Choosing The Perfect Rat For Your Family
A good pet to consider is a rat. Rats make an excellent first pet for young children. They also are wonderful if you live in an apartment or small house, since they do not require a lot of space. If you decide on a rat as a pet you will want to find one that is healthy and friendly.
There are several places you can purchase a rat from: a professional breeder, pet stores, or friends how have rats that have bred. Regardless of where you decide to get your new pet from, here are some things you should look for when you are making your choice.
Activity level: Rats are nocturnal, so it is difficult to view them when they would be more active, at night. However, healthy rats will adjust to their surroundings and should be more active during the daytime, when the store is open. You will want to pick a rat that is curious and active.
Their current home: You want to look at the cage they are living in at the moment. Is it clean, with plenty of water, food and fresh vegetables? You want to buy your pet from a seller who takes good care of their rats.
Inspect the rat you choose: There are several things you should check your choice for to be sure you have picked a healthy rat.
Eyes: Are his eyes clear and free of discharge.
Ears: His ears should be clean and have no signs redness or parasites.
Nose: Look for discharge and sneezing. Both are signs of illness.
Mouth and teeth: His mouth should free of sores and the teeth should not be overly long.
Whiskers: Lack of whiskers or very short sparse ones can be a sign of trouble in a rat.
Legs and feet: Check his feet and toes for sores and redness, look at the legs for breaks or deformities.
Tail and rectum: Look for sores or cuts in the tail and matting or discharge from the rectum.
Fur and body: Hair should be soft and thick, with no bald spots. Look for sores or rashes, and check for lumps or deformities.
Feel the rat's body, is he thin or overweight?
Age: Ask the seller how old the rat is, and if it is a store, where did they get it from? Check if it is a reputable breeder.
Finally, ask the seller if they have a return policy should you find out the rat has an illness or dies within a short period of time, like a week. Most pet stores have a 7 day return policy on small animals, but cover yourself by asking. You will also need to know your state's rules governing animal sales.
A new pet is a big responsibility, even if it is a small pet. Asking questions and inspecting your new friend before you bring him home will help you find the perfect rat for your family and will save you heartache down the line.
Related Tags: family, inspection, choosing, rats. pets
Dawn Arkin is a writer and animal lover who enjoys spending time with her pets. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea