Become a rat parent
Become a rat parent
Article edited 1/20/2023 to add additional links and resources for adopters
Article edited 2/23/2023 for readability
In this article we will cover how we do things, while also providing resources for additional reading.
When doing research about pet rats, it’s important to pull your knowledge from multiple sources.
What works for us, may not work for you and your rats.
Overall fantastic resources for new Adopters:
Rats 101 by Silver’s Rattery
Rat Care by Shadowtherat (Rattrix)
Thinking about pet rats? by Isamu Rat Care
Health Guide by Rat Guide
At BBR we use lab blocks as a staple diet for our rattery. We have tried and recommend: Oxbow Adult Formula, Mazuri 6f and Kalmbach 18%
Recommended reading for food and diet:
Rats 101: Diet by Silver’s Rattery
What foods are safe for rats? by Shadowtherat (Rattrix)
Feeding and Nutrition by Isamu Rat Care
Diet by Rat Guide
In our rattery we use primarily homemade bin cages, however, for pet homes we recommend:
-Chew proof
-Deep base or scatter guard for bedding
-1/2 inch bar space
-Easy to access/clean
NOT recommended:
-Glass tanks
-Wooden enclosures
-Poorly ventilated
-Wire flooring
Recommended reading for caging:
Husbandry by Silver’s Rattery
Rat Care by Shadowtherat (Rattrix)
Choosing Cages by Isamu Rat Care
Housing Needs by Rat Guide
In our rattery we use kiln dried pine flakes in both the large and fine varieties.
We also recommend:
-Aspen
-Bioactive Soil
Recommended reading for bedding:
Basics of picking Bedding by Silver’s Rattery
Choosing Bedding by Isamu Rat Care
We highly recommend bringing home 2+ babies at a time.
We only adopt in same sex pairs or more and will not adopt out lone rats.
Recommended reading for adopting in groups of 2+:
Lone Housing by Silver’s Rattery
One rat or two? by Shadowtherat (Rattrix)
How many? by Isamu Rat Care
Quarantine is a minimum 2 week period during which you should keep your new babies separate from any other rats you have in your home. We strongly recommend quarantine. We would never send a rat home who we observed showing signs of poor health, but quarantine is an easy and simple solution that keeps everyone safe.
Recommended reading for quarantine:
The importance of quarantining by Isamu Rat Care
After adopting from BBR, we will send you a detailed breakdown of what is normal and what is not normal for the first 2 weeks of your rat’s time in their new home. If you notice any off or odd behaviors from your babies while in quarantine, we encourage you to reach out to us.
Recommended reading for new babies:
Handling by Silver’s Rattery
Rat Behavior by Shadowtherat (Rattrix)
Rat talk – what are they trying to tell you? by Isamu Rat Care
Excessive sneezing past the first 3 days home, Sides sunk in, Hunched posture, Raised or Puffed fur, Terrified and frozen body language, Biting you or other rats, Porphyrin around the nose and eyes (Red, Blood-like Discharge), Labored or Rattled breathing.
Recommended reading for health:
Basic Rat Health by Silver’s Rattery
Rat First Aid by Shadowtherat (Rattrix)
Health by Isamu Rat Care
Health Guide by Rat Guide
We very rarely bring in new rats. For adopters we recommend the carrier method, which involves introducing babies with established rats in small spaces until a “rat pile” is achieved and the space is gradually increased.
Recommended reading for introductions:
Introducing new rats by Shadowtherat (Rattrix)
Introducing Rats by Isamu Rat Care
Fill out our Adoption Application
Let us know a little about your experience with pet rats, caging, food, gender preferences and we’ll respond as soon as possible!
Or visit our Available Babies and see if anyone catches your eye!
