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Anonymous
>How much do rats cost? Regular ones are like $7. If you get a "fancy" color or coat type, it might be more. >Where is the best place to obtain one? (rescue, pet store, etc?) This will depend entirely on what's available to you. Some pet stores take awesome care of their animals. Others do not. Make sure the animals look healthy, they have good food and water, clean bedding, etc. >How can I tell if they're healthy? No discharge around the eyes or nostrils, no swaying, no excessive sneezing, no raspy or labored breathing. >Do they fair well alone or should they have a companion or two, and what gender is best? BEST in pairs+. Try to get siblings. Males tend towards fat and lazy but can fight sometimes and should be neutered. Females are usually active their whole lives, very energetic. There are definitely exceptions, though. It will come down to the individual. >How big of a cage do they require and what is the best bedding? The bigger, the better, though I couldn't give you exact dimensions. Bedding like Carefresh is okay, but cedar and pine should be avoided entirely. Aspen is alright too, iirc. >How often should you change the bedding? Probably once every week or two, with some frequent spot cleaning if they potty in one place (which some rats will naturally do). >Do they like running on wheels? Depends on the individual. Some people are strongly against wheels because it can cause shit like back injuries. If you do get a wheel, get one that's solid, no bars or wires for toes or feet to get caught in.
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