Having been a rat hobby breeder for going on ten years now, I can personally say that Yesterday's News is not a good rat bedding. You can use it for litter boxes, but as for odor control it does nothing to help. It's not fluffy, and it's just plain unnatural. Rats need something they can dig in, such as Carefresh (try the ultra as it tends to be less dusty), Aspen shavings, or hemp. Cedar and pine contain toxic phenols which can irritate the respiratory tract, and since rats are so prone to upper respiratory infections please don't use those types of bedding. Plus, they are more prone to carry ectoparasites such as mites/lice.
As far as juice, if you get male rats please stay away from orange juice. Plus, citrus is a no no anyway. Dairy is also something to stay away from, especially if a rat is having any URI issues. Meats are ok in limited amounts. I would stay away from hot dogs, though I do admit to giving my rats little pieces of it every month or so. Basically keep it healthy. My rats are fed a mostly organic based diet. Lentils, puffed corn and rice, spiral colored pasta, cheerios (plain), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, split and green peas, millet etc. I also mix in some dried fruit in limited amounts as well as some nuts. I stay away from peanuts. Filberts are especially yummy to rats and here in Oregon they are plentiful.![]()
Fresh fruits and veggies are a must. My rats love apples, pears, bananas, grapes, green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, kale, bok choy (spelling?) etc. As far as treats I usually give boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, cooked pasta, spaghetti, tuna casserole, toast. Sometimes I think they eat better than me! They also enjoy pork and chicken bones. Unlike dogs they do not pose a threat to rats. They gnaw their food therefor do not have to worry about splintering or choking. I also give my rats salmon (cooked) and raw oysters. They love them!![]()
Any other questions?
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