From the category archives:

Rat

Rat skin problem

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The most common skin problem in rats is caused by itching. The rat scratches herself which creates scabs, most often on the neck and shoulders, but sometimes also on the face, chin, or forehead. These scabs are sometimes mistaken for injuries caused by other rats. The causes of itching are fur mites, an allergy, excessive [...]

Obese rat

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One of the best ways that you can ensure that your rats lead long healthy lives is to make sure that they do not get fat.
Fat rats live shorter lives, are prone to tumours, are more susceptible to infection, and less likely to recover from surgery. Does should be sleek and lean, and bucks muscular; [...]

Rat tumor

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Some rats develop tumors as they get older. Female rats are more likely to develop tumors than males, and rats fed on a high-fat diet are also more at risk. The most common form are benign mammary tumours, which start off as a small, pea-like lump and grow steadily.
They can occur in the rats’ groin [...]

Respiratory infections in rat

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If your rat is sneezing more than usual, listen closely to his breathing. If the nasal passages and chest sound clear, keep a very close watch on him, but it shouldn’t be necessary to start treatment unless he starts acting more tired than usual, or stops eating or drinking. Allergies and dust are also [...]

Rat diet

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Rats have similar dietary requirements to those of mice; however, rats require higher fiber and lower fat, so limit those high-fat foods like nuts and sunflower seeds.
Rats do well on block type diets which also provide them with gnawing exercise.
This type of diet also eliminates the possibility of the rats eating only a preferential selection [...]

Rat training

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If you have a baby rat who doesn’t like to be held, remember that baby rats tend to be very active and often don’t want to hold still to be held. Instead they want to run around and play and explore. See if your rat wants to play a game with you instead of being [...]