Habitat
I'm lucky enough to have a room that is completely dedicated to my rats. It stays cool on very hot days, and there is heating in place if it gets too cold in the winter (which isn't too much of a problem, and I'd prefer my rats to be in a cooler temperature anyway). They have access to a part of the room (in their separate groups) as often as I can let them out, and freerange is a mixture of supervised and alone. I find that my rats act differently when they don't have me to distract them, so I like to give them some "alone time", to encourage real exploration and ratty behaviour (although of course having glass doors into the room means I can keep my eye on them without disturbing them!). I provide a cat scratching post, a variety of boxes and other toys, and digging box to encourage natural ratty digging!
My rats are housed in 2 Savic Royal Suites. I prefer to use the full height of these cages, so take out the middle base which allows more climbing and stretching for the ratlets, and more opportunity for exciting layouts. I use an Alaska cage for birthing, and upgrade babies to a Freddy 2 when they're old enough.
My rats are housed in 2 Savic Royal Suites. I prefer to use the full height of these cages, so take out the middle base which allows more climbing and stretching for the ratlets, and more opportunity for exciting layouts. I use an Alaska cage for birthing, and upgrade babies to a Freddy 2 when they're old enough.
As a substrate I use a mix of shredded cardboard (Future Animal Bedding) and chopped rape straw (Nedz bed). I find this keeps the smell down, and also provides springy and comfortable nesting material for the nest builders among my rats! I use Back2Nature in litter trays.
I try to keep my cage layouts as interesting and challenging as possible for my rats. I much prefer to use ropes and parrot toys to hammocks and beds, so you'll only find a couple of intended sleeping places in my cages. I use the word intended because I find that they sleep in the oddest places that I did not intend them to! All cages are given a wheel, and most of my rats use it, from the bounders to the trundlers!
I try to keep my cage layouts as interesting and challenging as possible for my rats. I much prefer to use ropes and parrot toys to hammocks and beds, so you'll only find a couple of intended sleeping places in my cages. I use the word intended because I find that they sleep in the oddest places that I did not intend them to! All cages are given a wheel, and most of my rats use it, from the bounders to the trundlers!
Feeding
I feed my rats a "home made" mix that's tailored to meet the needs of my rats, and can change from batch to batch .I start with a rabbit food (at the moment a locally made tropical mix) and add Bailey's Top Line Conditioning Mix (a horse feed), mixed wild bird seed, human cereal and random other bits and pieces for interest - whatever I have in the rat cupboard really! I've found that my rats stay in good condition on this, but it does differ from batch to batch, and I don't really measure much, just do it by eye.
In addition to this, I supplement water with Dr Squiggles Daily Essentials 1 because it's good for them, and because they really love it!
I also feed fresh vegetables about 4 times a week (this is mostly kale but also bags of ready prepared chopped vegatables that I get from the supermarket) and I feed a fresh meal once every 1-2 weeks. This is a balanced meal consisting of a carb source (cous cous, rice, pasta) a protein source (usually oily fish like sardines, or plain chicken) and a good mix of veg. This is supplemented with and flax oil.
For more information about feeding, I always recommend The Scuttling Gourmet by Alison Campbell.
In addition to this, I supplement water with Dr Squiggles Daily Essentials 1 because it's good for them, and because they really love it!
I also feed fresh vegetables about 4 times a week (this is mostly kale but also bags of ready prepared chopped vegatables that I get from the supermarket) and I feed a fresh meal once every 1-2 weeks. This is a balanced meal consisting of a carb source (cous cous, rice, pasta) a protein source (usually oily fish like sardines, or plain chicken) and a good mix of veg. This is supplemented with and flax oil.
For more information about feeding, I always recommend The Scuttling Gourmet by Alison Campbell.
Vet Care
I use Chris Mason vet surgery in Bamber Bridge, and Oakhill Vet Surgery in Preston.
Honeyduke Ethics
- Rats are kept in single sex groups, or in mixed sex groups where one (or both) sexes have been neutered.
- Rats are kept in a suitable environment and able to exhibit natural behaviour. The are given suitable food, fresh water, and activities with which to interact.
- Rats have regular time outside of the cage when possible, and are handled on a regular basis
- Rats are kept as safe as possible, without curbing their natural habits and instincts. They are protected from natural predators - and although they may be in the same house as each other, they will never interract.
- Rats will have access to a vet whenever it is needed, no matter the time or day of the week. They are given medical support to the point where they no longer have a quality of life. They will be humanely euthenised when necessary,
- Rats who show aggression towards humans or other rats will not be bred from.
- Rats who succumb to illness will not be bred from.
- Breeding does will usually only raise one litter in her lifetime, unless she is a truely exceptional rat and mother, and then a significant break between litters will be given.
- Breeding does will not be bred before 6 months old, the aim to breed between 9 and 13 months.
- I will never breed from a rat who's history is unknown.
- My rats are from breeders with exceptional ethics, or from genuine rescue situations. We do no support the pet shop trade or "backyard breeders".
- I do not cull out rats. Any rats unsuitable for breeding are homed to a pet only home, or will remain with us for their entire lives. The information on ALL of the rats born here is vital for my breeding aims.
- My rats regularly attend shows. This helps to build confidence, and can help to build up a good immune system. It will also allow me to assess their temperaments in different situations.