What Is a Fancy Rat? A Guide to Raising Fancy Rats Well

The pet rat market is booming right now, and hamsters in particular have won over a lot of hearts. But there is actually another kind of pet rat that is very cute too. Below, the editor will introduce you to what a fancy rat is and how to raise a fancy rat.

1. What is a fancy rat?

The fancy rat is a rat species from the United States. Its spots are white and black, like the body of a dairy cow, so some people also call it the cow rat. It is different from the mice we commonly see. Its big white teeth and big ears are really cute. It also has a gentle temperament and recognizes its owner. Compared with hamsters, which never really bond with you, fancy rats are very smart and affectionate with people.

2. How do you raise a fancy rat?

1. Feeding

(1) Never feed high-calorie food

Do not let yourself lose control of your feeding hand just because it is cute! Fancy rats gain weight very easily, so do not feed it too much high-calorie food. Especially things like nuts: do not feed too many at once, or it will easily become round and plump. Then its skin cannot dissipate heat well, and in summer it may easily be overcome by heat, or even die of heatstroke. So remember, you must not feed it too much of this kind of food.

(2) Water must be disinfected

You need to prepare enough clean water for the fancy rat. Clean water does not mean tap water. And try not to let it drink tap water directly. It is best to heat it at high temperature, disinfect the water, and then give it to the rat, and add water at least three or four times a day to ensure it has the water it needs.

2. Daily life

(1) Pay attention to cooling

Remember to cool your fancy rat down in summer; do not let it get too hot. If you do not take good cooling measures, the fancy rat may die of heat. Also give it enough living space to move around. The fancy rat's nails also need to be trimmed regularly. Be careful when trimming so you do not hurt it. Its cage should preferably not be placed in direct sunlight, because this animal is very afraid of heat.

(2) Bathing

When bathing a fancy rat, you must be careful and gently hold it in your hands. Test the temperature of the water you prepare for it; the temperature should be suitable. Slightly hot is fine, but it must not be too cold, otherwise the fancy rat may get sick after its bath. Put it into the water with your hands and control it a little, otherwise it will slip out on its own. Then apply some baby body wash to it, rinse it clean, and then use a hair dryer to dry all its fur.

A fancy rat's life lasts only a short two or three years, so since you have decided to be its owner, you must take careful care of it; its life is really too short. Although it is a pet rat, it is still a rat. Rats carry many germs. When raising one, you must be careful not to be bitten by it, and do not let it scratch your hand. If this happens, you must promptly get a vaccine just in case. The germs carried by rats can easily cause death, so owners must take this seriously.