Question about feeding my rat Winkie....

[moosmom]

I've been told so many things. Is it okay to feed them lettuce??? I've heard both yes and no. Only certain TYPES of lettuce, though.

I've also been told they like "roots" like potatoes, sweet potatoes (Winkie LOVES them), ginger root, parsnips, turnips, etc., as well as fruits, pasta, you name it.

Any other hints (I know, he'll eat what I eat...I LOVE peanut butter and so does he).

[IRescue452]

http://ratfanclub.org/diet.html

Here's a good site with lists of good and forbidden foods. It mentions sweet potatos as being bad, and of course the peels of oranges, it doesn't mention lettuce as being harmful. I'd imagine its neither good or bad in moderation.

[luckies4me]

Lettuce is fine, as long as it isn't iceburg, as iceburg has no nutritional value and is packed with water, which can lead to diarrhea. Lettuces to try? Green leaf, red leaf, romaine, etc. Try to stay away from greens that can cause gas though, like spinach, broccoli and cauliflower.

[moosmom]

IRescue452,

Thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it. Winkie LOVES hard boiled egg yolks. I always try to give him fresh stuff. Last week I bought some fruit from the salad bar at Stop & Shop. Fresh strawberries, watermelon, honeydew melon, etc. Wouldn't touch any of it. Good, more for me!!!

He like peanut butter and will literally rip it off the spoon when he sees it. I also have fresh ccooked butternut squash that he likes.

Thanks everyone for your input.