Boys (or bucks) are easily identifiable by their large, prominent testicles which are visible under the tail from a very early age. Bucks are much bigger than girls (does) - reaching 400-700g, and tend to be more laid back and lazier. Does, on the other hand, tend to remain very lively for much longer and reach around 200-500g. Both make extremely good pets for children and adults, although different people tend to have preferences between bucks and does. It is often thought bucks are best for first rats, or where there are young children involved, as they are less skittish and generally more 'cuddly'. They also tend to be muckier, and more prone to getting fat!

Does can get pregnant as early as 5 weeks old. If you see bucks and does together after this point, assume the does will be pregnant and do not purchase! Although does can have healthy pregnancies this early, there can be a lot of problems. See below for more information on breeding.

Rats need to be kept indoors - or at least in a heated shed. As long as their cages are cleaned regularly, they shouldn't smell and therefore make good housepets.

Rats should be given a cage that is as big as you can afford - hamster cages are NEVER big enough. The cage should have good ventilation (although be out of drafts) and ideally be on more than one level, to allow the rats to climb and play. There are many good wire cages on the market, or with a bit of research you can make or adapt your own. You should also consider the width of the bars - does or baby rats (kittens) can sometimes escape from cages meant for larger animals.

You should never use wood shavings for rats (or, indeed most other small animals) as they can cause respiratory problems. Recycled paper beddings are good - such as bio-catelet cat litter, or cardboard chip beddings such as ecopetbed, or shredded paper such as Safe-bed.

http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/information/habitat/cagecalculator/
(To see the maximum number of rats per cage)
http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/information/habitat/
(General information on habitat, with some good pictures.)

Rats are omnivors like humans, but it is very hard to meet their needs without including meat in their diets. There are several brands of 'complete' rat food on the market, although you may find that your rats are healthier and leave less behind in the bowl if you mix your own. Many breeders use mixes based on rabbit food with added dog kibble, pasta and cereal. But if you feel unable to do this, then branded rat food will be fine.

Rats also need fresh fruit and vegetables and lots of fresh water. Carrots and their leafy tops and Curly Kale go down particularly well.

As long as you don't over-do the salt, sugar, fat or protein in a rat's diet, you can supplement their diet with occasional leftover human food! They also appreciate porridge and cous cous. It is possible to spend a very long time searching for the perfect diet for your ratties - many of the online forums will be able to help you if you wish to look at things more in-depth, or you can buy whole books on cookery for rats! 

Rats need lots of TLC! They are sociable and friendly, and like to come out of their cage to play! It is always nice to have a ratty-proofed area for them to run around in, and this will help them to stay fit and healthy. This may be the bathroom, or the hallway, or somewhere else away from wires and other hazards. They should not be allowed to exercise unsupervised, or with other pets.

Rats also love human company, and will happily ride on your shoulder or clamber about inside your jumper. Well handled rats are extremely unlikely to bite, and therefore are good with children, although children need to be taught to be gentle with them, and not left unsupervised until they understand well what constitutes a hazard to a rat - including being stepped on, eating something they shouldn't or going anywhere near the garden!

There are loads of things that make good toys for rats - some companies now make dedicated hammocks and other toys and beds for them, or you can improvise. Things that swing, or are fun to climb up, or can be rolled around, or run off with, or are just good to chew, will all make good toys for rats. Make sure you check toys regularly for wear and tear.

http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/information/play/

Unfortunately, rats are susceptible to a huge range of illnesses. For this reason it is always a good idea to make sure you have some money available if you need to take one to the vet. If you can not afford to take your rat to the vet, you should not be keeping rats!

Here are a few of the main things to look out for when getting a rat...
* excessive sneezing, leading to 'rattly' breathing or wheezing, often with discharge from the nose.
This is a sign of mycoplasma - all rats carry myco, but some are more resistant to it than others. Rats who have not been cared for properly - who have been kept on wood chips or in dirty conditions or who have been bred from unhealthy parents are far more likely to develop breathing problems. Antibiotics can keep things undercontrol, although they cannot provide a cure.
General signs of illness...
* red discharge around the eyes or nose
* Hunched up, with coat 'staring' (fluffed up furr), lethargic.
* 'square' tail - tails should be nice and rounded. If a rat's tail is 'squared' it is usually due to dietary problems and deficiencies, especially when young.

If you are buying a rat, try to do as much research about its background as possible.

When rats get older, they can develop tumours - many can be safely and effectively removed, so always visit your vet as soon as you notice any lumps.

There are a huge number of rats of all ages wanting homes in rescue centres around the country. If you want to breed, please make sure you are doing it for something more than just fun! Many breeders in the UK are working on improving the health of rats - particularly encouraging resistance to myco and tumours. However, this should be done with a high level of knowledge and research. Try following some of the links below, get in touch with local breeders and consider joining an online forum such as www.fancy-rats.co.uk/community.

You should also consider that rats can have over 20 kittens per litter - you'll need to find good homes for all of these! Using findafurry as the sole place to find these homes is not responsible, nor reliable and advertisers all have to agree to the Findafurry Code.

http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/information/breeding/