what to feed a dumbo rat

Feeding and Caring for Dumbo Rats

1. Feed rats lab blocks, grain mix, and limited fresh produce. Look for lab blocks (which are basically extra-large food...
2. Watch for signs of overfeeding and obesity. Rats are omnivores that will readily overeat if given the chance.
3. Clean the cage with soap and water at least once a week. Whenever the cage develops a noticeable...

Full Answer

What do Dumbo rats eat?

You can give them grains like bread and cereal occasionally, but limit it to once a week or so. They’ll also eat small amounts of meat like bland chicken or scrambled eggs, and those are excellent for them due to the high protein content. Dumbo rats are creatures of habit, so don’t be tempted to mix up their diets constantly.

What is the best thing to feed a rat?

What to Feed Your Pet Rat on a Regular Basis Rats are omnivores, meaning they are healthiest when they eat a combination of fruits, veggies, and meats. So, the best rat diet consists of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a small portion of rat pellets or rat cube food daily.

What is the care level of a Dumbo rat?

Quick Facts about Dumbo Rat Species Name: Rattus norvegicus domestica Family: Muridae Care Level: Easy Temperature: 65-75°F Temperament: Mild, easygoing, cuddly, engaging 7 more rows ...

Is it bad to overfeed a Dumbo rat?

Be careful not to overfeed them, as obesity and diabetes run rampant in the species. It’s fairly easy to keep a dumbo rat healthy, as doing so mainly involves feeding them a healthy diet and keeping their cage clean. They don’t have many needs beyond that, and there’s little need to take them in for veterinary care.

How much do you feed a dumbo rat?

Each rat should eat about 0.5–0.75 ounces (14–21 g) of lab blocks per day. In addition, you can include a small amount of grain mix as well. You can also offer up to 1 tablespoon of fresh fruits and vegetables per day, per rat. Don't give rats citrus, corn, or alfalfa, though.

What can Dumbo rats not eat?

Avoid feeding rats a seed/grain mix as these are too high in fat and sugar. Rats are very prone to becoming obese and malnourished on these mixes. They tend to 'select' their favourite bits in the mix and therefore miss out on important nutrients.

What human food can pet rats eat?

Feeding Pet Rats Other FoodsFruit: apples, cherries, grapes, bananas, strawberries and other berries, melons, plums.Vegetables: broccoli, potatoes, peas, carrot, cooked sweet potato, kale, parsley, bok choy, squash.Cooked liver and other very lean cooked meats.Whole wheat pasta and bread.Cooked beans (including soy)More items...•

What should you feed a feeding rat?

A balanced diet for ratsGive them some variety - rats are omnivores, so you can supplement their diet with small amounts of fruit, vegetables, cooked egg, grains and seeds. ... Avoid harmful foods such as onion, citrus fruits, walnuts, rhubarb, grapes, raisins and chocolate.Avoid sugars and high-fat foods such as dairy.

Can rats eat bananas?

Fruits to Avoid Even though rats can eat banana, make sure the banana you give him is ripe. Green bananas are harsh on his sensitive digestive tract. Avocados can be toxic; dried fruit including apricots, banana chips, raisins and dried apples can be a choking danger; refrain from giving them.

Do rats like peanut butter?

Rats especially love peanut butter, and it's harder than cheese to get at without setting off the trap. The downside: Snap traps should only be set where no children or pets can get to them.

What is toxic to rats?

Ammonia. This is known as a cleaning agent, but it also acts as a poison to mice and rats. All you need to do is mix 2 – 2 and a half cups of ammonia, 100 – 200 mL of water and a 2-3 spoonful of detergent in a bowl.

What treats do rats like?

There's a list of rat-friendly fruit and veg below. Occasional treats such as small pieces of lean meat, mealworms, egg, lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas....Safe fruit, veg and herbs for your ratsCarrot.Broccoli.Cabbage.Cauliflower.Chicory.Sweet peppers.Cucumber.Cress.More items...

Do rats like cheese?

Do Rats Like Cheese? While rats like cheese, they certainly don't love it. Rats prefer sweeter treats, and there are plenty of better choices out there. While you should only feed them any of these treats in moderation, they also provide essential nutrients, and your rat will like them more.

What food can rats not eat?

What foods can rats not eat?Raw sweet potato.Raw cabbage, Brussels sprouts and artichoke.Dry beans or peanuts.Unripe/green bananas.Dried corn or peas.Green potato skin.Blue cheese.Skin of citrus fruits.More items...

Do rats need salt licks?

Rats do not need a salt lick. They get all the salt they need from their diet. Salt licks are only needed by strict herbivores. The generic “rodent mixes” containing grains and seeds sold in bulk in pet shops do not even come close to providing all the nutrition rats need.

Can rats eat raw vegetables?

Most rats love a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, corn, squash, carrots, greens, asparagus, cauliflower, cucumber, peas and parsnip. These vegetables can provide a rat's diet with a range of crucial minerals, but it's important not to go overboard with these as large amounts of roughage can cause diarrhea.

Do dumbo rats bite?

Pets rats are known for being rodents that are very unlikely to bite. In general, rats really do not like to bite people.

Are dumbo rats hard to take care of?

Dumbo Rats Make Excellent Small Pets They're generally easy to care for and can thrive even in a small apartment. Just make sure you have the appropriate setup for them and the time each day to socialize and play with your new rodent best friends!

How long do pet dumbo rats live?

Quick Facts about Dumbo RatSpecies Name:Rattus norvegicus domesticaLifespan:2-3 yearsSize:15-22 inches long, 1.5 poundsDiet:Rat pellets, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, beansMinimum Tank Size:24” x 12” x 12”7 more rows•Jan 7, 2022

Do dumbo rats smell?

Rats are in fact incredibly clean animals. They frequently groom themselves and should not smell. If you are encountering problems with your rats smelling or you're concerned about this as a potential problem, rest assured it can be avoided.

What do rats eat?

Rats are omnivores, meaning they are healthiest when they eat a combination of fruits, veggies, and meats. So, the best rat diet consists of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a small portion of rat pellets or rat cube food daily.

How do rats make their food experience more fun?

Rats are smart creatures and they need stimulation to remain happy. In their natural environment, they use their intelligence to scavenge for food. Trying a few of these tricks to make their food experience more fun can make them happier and more active: Hide treats or pellets in paper cups or toilet paper tubes.

How to get rid of rats chewing on things?

Hide treats or pellets in paper cups or toilet paper tubes. Scatter treats around the cage instead of putting them in your rat's food bowl. Purchase an interactive toy that requires the rat to solve a simple puzzle to get their treat. Keep in mind rats also love to chew on things for the health of their teeth.

What are the different types of domesticated rats?

Domesticated rats come in several varieties, including Dumbo Rats, Manx Rats, and Dwarf Rats. They also have different coat types and different tail styles. However, while there are many types of domesticated rat, they tend to all have one thing in common. That's what they like to eat and what's safe for them to eat.

Why are rats considered obese?

Rats that live in cages are particularly prone to getting overweight. Obesity in rats can lead to similar health problems as in other animals and humans.

Can rats chew on wood?

Keep in mind rats also love to chew on things for the health of their teeth. In addition to treats, make sure to provide them with cardboard, coconut shells, or even soft wood. Make sure to bake the wood on low heat for an hour and wash it before giving to your rat. Obesity in Rats.

Can rats be trained to do tricks?

Rats are smart and can be very food motivated so you may even be able to train your pet rat to do tricks or tasks by motivating them with a treat. Some of a rat's favorite treats include: These foods have lots of carbs and some have lots of sugar, so they should only be given to rats as a treat.

How to get rid of a dumbo rat?

Dumbo rats are bred to be generally more friendly and sociable than other rats, but even they tend to be a little shy and skittish at first. Don’t just grab hold of a rat as soon as you bring it home .

How much space do you need for a dumbo rat?

1. Provide at least 2 cubic feet (0.057 m3) of cage space per rat. Dumbo rats can grow to 15–22 inches (38–56 cm) in length (including their tail), so they need ample space to maneuver. If their living quarters are too cramped, they’ll be anxious, bored, unhappy, and probably unhealthy.

What is a dumbo rat?

Dumbo rats are known for their cute, low-slung, floppy ears that resemble those of the beloved Disney cartoon elephant. In reality, they are not a separate breed of rat—their appearance is simply the result of a mutation—so their basic care needs are the same as pointed-ear pet rats. However, because these cute critters are selectively bred ...

What is the best floor for a rat cage?

A rat cage should have a flat floor—one made of hard plastic, for instance—instead of a wire bottom. Otherwise, your rats may develop a serious foot condition known as “bumblefoot.”. Layer the floor of the cage with 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of bedding material.

How long do rats live?

With proper care and good luck in the health department, pet rats can live for up to 4 years. Expect to pay around $300 USD in total care costs (food, toys, vet care, etc.) during each year of a single rat’s life.

How much does a rat weigh?

Rats are omnivores that will readily overeat if given the chance. If your rat weighs noticeably more than 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg), looks paunchy, or has become lethargic, there is a decent chance that it is overweight.

How to keep rats entertained in a cage?

Add chew blocks, toys, and activity elements to the cage. Provide a constant supply of untreated wood blocks for use as chew toys, and add places to play and hide as well. Try ramps, tunnels, caves, ladders, and other pieces to keep your rats entertained.

How should Dumbo rats be housed

First of all, it’s preferable to choose a specialized rat cage instead of improvising one, that may end up being uncomfortable or unsafe for your pet rat. A good cage for rats needs to have certain characteristics. It should be large enough and also have multiple levels. A wire cage that is tall and spacious enough is preferable.

What should you feed a Dumbo rat?

First of all, Dumbo rats need daily fresh water. If you choose water bottles with sipping tubes, make sure that your rats are able to use them and actually get enough water. Also, make sure that they don’t drip, as otherwise, the bedding will quickly become wet and dirty.

Dumbo rat personality and socialising

It’s undeniable that the ‘elephant’ ears make Dumbo rats some of the most adorable small pets. They come in a variety of colors and are just as intelligent and curious as the other fancy rats.

Dumbo rat health

Rats generally have a low lifespan. As a domesticated breed, Dumbo rats live longer than wild rats and can live for 2 to 3 years, if they are properly cared for. Make sure to keep them either in same-sex pairs or groups, in a large and clean cage, with proper food and water.

Dumbo Rat Coat & Looks

Dumbo rats are easy to spot due to their large ears. There is almost no mistaking them. They are direct descendants of fancy rats so share a lot of the same characteristics, all except for the ears.

How Do I Care for a Dumbo Rat?

Your rat will need somewhere to call home. A cage needs to be big enough to give your rat room to exercise, and we always recommend going as large as you can. 24” x 24” x 24” is the smallest you should go for a single rat, and you can add 20% to those numbers for every additional rat which you add.

How Active Are Dumbo Rats?

All rats are active, and Dumbo rats are no different. While you may have a large cage, it is always good practice to let them out of their cage for at least an hour each day.

What Should I Feed My Dumbo Rat?

Dumbo rats, like all other rat breeds, are omnivores, meaning that they will eat anything and everything. The best thing to start with is rat pellets.

Healthcare for Dumbo Rats

Most rats live between 2-4 years, and, with the right care, your Dumbo rat can easily make four years. Most rats live a long and healthy life, but there are a few health considerations to think about.

Dumbo Rats As Pets

Dumbo rats make for wonderful pets. They are incredibly smart, friendly, and affectionate creatures. They are also easy for small children to handle, and do not need a lot of time and attention.

What is a dumbo rat?

1. Skull. A dumbo rat’s skull is usually wide, fairly flat, and often raised at the back. The pronounced raise at the back gives this rat a hunchbacked appearance. At rat shows, this might be considered a fault but as far as health problems, it is likely not to cause any. 2.

What is a dumbo rat's skull?

A dumbo rat’s skull is usually wide, fairly flat, and often raised at the back. The pronounced raise at the back gives this rat a hunchbacked appearance. At rat shows, this might be considered a fault but as far as health problems, it is likely not to cause any.

Do rats have the same intelligence as other rats?

Although the gene (s) that have caused the mutation of their ears have not been investigated scientifically, they seem to have the same learning ability and intelligence as other rats. They are quick to learn and generally intelligent.

What is the best food for a rat?

While you are shopping for food for your pet rat, look for a diet that has been made specifically for rats. 1  This will usually be a pellet or block-type (essentially a large pellet) diet since they have historically been considered the best rat diets (although there are some concerns with pellets). Loose seed mixes can be very well-balanced diets but only if your rat eats everything in the mix (and many don't). Alternatively, if you feed a block or pelleted food, a rat won't be able to pick and choose which parts they do and not want to eat. These rat blocks can be left available to your rat at all times.

What do rats eat?

Rats benefit from eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, and other fresh foods. 2 This is great news because it's fun to share things you are eating with your rat. Keep in mind though that serving sizes are pretty small (as in a teaspoon or half-inch cube) for a rat so avoid giving large amounts of fruits or vegetables in each meal or diarrhea may result. The following is a list of treats you may wish to try, keeping in mind that feeding a wide variety of foods is the best way to ensure optimum nutrition and health: 1 Fruit: apples, cherries, grapes, bananas, strawberries and other berries, melons, plums 2 Vegetables: broccoli, potatoes, peas, carrot, cooked sweet potato, kale, parsley, bok choy, squash 3 Cooked liver and other very lean cooked meats 4 Whole wheat pasta and bread 5 Cooked beans (including soy) 6 Yogurt (especially with live cultures) 7 Brown rice 8 Unsweetened breakfast cereals 9 Mealworms 10 Small dog biscuits 11 Special treats (given only occasionally): whole nuts in the shell (almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts), sunflower seeds (high in fat), carob chips 12 Leftovers from your meals are OK in moderation

Can rats eat loose seed mix?

Loose seed mixes can be very well-balanced diets but only if your rat eats everything in the mix (and many don't). Alternatively, if you feed a block or pelleted food, a rat won't be able to pick and choose which parts they do and not want to eat. These rat blocks can be left available to your rat at all times.

Can you leave a rat block?

These rat blocks can be left available to your rat at all times. Pellet diets are commonly recommended for pet rats, but a rat and mouse diet that meets the same general requirements (e.g. low calorie, low fat) is a good compromise if you cannot find a good rat-specific diet.

Can rats eat alfalfa?

The nutritional requirements in these foods are different, and they usually contain alfalfa which is not very digestible in rats.

Can you feed a pet rat?

Feeding pet rats is not difficult, but there are some important items to include when doing so. Specially-formulated rat diets should always make up the bulk of your pet rat's meals, but you should also offer different fresh foods. There are some homemade diets you can make that are recommended by rat experts as an alternative to prepackaged foods, ...

What are the features of a dumbo rat?

The most striking feature of the Dumbo Rat is his protruding ears. According to the breed standard, fancy rat ears should be set far apart on the head, standing erect without any folds. In the case of Dumbo Rats, their ears sit lower on the sides of the head than other varieties of rat.

How much does a dumbo rat weigh?

Dumbo Rat weight. A male weighs between 1 and 1.5lbs, and a female typically weighs between 0.5 and 1lb. From the end of their nose to the tip of their tail, they can reach up to 18 inches long, with females usually being slightly shorter than males.

How long do dumbo rats live?

With a bit of luck, a well-cared for rat will live for two to three years – double or triple the lifespan of their wild counterparts!

What is a baby dumbo rat called?

Baby rats are called kittens. Breeding Dumbo kittens is essentially the same as breeding other fancy rats. This 8 week old Siamese Dumbo Rat Baby is snacking on a tiny bit of yogurt. A female Dumbo and a male Dumbo will always make Dumbo kittens.

Why are dumbo rats so sweet?

This is probably because the first Dumbo breeders selected heavily in favor of docile temperaments when they first set up the breeding line.

How big do dumbo rats get?

Dumbo Rat size. From the end of their nose to the tip of their tail, they can reach up to 18 inches long , with females usually being slightly shorter than males. If you’ve seen a domestic top-eared rat, that’s basically the same size.

What are the characteristics of a dumbo rat?

You’ll hardly be surprised to hear therefore that Dumbo rats’ distinguishing features are their ears. Usually, rats’ ears are small and oval, and perched quite high on their heads. But Dumbos’ ears are large, almost circular, and positioned much lower on their heads. So they stick out sideways from behind their cheeks.

What is the best food for a rat?

Thoroughly cooked meats such as liver, beef, chicken, turkey, and ham are excellent sources of protein. Chicken and liver are the healthiest options for your rat. Small amounts of turkey, ham, and beef are fine too.

What do rats like to eat?

Rats love juicy fruits like melons. Give them a small slice a few times a week to reward them for good behavior, or simply to show them you care. Some of a rat’s favorite melons include honeydew, cantaloupe, and seedless watermelon.

How to keep a rat happy?

The best way to keep your pet rat happy and healthy is to provide him with the healthy diet he needs to thrive. Pet rats do best with commercial rat foods specifically designed for them. That means foods made for guinea pigs and rabbits simply won’t do.

What do rats need to survive?

Whether they are in the wild or in an enclosure, all rats need a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals, proteins, and healthy carbohydrates.

Can rats eat popsicles?

Rats too enjoy these icy delights, especially when it’s warm outside. Remember, popsicles are typically a high source of sugar and artificial flavoring, so give only give bits of popsicle to your rat in small doses. You can also seek out the lower fat, sugar-free variety.

Can rats eat cottage cheese?

Everyone knows that rats love cheese! This includes cottage cheese. However, we suggest cheese in smaller quantities and on only on occasion. The healthiest options for your rat are cheeses that are soy-based. Avoid blue cheese, as the mold can be toxic to your rat.

Can rats eat human food?

While we recommend implementing a high-quality commercial rat food into your rat’s daily diet, there are also some human foods your pet rat will not only enjoy but can help to add a healthy variation to their everyday meals! Many human foods are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Why is my rat putting on weight?

Obesity is a common problem in rats. If your rat is putting on a bit of podge, be careful about how many treat you give them. Be especially careful with high-fat and sugary treats like nuts, seeds and ‘honey sticks’.

Safe fruit, veg and herbs for your rats

These fruit, vegetables and herbs are all safe for your rats to eat. You should feed them a small amount each day.

Things to chew and gnaw

Rats love to shred, chew and gnaw on things. It’s a natural behaviour that helps keep their teeth healthy and stops your rats getting bored.