Use this checklist to ensure you are prepared for adoption, and a separate list at the bottom for the first 2 weeks caring for them.
Many of these items are available on my Etsy “MoomooChews” or made to order, and can be picked up at adoption! (Hammocks, bonding pouch, treats, chew toys, foraging mix, carriers, temporary cages).
I have additional blogs on each topic for more detailed information.
Essentials:
•Food (lab blocks are best)
-oxbow essentials young rat
-or mazuri
-or science select
•2 water sources in case 1 fails
-at least 1 is a bottle
•2 cages
-1 cage for sure:
~bar spaces 1/2 inch or smaller ~base can hold at least 1 inch of bedding ~no wire floors/ramps/platforms
~2 sq ft per rat (google rat cage calculator)
-good to have 1 emergency cage
•hard plastic carrier for transport/introductions -spaces no bigger than 1/2 inch
•hides
-cardboard box
-and/or wooden
-and/or plastic
•enrichment toys
-at least one they can chew
~lava ledges, wooden items
-at least one that encourages foraging
~bird toys, dig box, cat treat dispenser
•bedding (make sure it’s dust-free)
-aspen
-and/or kiln-dried pine
-and/or hemp
-and/or properly maintained bioactive
NOT: paper or fleece as main bedding
•2 sleeping spaces per rat
-hammocks, baskets, hides -extras for wash day
-anti-pill fleece are the best fabric, other fabrics are a choke hazard if holes are chewed and must be replaced promptly if chewed
•climbing items -ramps covered in fleece or cardboard
-and/or ropes
-and/or branches
-and/or lava ledges, chinchilla/bird ledges
•cleaning supplies
-white distilled vinegar
-spray bottle, bucket, or tub
-unscented detergent
-unscented dryer sheets, wool balls, or hang-dry rack
-unscented castile soap for scrubbing
•treats -best for bonding: cheerios, dairy-free citrus-free yogurts, meat baby food
-ensure none have Timothy or alfalfa hay
-ensure none have citrus if getting males
•bonding items -bonding pouch
-and/or hoodies
-and/or rat blanket
-and/or old clothes or fabric you’re okay with putting into the cage for them to get used to your smell
•fresh fruit/veggies for daily nutrients
-up to 20% of diet, organic is best
•water filtration system for filling bottles
-don’t use tap water
~Brita, Berkeley, etc.
•research on proper care
•research on good rat sources to minimize risk for aggression and health issues
•know of a local exotic vet and their hours
•emergency vet fund $
Optional but good to have:
•rat first aid kit (antibiotics, 1ml syringe, saline wash, children’s Motrin/ibuprofen, gauze, bleed stop, ace wrap, Pedialyte)
•food bowl(s)
•air purifier and filters
•small humidifier
•kitten Revolution or Ivermectin for external parasites
•foraging treat to encourage foraging behaviors:
-mealworms (alive or dried), sunflower seeds, foraging mix, hard shelled nuts
•oversized wheel for exercise and health
-females: at least 14 inches
-males: at least 15 inches
Optional, definitely not necessary:
•corner litter box and different substrate than main bedding (paper pellets no baking soda or scent)
•free roam pen
•wire covers to rat-proof room
Amazon list of recommended rat products:
Post Adoption Checklist:
First 1-2 Days:
•Leave them alone in a room with minimal interaction to get used to cage
•Have food and water readily stocked
First 2 Weeks:
•Quarantine from your other rats if you have them in separate air space and cage to watch for illness before introductions
•Wash hands and/or clothes between caring for each group
Days 2+:
•Begin bonding process with treats and time outside cage if they’re ready
•Always wash hands after interacting with rats or cage
•Spot clean soiled items daily
•Replace bedding weekly
•Wash hammocks 2-7X a week in vinegar and/or unscented detergent, hang dry or low heat with unscented dryer sheets/wool balls
•1-2X a month scrub bars, soak/scrub items in vinegar water and a couple drops of dawn or unscented soap if necessary
After 2 Weeks:
•Begin safe introductions with other rats
•Conduct weekly health-checks
•Aim to free-roam at least an hour daily
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