Before you bring your rat home.

You will need to have it's home ready. A cage, with a good
secure top, that has enough room for a nesting box, food dish and
toys. Wooden cages/hutches are not recommended as these soak up food
and urine and become unhygienic.

A 2ft fish tank is sufficient room for rat.

A medium sized bird cage can also be used. But rember to remove any
wire base – as continually walking on a wire floor has been
contributed to a condition known as "Bumble Foot" – a swelling and
infection of the feet.

A `gravity' or `dripper' water bottle is recommended for use
for suppling water. These can be purchased at pet shops.

Water bowls are not recommend as rats often tip these over and
they can also be polluted by nesting material.

A solid, heavy dish can be used for food. Or a small saucer. (I
use a clean lid from the Nes Café coffee jars – remove the cardboard
insert – However, these are too light and are better for mice). You
can often find suitable `feed' bowls for a cheap price at your local
opportunity-shop.
Rats need a nesting box to provide them with security. Make sure
this is roomy enough for bedding and the rat itself.

Linning for the base of the cage can be a hay based cat litter.

Clay cat litters are not recommend as the dust from these may
contribute to respritory problems. Wood chips or saw dust are not
recommend as the tannin in these (a natural occurring chemical in the
wood) is poisonous and has been suspected of causing liver problems.
If you use hay or straw, make sure you also spray the cage for "hay
mites" regularly.

For more details and updated information on the best materials to
use visit AMRIS Online at:

http://www.geocities.com/petsburgh/reserve/5824