Rat for sale in the Netherlands
The fancy rat is a highly intelligent group animal that climbs, digs, sleeps socially and enjoys learning. Human contact is valuable but does not replace a rat companion. At least a stable same-sex pair and daily free movement are needed.
Rodents
Rat
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Create AdvertCharacteristics
- Origin
- Domesticated brown rat originating in East Asia
- Length
- Body about 21–29 cm, tail 15–23 cm
- Life expectancy
- Usually about 2 years
- Activity
- Mainly active around the beginning and end of the night, sometimes by day
- Character
- Social, intelligent, people-oriented and highly exploratory
- Housing
- At least two. For two at least 100 × 50 × 70 cm with safe free range
Fancy rats: behaviour and suitability
Rats groom, wrestle, sleep together and maintain a flexible hierarchy. A solitary rat continually lacks species-specific communication even with much human attention. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.
Care and housing
Provide shelves, hammocks, digging box, ropes, cardboard, scatter feeding and a rat-proof play area daily. Use low-dust bedding and good ventilation to protect sensitive airways. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.
Health and responsible acquisition
Check breathing, weight, teeth, skin, feet and lumps and ask about family line. Females commonly develop mammary tumours and both sexes respiratory disease. Arrange a rat-knowledgeable veterinarian beforehand. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.
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