposing bedding can irritate their lungs. Yes, it is a pain to do. But putting up with the disagreeable aspects will only help you to appreciate them more. Neat and disinfect with bleach-water one time a week, or up to weeks, maximum.
5. Not taking them out to play often . Rats will finally get depressed in the event that they stay cooped up inside their limited cage surroundings. In the event you make play time fun and challenging, you will be looking forward to the bonding time as well!
6. Deciding to breed for the wrong reasons. Breeding responsibly is not a profitable or simple hobby to get in to, at the beginning. Don't get stuck with a litter of rats that wind up becoming snake-food at a pet store. In lieu, try investing some time volunteering for or beginning an apprenticeship with a breeder.
7. Not giving them toys. In case you bore your rats, they will become boring. Rats not only love to play, explore and solve issues, but they actually require to be constantly stimulated by a challenging learning surroundings. Provide them with a variety of toys and games and switch things around constantly. They are going to love you for it!
8. Entering them in to a fancy rat show before researching it. You may love your rats and think they are the most ideal rats you have ever seen, but the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA) has very strict standards and those judges have seen hundreds--if not thousands--of rats in their day. Before deciding to enter your rats in to a show, visit first. Interview a handful of judges and learn exactly what makes a rat top in its class. Then select.
9. Procrastinating on researching a qualified vet for little animals. The moment of your rats becomes ill, you will require to have the phone number of a nice vet handy. Not all vets will treat little animals or rats. Do the searching beforehand and spare yourself the frustration and desperation an emergency situation can sometimes bring about.
10. Underestimating the importance of belonging to a rat club or rat society. Belonging to a rat club or rat society such as AFRMA will go a long way in getting your key rat questions answered. Moreover, doing so will connect you with a community of rat lovers who are likely to require to share what they know for the sake of advancing the hobby as a whole.
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