Part 3 Feeding and Caring for Dumbo Rats
- Feed rats lab blocks, grain mix, and limited fresh produce. Look for lab blocks (which are basically extra-large food pellets) that are produced specifically for rats.
- Watch for signs of overfeeding and obesity. Rats are omnivores that will readily overeat if given the chance.
- Clean the cage with soap and water at least once a week. ...
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 food to feed a rat?
Feed rats lab blocks, grain mix, and limited fresh produce. Look for lab blocks (which are basically extra-large food pellets) that are produced specifically for rats. These blocks will make up the majority of the rat’s diet.
What gear do you need to keep a Dumbo rat?
However, there is gear that you should own if you want to keep Dumbos, and we’ll go over the must-haves below. Dumbo rats aren’t that big, so they don’t need massive enclosures. The minimum size cage you’ll need is 24” x 12” x 12”.
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 ...
What is the best food for pet rats?
What to feed 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.
How much should I feed my Dumbo rat?
Ideally, your rat should be offered no more than 1-2 tablespoons a day, split over two meals (morning and evening). Fresh water should always be made available. For more information on the best nutrition for your pet rat, contact your local Unusual Pet Vets team or learn more about our rat veterinary services.
What can Dumbo rats not eat?
What Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet RatChocolate.Caffeine.Any foods with d-limonene in them, including lemon peels and mango.Raw beans or sweet potato.Wild insects.
What foods can Dumbo rats eat?
Basic Rat feeding guide Some examples of suitable fruit and vegetables are: apples, pears, banana, melons, stone fruits, citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage (not red cabbage), endive, carrots, Bok choy/other Asian greens, celery, parsley, berries, fresh corn (small amount only) and peas.
What food is toxic to rats?
Toxic foods are poisonous to rats and should be completely avoided.Avocado skin and pit.Chocolate.Citrus fruits (causes kidney damage)Mango (causes kidney damage)Green potato.Fluorinated and/or Chlorinated Water (use only filtered water, never tap water)Green bananas.Uncooked/dried beans (contains toxic hemaglutin)More items...
Are Dumbo rats hard to take care of?
Rats are quiet, clean, and easy to maintain. They are sweet, smart, friendly, social, active, and very entertaining.
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 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 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...•
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.
Can rats have chicken nuggets?
If you offer a mix of grains, nuts and fruits they'll choose what they like. They also hoard food – so you'll be none the wiser. To beat this problem, feed them the all-in-one Burgess Excel Rat Nuggets, rather than muesli. Our nuggets contain all of the nutrients they need with every mouthful.
Are dumbo rats cuddly?
Rats make lifelong bonds with their owners. They will even try to groom their human companions as if these people were other rats in their “rat pack.” Pet rats love the warmth and contact of their caretakers and are actually very cuddly!
Are dumbo rats more calm?
Some owners say that male dumbo rats can be more relaxed and spend most of their time sleeping. Females may be a little more active.
How big can a dumbo rat get?
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
Can dumbo rats live alone?
Rats will not usually pine away and die simply from being kept alone - so if you are concerned simply with what rats need to stay alive, you can keep them alone. However, it is not fair to think only of what our pets need to keep them alive. We should also think about what they want to give them happy lives.
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 .
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 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.
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 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.
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 a dumbo rat?
A dumbo rat is a variation of the standard top eared Norway rat ( rattus norvegicus ). Dumbos are essentially standard rats who have a genetic mutation (dmbo) on chromosome 14, which affects a number of physical characteristics: Ear placement – ears are displaced from the top to the side of the head. Ear shape and size – shape is rounded, almost ...
Where did the dumbo rat come from?
The dumbo rat is thought to have originated as a spontaneous mutation within the pet rat population in the USA. Sources vary as to the exact details but a breeder in North West America seems most likely.
What are the two diseases that affect rats?
Ear infections and zymbal gland tumors are the two main rat illnesses to affect the ear and related glands. These conditions affect top eared rats and dumbos alike, and a survey of cases mentioned in a large rat care facebook group shows no difference in the rate of occurrence between the two varieties.
What is the shape of a rat's ear?
The ear is slightly furled at the top and should stand out at a prominent angle from the head. The ear may appear to be rose petal-shaped but should be perfectly rounded and as flat as possible. Head shape to follow the standard for normal eared rats, though may appear to differ due to the ear position.
Can you home a dumbo rat?
The decision as to whether or not to home a dumbo rat as one (or more) of your mischief is really down to personal preference about the appearance of the dumbo. The lower ear position and wider forehead can soften the facial features making the rat look both kind and cute.
Do dumbo rats have low set ears?
The low set ears of the dumbo rat seem to be more prone to injury , especially during rat fights, than their standard eared friends and relations. Most injuries are minor and heal quickly without intervention, but nicks and gaps in the ear can remain after healing.
Do dumbo rats vibrate?
Female dumbo rats do not seem to vibrate their ears when on heat. However, thousands of dumbo females have successfully communicated their receptiveness, been mated and become pregnant. So, the lack of this trait does not seem to affect the male rat’s willingness to mate when a dumbo female is on heat.
What is the best diet for rats?
A diet that is mostly complex carbohydrates is best for the bulk of a rat’s life, with a few processed carbohydrates added to provide readily accessible energy. The ratio of processed carbohydrates can be increased as a rat ages as this will increase the absorption of micronutrients and energy.
What to feed a rat to help them get older?
Select a diet based on lower phosphorus grains like rice, corn, millet, sorghum, and barley to help support your rats as they get older. Processing grain also reduces phosphorus, so this is the time to add more processed grains as well.
What is oxalate in rat food?
Oxalates (oxalic acid) A naturally occurring plant acid that – in excess – makes plants poisonous. During digestion the oxalates can bind with minerals (like calcium and iron), reducing the amount available to the rat’s body and creating tiny insoluble crystals. The body also makes oxalate crystals itself.
How much fat should a rat eat?
Therefore, most of the fat that is available in food can be absorbed into the body. So, a rat’s diet should be roughly 5% fat.
How long does it take for a rat to die from kidney failure?
Laboratory studies have shown that rats as a species experience a slow decline in kidney health throughout their lives, with chronic kidney disease usually tipping towards end-stage renal failure around 30 months.
What does adlib feeding do to rats?
Adlib feeding meets the brain and the body’s energy needs from glucose, and it results in a series of frequent peaks and troughs in blood sugar.
How does a rat's diet affect kidneys?
Kidney disease in rats is affected by levels of protein, overall calories, and phosphorus. Diets that are high in all three will have the greatest effect in increasing the rate at which the kidneys decline. For this reason, lowering the protein and phosphorus in a rat’s diet as they get older has a protective effect.
