Fancy Rat

1 New Breed: How to Keep a Fancy Rat

The fancy rat is a popular breed in the United States; because it was only recently introduced to China, household ownership is still low. Its characteristic is a cow-like black-and-white coat.

Fancy rats are very gentle; unless hurt while being handled, they generally do not bite. If raised from a young age, they can be well trained. Grown fancy rats, unlike ordinary rats that sleep by day and are active at night, will sync their schedule with their owner’s.

Do not feed fancy rats human food, because high salt and seasonings burden their stomachs and cause illness. Fancy rats love mealworms most, and fresh vegetables can also be fed.

Fancy rats fear heat greatly, so in summer provide shade and heat relief. Avoid direct sunlight, and use cooling plates, ice packs, and marble to help them cool down.

Fancy rats are very clean, so their cage should be clean and comfortable. The cage should be sturdy and tight to prevent escapes. You can install an exercise wheel so a bored fancy rat can play and exercise.

Fancy rats breed prolifically; to avoid over-breeding causing problems at home, do not keep males and females together, or you will soon have a rat infestation.