Rodent Care Guide
~Make sure they have a good diet. This is especially important for rats and mice.
Commercial rat/mouse mixes are nothing like they would eat in the wild. For hamsters and gerbils, it is appropriate, but rats need a lab block type of food. Oxbow Regal rat is the best for adults, and Harlan Teklad is also good. Look for products low in seeds and corn, but high in soy bean meal.
Here is a helpful link: http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html
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~ Take them to the vet if any of the following symptoms occur:
Excess porphyrine (red stuff sometimes seen around eyes and nose) discharge
Lumps
Hair Loss
Overgrown Teeth
Loss of Appetite
Noticeable Swelling
etc.
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You can tell when they need help. It is best not to wait, as many health problems with rodents can become quite severe very fast.
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~ Use the right bedding!
Pine and cedar are toxic, and can cause URIs (upper respiratory infections) and allergy problems with rodents. Please do not use them, or any bedding that is dusty at all! CareFresh is better than pine and cedar, but still a bit dusty. I have heard some people recommend cat litter. I use Aspen, as it is not toxic like the other wood bedding.
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~ Make sure they have play time.
Rodents need mental stimulation. Be sure to spend time with them each day, and provide a play area with plenty of toys.
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~ Provide a large enough enclosure for everything they need.
Make sure you have a reasonably sized cage. Hamsters and gerbils are best kept in aquariums, because they oftentimes cause sores on their noses from chewing on cage bars. The recommended tank size for gerbils is 10g plus an additional 5g for each additional gerbil. Rats especially need to be kept in quite large, open cages. Rat waste is highly toxic to them, so special attention has to be given to keeping their enclosure clean.
The following things are needed for rodents:
A place to nest and sleep
An exercise wheel (solid preferred, mesh can irritate feet)
Food and water
Room to play
Chew toys -- Keep it interesting for your little furry friends! Redecorate and add interesting things for them to play with.
