What Are Dwarf Rats? Are they the same as Mice? Well When it comes to the many breeds of pet rats, there are a few that stand out more than others. These include the Fancy Rat, the Black and Tan, and the Dwarf Rat.
In fact, these little guys have become so popular in recent years that they are now one of the most commonly-owned rat breeds in America. Ever wondered what makes them so special? Read on for all you need to know about Dwarf Rats!
What Are Dwarf Rats?
Dwarf rats are a type of rat that is native to the swampland areas in Africa, Asia, and India. They can be found living near rice fields.
Unlike other rats, dwarf rats have normal-sized front teeth, but their molars are reduced in size. Another interesting fact about them is that they are born with open eyes instead of closed ones like most rodents.
History of Dwarf Rats
The history of the dwarf rat is not very well known. It is believed that they were first bred in New York City by crossing a variety of different species of rats.
The purpose was to create a rat with a shorter and proportionally wider body than the labs used previously in laboratories. Eventually, the lab would go on to acquire a breeding pair from an unknown source and use them as foundation stock for future breeding programs.
Dwarf Rats Types, Facts, Care, and Popularity
Types of Dwarf Rats
There are three types of dwarf rats, the fancy rat, the hairless rat, and the tailless rat. All of these breeds are small in size. Fancy rats come in a variety of colors and patterns.
They also have very long tails and typically have clear coats that may be pink or black in color. Hairless rats are born without fur and have skin that is always moist and soft to the touch. Tailless rats are completely bald with short tails.
Risks Associated with Owning a Dwarf Rat
Dwarf rats are not pets for everyone. They are prone to a number of health problems and do not always live as long as other types of rats.
Dwarf rat owners also need to take additional precautions because these little guys are extremely curious and have a tendency to escape from their cages.
Cost of a Dwarf Rat
Dwarf Rats are very affordable. If you are on a budget, this is the perfect pet for you. They usually cost between $200-and $300. Dwarf Rats also require less space and can be kept in smaller cages or aquariums.
Do Dwarf Rats Make Good Pets?
The answer to the question “do dwarf rats make good pets?” is subjective. These animals are often used to study cancer and diabetes, so they have a pretty important job. If you have time for your rat and can afford the time and money spent on proper care, these animals may be a good pet for you.
They tend to live longer than traditional house mice, they are social creatures that often enjoy interacting with humans, and they are very intelligent creatures.
Dwarf Rat Care: Housing, Diet, Exercise and Toys
Dwarf rats can be housed in a variety of different cages. You will need to make sure that the cage has plenty of space for the rat to move around and has access to a wheel or other toys. Rats also need a special diet, so you will have to feed them fresh water and food pellets every day.
Dwarf rats should be housed in a cage that has strong sides and a heavy bottom. The minimum size that the cage can be is 12 inches x 12 inches x 18 inches.
Rats will need to be let out of their cages at least once a day, but they should not be caged for more than 8 hours per day. Rats need a diet with the appropriate nutrients. They also need toys to stimulate their brains, space for exercise, and other enrichment activities.
Buying Tips and Where to Find Them
Dwarf rats are a popular pet, but they’re not always easy to find. They come in different colors and markings, so it’s important to know what you want before bringing one home.
Stay away from rat mills, as those are often overcrowded and unhealthy. If you have a favorite breeder, it’s worth the extra money to buy from them. Dwarf rats can usually be found at pet stores and feed stores that carry small animals.
Cages, bedding, and other equipment
If you are considering rat care, you will need to make sure that they have the necessary equipment. For example, they need a cage with bars that are too small for them to squeeze through.
They also need wood and paper bedding because it is easier to clean up than sawdust or litter.
Dwarf rats will need a cage that is at least 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. This size of the cage is best for one rat. You can also get cages with more space for larger rats.
You should get bedding that is made from paper products such as tissue, shredded paper, or cotton bedding. You can also use recycled paper products like newspapers or old phone books. Avoid using wood chips, hay, straws, or any other material that your rat could eat and cause health problems.
You’ll need a water bottle with a ball inside to avoid spills and make sure your rat has enough water all the time in its cage.
In addition to these basic items, you’ll want to have an area in the cage where you can put treats and food pellets so that your rat has an area of its own.
Mouse vs. Dwarf Rat Comparison
Rats are bigger than mice, and they have a much stronger sense of smell. They can also jump higher and run faster. But what rats lack in size, they make up for in intelligence.
Rats are more intelligent than mice, and they’re more comfortable living in our homes. Mice can chew through fabric and plastic to get into your house, but rats typically cannot because of their larger size.
Conclusion
Dwarf rats are a great pet choice for people who live in apartments and homes with small yards.
They are less expensive to feed and care for than other types of pets, they don’t require as much space, and they can make many different sounds when they’re happy or excited.
