do i need a wheel in my rats cage?

Question

i have to female rats and the wheel is very large and takes up lots of space and only one rat uses it would it be ok to take it out?

Answer 1

rats dont generally run in wheels they profer play time with u and other rats....

here is a care sheet for rats

Is a rat right for you?
Rats make extremely good family pets; they are very intelligent and become quite tame with regular handling. There are many different colour variations available such as white, black, agouti and chocolate. Rats are not very expensive to keep, but you should buy the largest and most interesting cage you can afford. Rats live, on average, between two and two and a half years.

Where are rats from?
Fancy rats are descendants of the brown rat, which are thought to have originated from Asia. The keeping and breeding of fancy rats became popular in the early 1900s. As a result of captive breeding there are now many different colours and coat types, such as the Rex and even Hairless!


Where should you keep a rat?
Rats need lots of exercise and stimulation, so buy the largest cage you can afford. There are many different types of rodent cages available, however it is essential that the cage you buy is designed for rats and not for smaller rodents such as hamsters. Perhaps the most suitable type of enclosure is either a large wire multi-level cage or an aquarium with a well ventilated, secure lid as rats are extremely agile and can jump up to two feet or more! The minimum size cage for one rat is 60cm x 37cm x 22cm.

You should provide your rate with an entertaining environment. Suitable items include apple tree branches, rocks, tunnels and pieces of rope. Nesting boxes suitable for birds can also be provided. The base of the cage should be covered with a layer of wood-shavings. Sawdust should not be used as it is too fine and can irritate eyes and noses, and cedar wood-shavings can cause an allergic reaction.

You can also provide your rat with paper nesting material for him to nest with. Straw is not suitable as bedding as it is too sharp and may injure your pet’s eyes and mouth.

The cage should be cleaned at least once a week with hot water and a disinfectant suitable for pets. Rats are very clean and normally do not smell. Your rat will normally use one area of his cage as a toilet; this may need cleaning daily to reduce any smell.

Breeding
Female rats are capable of breeding at an early age. She can breed from as young as 6 weeks, but should be at least 12 weeks;
Pregnancy lasts between 21-23 days;
Average litter size is 8, but can vary up to 18;
The young rats’ eyes will open between 12-15 days;
The young can be removed from their mother at 4 weeks of age.

How to handle your rat
When you first get your rat home it is best to leave him alone for the first day or two, to allow him to get used to his new home. Allow your rat to sniff your hand before you handle him, this will help him get used to your smell. Gently stroke your rat in his cage to reassure him, once the rat allows you to do this he will normally allow you to pick him up. The rat should be gently scooped up with two hands, never pick him up by his tail. Once your rat becomes tame he will enjoy coming out to play at regular intervals.

Remember your rat likes to chew, so whenever you let him out of his cage he must be supervised at all times.

Keeping your rat fit and healthy
Rats normally stay healthy throughout their lives. However, they can be prone to a number of common complaints, most of which can be avoided with correct care and attention.

Rats can be prone to breathing problems; if your rat starts sneezing and is scratching excessively and there are no signs of mites this may mean your rat is allergic to something. Cedar wood-shavings can sometimes cause allergic reactions in rats.

Your rat’s teeth are constantly growing, and if they become too long he may be unable to ear properly. Signs that your rat’s teeth may not be growing properly are weight loss and a reluctance to eat and chew. Providing your rat with treats and a mineral block will help him to keep his teeth in trim. If your pet’s teeth do become overgrown you must take him to your vet.

What do rats eat?
Rats in the wild are scavengers and will eat a wide range of foods. In captivity you should provide your rat with a varied diet. The basis of a good diet should consist of a dry rat mix containing a mixture of seeds, peanuts and biscuits. This should be supplemented with cooked egg and washed and dried vegetables such as sprouts, carrots, cress, tomatoes and apples.

Feed bowls should be sturdy earthenware bowls as they are heavy, gnaw proof and easily cleaned and disinfected. Uneaten food should be removed daily, and the food bowl thoroughly washed. Remember your rat will drink a lot compared to other rodents so make sure clean, fresh water is available at all times.

Do rats like company?
Rats can be kept singly providing that you give them lots of human contact, care and attention. However, they are probably happiest kept in pairs from a young age – but remember, mixed sexes will breed very quickly, if not neutered.

hope this helps

Answer 2

Well all rats have different personalities, so not all rats are going to like the same things as much as another. The other rat may prefer some other type of play other than the wheel, which means you will have to experiment with different things to figure out what it is she will like. As far as your other one, she is using it, so removing it would not be a very good idea as that is what she likes. If it takes up too much space, then you may need a larger cage if there isn't enough room for it. There are cages available with up to 3 stories so you are able to fit what the rats need into the cage (1st link below).

Adequate exercise is needed to keep your rat from being obese, which can cause health problems. If the other rat is not using the wheel, then she is not getting enough exercise. Find something that she would enjoy doing. This can be something as simple as a cat ball that has the little jingling noise when you move it, just avoid soft rubber.

Answer 3

i have 2 rats i have a wheel for them but i take it out every night because rats are very smart and i found if you keep it in the cage they will try to escape and mine have a few times all by using the wheel so do they need a wheel no not if they get a lot of outside time or if they run around in the cage a lot .... if they get neither then it would be ideal to get one to ensure a healthy life

Answer 4

If the 1 rat doesn't use the wheel very often you might want to take it out but If she's on there a lot keep it in.
Most of our rats haven't been interested in their wheels & we've usually removed them. However, all 3 of our current females enjoy it-- our hairless girl actually taught the other 2 how much fun the wheel can be, so maybe both of your will end up being wheel runners. *None* of our males have ever used a wheel btw.

Answer 5

The wheel is not a very good thing for rats to have. For them to use it, they have to arch their back in an uncomfortable position and continue to do so for whatever period of time. It also causes their tails to become curled instead of straight to be dragged as a typical rats'.

There is also the possibility of one rat being on the wheel and the other being under it. The one under the wheel could become harmed (this happened at my college where we raise rats. The victim was a baby rat that had to be euthanized due to injury. It's head swelled, blood came out of its nose... :'( )

The best thing, I believe, is to have an alternative to a wheel. Robes, tunnels (you can use paper towel or toilet paper rolls that you are done with), or even make a rat playground. Get a table, put a big towel or blanket over it, provide food/water, shoe boxes with holes cut, ladders, ramps. That way you will have the exercise your rats will need and the fun that they will want! I'll link a website that describes such things for you in my sources.

Answer 6

well, if its overly crowded and you are certain that you would add in a differnt toy, then i think it might be okay to take it out.

a good idea would be to rotate toys so then the wheel is in there for a few days, and then take it out and replace it with a differnt toy so then they get even more brain stimulation from the variety of toys. just be sure to rotate more then 2 toys at the very least to help them stay happy. http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm is a great place to find toy ideas for rats.

also remember to think about weither the cage they have is large enough for them and that they get out of their cage to play and explore... these things should not be taken for granted or underestimated

Answer 7

I wouldn't do you allow the rats to come out and play, it might be the only form of exercise or activity they get.

Answer 8

you dont need it in the cage all the time, no. let them use it when you take them out to play. here are some other great ideas on inexpensive rat toys

http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm

Answer 9

Rats are extremely smart and need toys to keep them active, physically and mentally.
They would enjoy another pen or cage in which to "play".
A day spa, maybe?

Answer 10

You should keep it in there. Chances are at night the others use the wheel as well. It's good excercise for them.