Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors www.apbc.org.uk E: [email protected]

AN INTRODUCTION TO Keeping Rats as Pets Cara Wilson BSc (Hons) PGDE Introduction If you are looking for a pet that is friendly, entertaining and social, then rats are a great choice for all ages. Despite many people having a predisposed phobia of them, once you have met rats, even the most reluctant of people find it hard to resist their charm. The following article examines some of the considerations of keeping rats as pets including the cost of keeping rats, common health problems that may be encountered and how understanding a rat’s natural behaviour can ensure better care is provided.

Firstly, rats are highly entertaining (authors own observations). If males from other males whereas females and many an hour can be spent are housed nearby, these males tend to display more avoidance observing their interesting may begin fighting over the potential behaviours. However, these displays behaviours. Each individual rat has mate (Taylor, 1975). Both sexes can of aggression will often depend on a distinctive personality that cannot be neutered therefore preventing the social status of the individual fail to entertain even the hardest of unwanted litters in mixed groups. in question (Hurst et al., 1996). It is people. Rats are intelligent and form Whilst this can also reduce aggression important that if one rat in particular bonds with cage mates and indeed in males it does not have the same receives a high level of social human carers. They are extremely affect in females (DeBold & Miczek, pressure that they are either re- inquisitive by nature and any new 1984) and indeed spaying is very housed with another less aggressive object placed in their enclosure is much more risky to undertake than rat (Barclay 2001) or the environment explored with vigour. is enriched with more “escape” castration and should not be advised areas. Long term social pressure Males and females have different as a routine procedure, especially (such as continuous mounting, being behavioural traits but both sexes are on such a small animal. A castrated rolled over by another rat, aggressive fantastic to keep. Males tend to be male and entire females will usually grooming) may cause long -term ‘lazier’, whilst females tend to be faster happily cohabit provided the physiological consequences (Hurst and the sneakier of the sexes, often environment is suitable. et al 1999). looking for escape routes when the cage door opens. Females will be in In their groups, rats will demonstrate Rats will also communicate using oestrus (receptive to mating) every natural communication behaviours squeaks, although as much of the 4-5 days when at breeding age, which with each other and will show vocal communication is in ultrasound, can be from approximately 6-8 weeks submissive and dominant it will be too high for the range of of age through adulthood. During this behaviours. A truly submissive human hearing (Sales et al., 1988). time, their behaviour changes and they rat will lie on its back, to expose can often be seen running very quickly vulnerable body parts, and stay Rats are generally inexpensive to around the cage and suddenly freezing there – even when other rats buy from pet shops or breeders. in mating position often shaking on have left them. Other forms of More than one rat should always be the spot. They may be more or less aggression include ‘boxing’ and acquired – as naturally social animals receptive to human handling during fighting with injuries. Male rats they should never be housed alone. this time depending on the individual tend to retaliate against attacks Rats that are housed singly are more prone to developing behaviour 2013). Cages with mesh flooring are however if doing this, ensure your rats problems such as tail chasing not suitable to house rats in. These can access other food just in case and bar biting (Hurst et al., 1997). cages can not only cause health they are unable to work out the given There are also many rescue centres issues such as Bumblefoot but are puzzle! Different smells in the way of (usually smaller based charities) that simply not comfortable for rats to edible herbs e.g. rosemary or a small have rats in need of homes. These rest on who, if given the choice, will sprinkle of fresh citrus juice can also are often rats from unwanted litters seek out solid flooring as opposed to be placed around the enclosure in where young rats have bred prior to mesh (Manser et al., 1995). As with order to give their noses a challenge. being separated from siblings of the all housing, location is important. As well as these, toys can be opposite sex. If introducing strange Accommodation should not be purchased such as treat balls and rats to each other, always do so on placed in too hot or too noisy an Kongs although objects need to be neutral territory in order to prevent environment so this should also be changed on a regular basis in order to aggression towards the newest considered when deciding on the maintain interest (Balcombe, 2006). member (Lore et al., 1984). rats location within the house. Trips to vets are, if lucky, few and Rats are easy to feed and worth Environmental enrichment is far between. Rats have a relatively noting is that these animals are essential in order to fulfil the rats short lifespan of 2-3 years although omnivores so need a mixture of necessary welfare needs thus many exceed this. Some rats may meat and vegetable matter. Diets reducing environmental stress (Belz never need a trip to the vets whilst are available from pet stores either et al., 2003). Enrichment is relatively others may develop health issues. in mixed form or in complete kibble. inexpensive to provide. Rats can The most common problems are Whilst the mixed food allows rats be given cardboard boxes to sleep respiratory problems and tumours to selectively feed, the kibble in although many do appreciate a (National Fancy Rat Society, 2013). foods will ensure that they get all comfy hammock. Ladders, ropes Whilst the first can be treated with their nutritional needs fulfilled as and untreated fruit tree branches medication (or occasionally changing opposed to simply eating the best also allow rats to climb using their accommodation floor covering-rats bits. That said, diets should be amazing balancing skills. Branches can develop allergies to certain supplemented with fresh foods also allow them to fulfil their natural coverings), tumours may need such as raw or cooked vegetables and necessary rodent behaviour removing. Other health problems (with no added salt or spices) or of chewing and keeping their include ear infections (presented small meat portions. ‘Free foods’ continuously growing teeth down via head tilts or scratching at the such as untreated dandelion (Johnson et al., 2004). Objects such ears) and skin problems. Close leaves are always welcomed with as empty cereal boxes, paper bags observation of health is needed and relish, although these should or scrap paper (be aware of ink) as with all animals, any concern over always be given in moderation. can also be placed in enclosures. health should be acted upon as soon Supplementation will not only Females tend to be the sex that as possible. ensure a good quality diet but will ‘nest build’ but males can do will also provide the animals with this too. This trait can be extremely environmental enrichment. Fresh entertaining for rat and owner, water should always be provided especially if providing them with bits and whilst a bottle will ensure the of the ‘nest’, such as scrap paper, water stays clean a heavy bowl can one piece at a time. also be used.

Cages are a ‘one off’ buy and therefore the largest cage that can be afforded is best. Cages marketed as ferret cages are an excellent size, although be aware of the width of cage bars – young rats can get through very small gaps. Avoid ‘starter cages’ and lidded glass aquariums, as whilst these suit young rats for very As previously stated, rats are highly short periods, they soon grow. social with great personalities. Most These accommodation types are (there are always exceptions to the completely unsuitable for adult rats rule) love human company. Even rats due to not only their size but also that don’t want to be fussed and lack of climbing opportunities they handled may be happy to approach present. Glass aquariums do not Items can also be given with food you for food. Rats that have been allow adequate ventilation which can placed inside in order to give rats under socialised, such as rescue lead to health problems (Blue Cross, more of a foraging challenge, rats or those that have not had early handling in a pet shop, can learn to for children, it is an idea to handle Ducommum, D. (2008) The Complete Guide to trust and approach you given time. them first in order to judge how they Rat Training. T.F.H. Publications Inc, Neptune City, New Jersey. That said, human company can respond. Never purchase a rat that never replace the company of their has been removed from its mother Hurst, J.L., Barnard, C.J., Hare, R., Wheeldon, own kind - even the most human at four weeks of age or younger. E.B. and West, C.D. (1996) Housing and orientated of rats cannot sleep in a Whilst young rats can be weaned welfare in laboratory rats: time-budgeting and pathophysiology in single sex groups. Animal hammock with their human owners! at three weeks a good breeder will Behaviour 52: 335-360. leave them with their mother until Rats can be trained just as many approximately five weeks old in order Hurst, J.L., Barnard, C.J., Nevison, C.M. other animals can be. They can for them to continue learning how to and West, C.D. (1997) Housing and Welfare in laboratory rats: Welfare implications of easily learn to come to their name, behave as a rat. isolation and social contact among caged just as a dog will, and they can males. Animal Welfare 6:329-347. also be trained to perform tricks. Many rats will happily sit on laps to These tricks can be simple such be stroked and when content, will Hurst, J.L., Barnard, C.J., Tolladay, U., Nevison, C.M. and West, C.D. (1999) Housing as targeting objects but with time, grind their teeth (known as bruxing) and welfare in laboratory rats: effects of cage rats can also be trained to perform (Lissenberg, 2006) or even snooze stocking density and behavioural predictors of ‘agility’ and more complicated which is just as relaxing as having welfare. Animal Behaviour 58: 563-586. actions (Ducommum, 2008). Not only a dog or cat on your lap. Some will Johnson, S.R., Patterson-Kane, E.G. Niel, does this training help to improve even happily sit on shoulders or in L. (2004) Foraging enrichment for laboratory the bond with the owner it also large pockets whilst you carry out rats: a theoretical review. Animal Welfare 13: gives these intelligent animals an your daily business. If handling rats 305-312. opportunity for stimulation and of outside however, it is important to be Lissenberg, J. (2006) Fancy Rats. Rebo course provides entertainment for aware of natural predators such as Publishers, The Netherlands. humans too. cats, dogs or even birds of prey. Lore, R., Nikoletseas, M and Takahashi, Rats are easy to handle and unlike This article has been written as an L. (1984). Colony aggression in laboratory rats: a review and some recommendations. mice they will not ‘jump’ off surfaces introduction to keeping rats, the Aggressive Behavior. 10: 59-71. Cited in so handling them is relatively stress care needed and an overview of www.ratbehavior.org Accessed 9/5/13. free! To pick up a rat, hold them over their natural behaviour needs. If their shoulders whilst supporting considering keeping these animals, Manser, C.E., Morris, T.H. and Broom. D.M. (1995) An investigation into the effects of the weight of their body with your as with any animal, it is worth solid or grid cage flooring on the welfare of other hand. They can then be held investing time before purchasing laboratory rats. Laboratory Animals 29: 353- against your chest or lap. Do not try them in order to ensure you can 363. Cited in Guidelines for the Housing of to handle a rat if your hands smell of provide the necessary care for them. Rats in Scientific Institutions. Animal Research Review Panel, NSW Department of Primary food or other animals. Due to their There are many books and articles Industries, Locked Bag 21, Orange NSW 2800. poor eyesight rats may think your on keeping rats that are worth approaching hand is a tasty treat or a reading prior to a decision to keep National Fancy Rat Society. Articles and predator – either way, it can lead to a them being made. information on the health of fancy rats. http://www.nfrs.org/articleshealth.html nasty bite! If approaching a nervous Accessed 9/5/13. rat always approach at a slow pace Reference List Sales, G. D., Wilson, K.J., Milligan Sr., S.K. and do so calmly and quietly. If they Balcombe, J. P. (2006) Laboratory appear anxious move away and try (1988). Environmental ultrasound in laboratories environments and rodents’ behavioural needs: and animal houses: A possible cause for to get them used to being touched a review. Laboratory Animal. 40: 217-235. concern in the welfare and use of laboratory first, for example a feather can be animals. Laboratory Animal 22:369-375. Barclay, R. (2001) The effects of intrusion stroked along their back whilst on the behaviour of caged laboratory rats offering small tit bits. Taylor, G. T. (1975). Male aggression in the (rattus norvegicus): Consequences for welfare. presence of an estrous female. Journal of Animal Welfare 10: 421-436 Comparative and Physiological Psychology Never pick rats up by their tails 89(3):246-52. Cited in www.ratbehavior.org Belz, E.E., Kennell, J.S., Czambel, R.K., Rubin, Accessed 9/5/13. as this can cause painful injuries R.T. and Rhodes. M.E., (2003) Environmental and may in turn lead to a rat that enrichment lowers stress responsive Photographs provided by Andrew Wootton doesn’t trust its handlers. Rats also hormones in singly housed male and female and Cara Wilson do not need to be ‘pinned down’ rats. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and before being picked up. Tame rats Behavior 76: 481-486. will approach humans and allow Blue Cross. Caring for your rat. http://www. themselves to be scooped up; some bluecross.org.uk/2150-2796/Caring-for-your- may even groom you with a few rat.html Accessed 9/5/13. licks! In order for rats to be tame and DeBold, J. F. and K. A. Miczek. (1984). trusting of humans they need to be Aggression persists after ovariectomy in handled from a young age; a good female rats. Hormones and Behavior. 18: breeder will be handling rats from a 177-190. few weeks old in order to get them used to humans. If purchasing rats