lol how cn u love rats they stink and so scary. if i was you i wouldnt keep themI have a question about rats?
The initial amount of money you spend really depends on what kind of setup you chose.
*To start off, you'll need a decent sized cage for the rat(s) to live in. As a guide, the minimum floor space of any cage for 1-2 rats should be 2 foot x 1 foot, with at least an extra square foot of floor space for each additional rat.
You can buy it new or you might be able to save quite a bit of money if you can find a used one in good condition.
Check craigslist -I see cheap and sometimes even free cages on there all the time.
It's best to get the biggest cage you can if this is where your rat(s) will be spending most of its time.
If you know what you're doing, it's perfectly acceptable to make one yourself, as long as it's safe and secure, of course.
*Another necessity is bedding/substrate/floor covering (you get the idea).
Again prices vary. You can use prepackaged bedding (I always used Carefresh), or you can use something like shredded newspaper, but stay away from cedar wood shavings.
Since you're already a rodent owner, you probably already have a bedding preference anyway.
*Rats also like to have a little shelter type object to hide in.
You can purchase one at a petstore (prices will vary) or you can just something like a small cardboard box.
Empty tissue boxes work well but stay away from ones that that held scented tissues or tissues with lotion. Rats are sensitive to these things.
Keep in mind that if you use cardboard sheter, it will need to be replaced frequently due to being chewed up and urinated on.
*Nesting material is another factor.
You can use hay, shredded newspapers, store bought materials, and I even used to use pieces of scrap fabric (like from clothes I didn't want anymore) with no problems. Just make sure it doesn't have threads that can snag or wrap around the rats delecate toes or feet. If you notice your rat has been nibbling at the fabric take it away though to prevent intestinal blockage.
*Another expense is the water bottle and food dish, which tend to be pretty affordable.
*Food is another.
Again this is relatively cheap.
You can buy a commercially prepared pre-mixed diet designed just for rats, or some people prefer to make their own. It's really up to you.
Do some research and see what you think would be best.
*And then there's the actual rat(s).
This price too will vary depending on the source and possible the breed.
Pet store rats are very inexpensive. Less than $5 in my area. Be especially cautious if selecting one from one of those large chain stores (Petco, Petsmart, Petland, etc.) as they are probably the most likey to be harboring things like respitory infections.
There are other sources to adopt from: Animal shelter, Private breeder, Private owner looking to rehome (see craigslist), you might even have a rat rescue in your area -these adoption fees tend to be low also.
***
I think thats about it. The most money will probably be spent on the cage, depending on what kind of deal you get, but if you buy a large, good quality cage to start off with, this should be a one-time expense.
As for the monthly expenses, they shouldn't be much.
Just the bedding, nesting material and food. Even food might last you a little longer than one month depending on what/how much you buy.
If I had to guess, I'd say it shouldn't cost more than $15 a month.
And a bit of advice, though. Always try to have some money saved up for a veterinary fund. You never know if you may need it.
Sorry I couldn't give you a real estimate, but good luck with everything.
Rats are generally cheap to care for (given that they're in good health), and they make fantastic pets.
dont listen to miss-coo
they dont stink, dont bite, dont carry diseases, are loving, affectionate, funny, cute and intelligent.
i have just got my first pair of rats
first rule - ALWAYS get two the same sex (research this and check yourself when you pick them out, dont trust the breeder or pet shop - i made this mistake)
second rule - do lots of research, google it and there are some greats rat vids on youtube too :) there are amazing rat websites out ther :)
As for cost, my pair of rats cost me 拢10 from a breeder - here a tip, look in pet shop windows and local notice boards for pet rats for sale from people who may have had an accidental litter. These tend to be healthier and well socialised and probably cheaper too than pet shops. Again, take your time looking about. For a first time id reccommend getting young rats (about 6-7 weeks old, not adults)
My cage cost me 拢22 in total from ebay
They eat rat nuggets from pets at home which are about 拢3 a bag and then i buy them a mixed dry food which is about the same price. They need something to chew on as there teeth continuely grow (wood, dried sweetcorn you get in pet shops(拢1.99), toilet roll tubes etc). Bowls and water bottles probably cost me about 拢6.
Research bedding carefully, DONT use cedar or pine wood shavings. I use old newspaper to line the cage floor with 'safebed paper wool' on top which is 98p for a small bag. Rats very commonly get respiritary problems when using the wrong bedding and kept in incorrect circumstances.
So they are not overly expensive pets.At max i must have spent about 拢50 to start up. Be aware that vets bills are likely and wether you have the finances for these. Each month i spend about 拢10 on food and bedding.
Main things to research: differences in male and female rats, food; what they can and cant eat, bedding, cages-size etc and the time and attention rats NEED - they shouldnt be left in a cage all day. And PLEASE get two, they are very social creatures.
Any more questions, ask in the rodent section, they are really good there :) Good luck :) Hope i have helped :) And congrats on deciding to get rats, they make amazing pets :)
No comments:
Post a Comment