Housing
My rats live in a double bedroom dedicated to them. The main groups live in Explorer cages with one group in each section. They are given a thorough clean out weekly and spot wipes regularly. I prefer to use a combination of auboise and cardboard bedding (obtained from Botley Mills), with additional shredded paper in houses. Each cage is supplied with igloos / houses, hammocks, tunnels and other toys, cardboard boxes are a particular favourite.
Handling and Exercise
All the rats are checked and cuddled daily to ensure that they are well handled and in good health. Each group of rats is given atleast 30 minutes of free range time on a daily basis, where they are given access to additional tunnels, cardboard boxes and other toys.
Feeding
My rats are fed a home made mix, currently this is a mix of Supa Natural Rabbit Food and a good quality dog kibble. More information on rat nutrition can be found in The Scuttling Gourmet. They are also given fresh foods and healthy treats, curly kale and corn on the cob prove to be very popular.
Veterinary Care
All rats receive veterinary care when necessary at Christopher Carter's Vet Surgery on Winchester Road, Southampton.