Rats are clean intelligent, friendly,affectionate and sweet. They make an ideal first pet for children. They become very tame with regular handling. Children as young as 4 or 5 years old can handle a rat. They come in approximately 25 colors. There are exotic varieties like hooded, hairless ,curly coated and dumbo rats with elephant style ears. Pet rats live 2 to 3 years. They are social animals and seem happiest in same sex pairs. They also do well as single pets with regular attention.

Housing:Pet rats can live in a cage 10" x 10" x 16" with 1/2 inch wire spacing. A 10 gallon aquarium with a wire lid maybe easier to clean. bedding can be most any material except cedar bedding. They like a nesting box of some kind.Water: A large water bottle cleaned at least once a week, should be used instead of a water bowl.Food; The basic food should be a rodent lab block. For young rats a good hamster mix should be used. never give chocolate as it is poisonousThey can use a vitamin C additive in their diet.A chew stick should be supplied. Temperature: Rats do well at room temperatures.Lighting; No special lighting required