How to Maintain a Domestic White Rat

Caring for your white rat is a simple process that involves putting it in appropriate housing and feeding it the right diet. When purchasing a rat, it is recommended to obtain it from a responsible breeder, as it is more likely to be already be socialized and well cared for. It is important to keep the rat's cage clean and give it various toys to entertain itself. The rat's nails also need to be trimmed regularly.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire cage
  • Bedding
  • Litter
  • Toys
  • Nest box
  • Rat food
  • Fresh foods
  • Nail trimmers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a wire cage with at least 2 square feet of floor space. Avoid cages with a wire flooring, as it can lead to bumblefoot. If you purchase a cage with a wire flooring, put a solid surface on it, such as a sheet of plywood or plastic.

    • 2

      Put a nest box inside the cage. The next box can be anything that fits inside the cage and is semi-enclosed, as long as the rat has plenty of room to move around outside of it. Examples include a piece of PVC pipe to a jar turned on its side. The type of material is made from, however, determines how frequently it must be cleaned. Boxes made out of cardboard will absorb urine and may have to be changed every week, for example.

    • 3

      Add a layer of litter to the bottom of the cage, followed by bedding on top of it. There are various options available from pet stores, such as specific rat litter and cedar shavings for bedding. Change the litter and bedding every couple of weeks, or when they start to retain a foul smell.

    • 4

      Provide nesting material for the rat. This can be ripped up paper without print or shredded paper towels. The rat will add this to its nesting box to make itself comfortable.

    • 5

      Add toys to the cage for the rat to play with. This can include anything from an exercise wheel to paper towel tubes. Rotates the toys weekly to keep the rat challenged. Also include a block of wood for it to chew on and prevent its teeth from growing excessively.

    • 6

      Feed the rat pellets and blocks specifically made for rats. Supplement its diet with fresh foods as well, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. Keep the diet low in fat. Avoid sugary foods.

    • 7

      Check the rat's nails every two weeks to see if they need to be trimmed. Use human nail trimmers to remove the white part of the nail above the quick.