Basic Care Info & Tips

Vinegar & Rats

Both of these items can be found at your grocery store, at very inexpensive prices. Very simple products that can go a long way in your rats health and well being!

Apple Cider Vinegar:

ACV can be added to your rats water bottle. Just pour in a teaspoon or two from time to time....Simple enough! The health benefits are AMAZING and it's chocked-full of natural probiotics, vitamins, and minerals!

Studies have shown that ACV can have these effects:

• Detox the liver and rid the gut of harmful fungus, improving digestive health
• Provide organ protection and an improve metabolic health
• Can reduce oxidative stress and enhance the body's antioxidant defense system, protecting cells from damage
• Antimicrobial properties have been known to aid in prevention of infections
• Really good for their skin and coat!
• True immunity booster! I especially like to use it in this time if year to give everyone a little immune system boost while dealing with the colder, dryer months!

Use organic, raw, unfiltered varieties with the "mother". These retain more nutrients and enzymes compared to processed options, ensuring better quality. (Braggs is my favorite) Disclaimer: This should not be used in place as veterinary treatment. Please consult exotic vets with any concerns. Start with small doses at first.

Distilled White Vinegar:

What are you using daily/weekly to clean your rats cage, toys, shelves, etc? I greatly encourage you to AVOID commercial cleaners with heavy fragrances and chemicals. Many small pet cage cleaners even advertise as being "safe" but are not good for your rats respiratory system at all! Simple things like this can trigger respiratory problems and decline in health. I highly recommend using 50% water, 50% white vinegar for regular cage cleaning. It is 100% safe for rats but very effective when cleaning up after rats. It's acidic, which helps with mineral deposits, urine, and poop, and acts as a mild disinfectant. I love using this for wiping down the build up on cage bars and on my walls and floors!

(Be sure so always rinse well. White vinegar does not kill all germs!...so make sure to also disinfect from time to time also)

Managing Odor

Reality = Rats can be very stinky! But there's so many ways to manage this and keep the smell at a minimal. Here's a few tips and tricks to help keep the odor at a minimal:

• Avoid plastics! Plastic tends to hold smell longer. Try using stainless steel or metal items in the cage (this includes cage bases and trays too!). If using wood, soak in hot water and vinegar to remove any ruin build up.
• Wipe cage bars down regularly with white vinegar/water. You'll notice over time their little feet can coat the cage bars with urine and other matter. 
• Use an air purifier near your rats cage! This help cut down on smell and is also good for better breathing for your rats
• Choose a bedding that is high quality and absorbent! (see Habitat page for more info). Avoid using cloth/blankets as bedding to cover trays, ledges, or floors, as they do not absorb the smell.  Urine will just sit stagnant and it will get very stinky.
• Replace ledges/platforms with ropes, swings, hammocks, etc.  Rats tend to like to pee on solid smooth surfaces.
• Try putting a pee rock where you want them to pee.  This may not work some some lazy rats, but it can encourage them to pee in certain areas.
• It is HIGHLY recommended to NOT bathe rats. This can stress them out.  I like to rub them down with coconut oil from time to time.  This is VERY good for their coat and adds natural oil for moisturizing.  It can also "freshen" them up a bit if they seem a little stinky. Don't forget the tail!