Rat Resources: Supplies
So, once you've read up on the rat basics, here is where we start to get more specific on exactly what products we recommend based on how we believe domestic pet rats should be maintained.
Cages - Remember, Rattie Ratz may have used cages available for sale should you need a cage!
Cages to BUY
Cages to MAKE
Information
- Cage Calculator – use this to figure out how many rats your cage can comfortably hold (2 cubic feet PER RAT is the minimum that we recommend and, in this case, bigger IS actually better!
Cages to BUY
- Critter Nation – these cages are great for rats if you have the space and the money
- Super Pet My First Home Exotics – a good-sized cage for a small number of rats
- Petco (You and Me) Rat Manor – we do not recommend supporting Petco, but this is still a good starter cage
Cages to MAKE
- DIY: The Grotto - idea for a large DIY cage
- Spare Cage - DIY bin cage for temporary use only!!
Information
- How Clean is Clean? by Nichole Royer AFRMA
- Housing Needs by Rat Guide
Accessories - Remember, be creative! You definitely don't need to buy everything. Every cage needs to have something for food, something for water, something for treats/fresh foods, something to sleep/hide in, things to chew, and things to prevent the rats from being bored out of their very intelligent minds!
Ideas and Information
Specific Products that we buy and use
Ideas and Information
- Cage Accessories by Rat Guide
- Toys by Rat Guide
- Oh Boy! Rat Toys! by Sarah Shuman
- Rat Toy Ideas by Dapper Rat
Specific Products that we buy and use
- Lixit Quick Fill Bottle
- Lixit Critter Space Pod (LARGE)
- Living World Pet Carrier (or similar)
- Giant Silent Spinner Wheel (or similar - 12" at least)
- After Market Critter Nation Pans - We strongly suggest investing in the stainless steel version if you choose to upgrade your pans.
- Rat Proof Play Area - We use this one, it's 28" high. Rats can still jump out of it and potentially force their way under it but it's a good start.
Bedding - Don't use pine or cedar!!
Information
Types of Bedding
Please also note that plenty of folks are moving to alternative bedding options like fabric/fleece pads, natural straw/seagrass mats, deep bedding solutions, and even dirt! Unless you are familiar with and ready for an alternative bedding option, we suggest starting with the tried and true basics.
Information
- Cage Bedding & Litter by Rat Guide
- Respiratory Toxicity of Cedar & Pine by The Rat Fan Club
- The Bedding Dilemma by AFRMA
Types of Bedding
Please also note that plenty of folks are moving to alternative bedding options like fabric/fleece pads, natural straw/seagrass mats, deep bedding solutions, and even dirt! Unless you are familiar with and ready for an alternative bedding option, we suggest starting with the tried and true basics.
Diet - 80% blocks and 20% fresh fruits, veggies, and nuts (plus some treats)
Information
Specific foods that we buy and use
Specific treats that we buy and use
FRESH AND HEALTHY FOODS - FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS, COOKED PASTA, OATMEAL, YOGURT, ETC!!
Information
- Rat Food & Diet by The Rat Guide
- Wheat Grass by Rat's Rule (can do this with other sprouting seeds too)
- Poisonous Plants by The Rat Lady
Specific foods that we buy and use
- Harlan Teklad 2014 (Adult) - Sold specifically by ecosandy
- Harlan Teklad 2018 (Growth) - Sold specifically by ecosandy
- Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food
- Supreme Petfoods Science Selective Rat Food (available in Europe also)
Specific treats that we buy and use
- Rascally Rat Nutri-Berries
- Yogu Drops
- Yogu Drops With Blueberry
- Gerber Puffs (or similar)
- Gerber Lil Crunchies (or similar)
- Cheerios Cereal (or similar)
- Rice Krispies (or similar)
FRESH AND HEALTHY FOODS - FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS, COOKED PASTA, OATMEAL, YOGURT, ETC!!