 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ratty Care
| This is only Suggested Ratty Care! |
| Handling! Rats need careful handling just like any other animal. A rat should never be picked up by its tail. This can damage not only the spine, but the tail itself. The tail, when grasped, can be degloved, in other words the skin comes off. The skin cannot be replaced, so the tail must then be amputated to prevent infection. The tail is very important to rats. It helps aid them in balancing, it also helps them regulate their temperature. A rat should instead be picked up by its body, similar to the way a cat would be picked up. One hand should be used to go under the rat and pick it up, the other hand used to support its weight. Once off the ground, the rat can either stand on the hand, or be placed on a shoulder or in a lap. |
| Bedding NEVER use ceder or pine shaving due to it causing respiratory infections even death. The best type of bedding that could be used is Aspen shavings. You could even use other bedding such as Carefresh, Paper Shavings (Animal Bedding), Eco Bedding, even Corn Cob. There are also other types of bedding you could use that are dust free, and that could control odor |
What NOT to feed:
Soy: Causes stunted growth, greatly increases risk of getting cancer, contains many toxins,
shortens lifespans, and provides very little to no nutrients. (used as a filler in many commercial
rat foods)
Dried Corn: Can harbor fungus, which is toxic to rats and increases risk of cancer/tumors,
contains nitrates and amines as well, which are carcinogens which cause cancer. (used as a filler
in many rat commercial rat foods).
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a mold/fungus, which is toxic to rats, and will make them very ill in
hours, and potentially kill them. (the same goes for all moldy foods as well)
Citrus: Contains d-limonene. This reacts with proteins in the Male rats kidneys which causes
kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure and even cancer. OK for female rats in light
moderation.
Tofu: Made from soy (see above), as well as in bulk, can harbor harmful bacteria.
Raw Sweet Potato: Contains Cyanide compounds. OK when fully cooked.
Apple Seeds: Contains Cyanide. The apple 'flesh' is ok, and with the skin provides vitamins and
nutrients. Make sure you take all seeds out first, and wash apple pieces after cutting.
Green Potato's and 'Eyes': Contains Solanine, which is toxic to rats. In the green parts it is
basically a concentration of the Solanine, which is a Nightshade Plant Toxin.
Raw Beans: Has Non-Nutrients which can cause the red blood cells to clot, as well as containing
non-nutrients that destroy Vitamin-A which is needed to absorb and digest protein and starches.
Onions : Causes Anemia (low iron levels in the blood) and upset stomach.
Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts: Contains non-nutrients which destroys thiamine, a B-vitamin,
which contributes to cell regeneration, metabolic rate, and energy levels.
Artichokes: Inhibits Protein absorption and digestion.
Green Bananas: Inhibits the digestion of Starches.
Licorice: Contains a suspected Neuro-Toxin.
Wild Bugs/Insects: Most often contains internal parasites and diseases, which if fed to your
rats, would then infect it.
Bleu Cheese: Contains mold/fungus, toxic to rats.
Poppy Seeds: This is an Opiate (heroin type drug), which can cause neurological damage and
even death.
Rhubarb: Contains high levels of Oxalates which binds Calcium and inhibits it's digestion and
absorption.
Carbonated Beverages: Rats cant burp! The gasses will build up in their stomach and you will
need to make an emergency trip to the vet.
Soy: Causes stunted growth, greatly increases risk of getting cancer, contains many toxins,
shortens lifespans, and provides very little to no nutrients. (used as a filler in many commercial
rat foods)
Dried Corn: Can harbor fungus, which is toxic to rats and increases risk of cancer/tumors,
contains nitrates and amines as well, which are carcinogens which cause cancer. (used as a filler
in many rat commercial rat foods).
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a mold/fungus, which is toxic to rats, and will make them very ill in
hours, and potentially kill them. (the same goes for all moldy foods as well)
Citrus: Contains d-limonene. This reacts with proteins in the Male rats kidneys which causes
kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure and even cancer. OK for female rats in light
moderation.
Tofu: Made from soy (see above), as well as in bulk, can harbor harmful bacteria.
Raw Sweet Potato: Contains Cyanide compounds. OK when fully cooked.
Apple Seeds: Contains Cyanide. The apple 'flesh' is ok, and with the skin provides vitamins and
nutrients. Make sure you take all seeds out first, and wash apple pieces after cutting.
Green Potato's and 'Eyes': Contains Solanine, which is toxic to rats. In the green parts it is
basically a concentration of the Solanine, which is a Nightshade Plant Toxin.
Raw Beans: Has Non-Nutrients which can cause the red blood cells to clot, as well as containing
non-nutrients that destroy Vitamin-A which is needed to absorb and digest protein and starches.
Onions : Causes Anemia (low iron levels in the blood) and upset stomach.
Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts: Contains non-nutrients which destroys thiamine, a B-vitamin,
which contributes to cell regeneration, metabolic rate, and energy levels.
Artichokes: Inhibits Protein absorption and digestion.
Green Bananas: Inhibits the digestion of Starches.
Licorice: Contains a suspected Neuro-Toxin.
Wild Bugs/Insects: Most often contains internal parasites and diseases, which if fed to your
rats, would then infect it.
Bleu Cheese: Contains mold/fungus, toxic to rats.
Poppy Seeds: This is an Opiate (heroin type drug), which can cause neurological damage and
even death.
Rhubarb: Contains high levels of Oxalates which binds Calcium and inhibits it's digestion and
absorption.
Carbonated Beverages: Rats cant burp! The gasses will build up in their stomach and you will
need to make an emergency trip to the vet.
Apples(cored-no apple seeds)
Bananas(not raw)
Peaches
Strawberries(with caution seeds could be bad)
Grapes(seed less)
Watermelon
A small piece of avocado
Raw pumpkin with skin on (wash skin)
Carrots
Parsley stalks
Kale
Bok Choy
Broccoli (uncooked)
Pea pods
Green beans
Squash
Sprouts
Berries
Sweet Potato (Cooked)
Nuts
Mustard Greens
Cranberries
Plums
Dates
Bananas(not raw)
Peaches
Strawberries(with caution seeds could be bad)
Grapes(seed less)
Watermelon
A small piece of avocado
Raw pumpkin with skin on (wash skin)
Carrots
Parsley stalks
Kale
Bok Choy
Broccoli (uncooked)
Pea pods
Green beans
Squash
Sprouts
Berries
Sweet Potato (Cooked)
Nuts
Mustard Greens
Cranberries
Plums
Dates
Ok for ratties to have: