It is extremely important that your Rat has the opportunity to exercise every day. You need to provide a large, secure run for daily exercise. This can be freestanding or attached to the cage.

An idea is to use a large cardboard box and put bedding on the bottom. Put in some toilet roll tubes and, as Rats also love climbing, you can hang up a piece of sisal rope. If you put a wheel in the cage so your Rat can exercise, make sure that it is big enough. Your Rat must not have to bend its back while inside. Also ensure that it has a solid floor and not rungs as rungs can cause injuries to the feet and tail. Although Rats sleep during the day, they are really energetic and will exercise for 3-4 hours a night, and will enjoy spending the evenings with you! Piles of twigs (natural wood – willow, beech, hazel or apple) make platforms for them to explore or rest under. Rats will chew the wood and this will help keep their teeth in trim! By hiding food and the occasional treat under cardboard boxes, in empty plant or yoghurt pots, or in different areas of the animal’s cage, your Rat will be forced to hunt for its food – this will keep it occupied for many happy hours and prevent boredom.

Handling Your Rat

To ensure that your Rat becomes tame and affectionate it is important that you handle it frequently and correctly Picking up a Rat incorrectly could lead it being permanently frightened and may lead to it becoming aggressive. Remember that most small animals are prey in the wild. So, if approached from above they’ll see a large shadow and become scared. They might run and hide or try to attack you. The best way to pick up your Rat is to talk to it as you approach – on the same level. Crouch and let it come to you, presenting the back of your hand for it to sniff. If your Rat is confident and appears interested, slowly unclench your fist and offer your palm. It may well crawl on to your hand or you can gently scoop it up. Cup your Rat in the palms of your two hands to ensure that it is safe and won’t be dropped. Lift slowly – picking up too quickly would be the equivalent of going up the Empire State Building in 3 seconds! To ensure it is safe at all times you should hold it over your lap or close to your chest. Never squeeze or tighten your grip during handling. Never try to pick up your Rat by the tail as this could lead to injury and not surprisingly, it might become aggressive.