{"id":2638,"date":"2020-11-23T05:30:52","date_gmt":"2020-11-23T11:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/?p=2638"},"modified":"2023-03-17T12:52:30","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T17:52:30","slug":"enjoy-the-holidays-with-your-rats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/mammals\/enjoy-the-holidays-with-your-rats\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy The Holidays With Your Rats"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Yes, your rats can enjoy the holidays with you. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The cold snap in the air signals that the end of the year is near. It also means an onslaught of pumpkin- or peppermint-flavored everything and upcoming holidays. Our rats have no understanding of our seasonal traditions, but it\u2019s not uncommon to want to include them in the celebrations \u2014 because many of us view our rats as part of the family. Let\u2019s discuss some ways you can spoil them, keep them safe this season, and utilize their cuddles.<\/p>\n

Spoil Your Rats With Food, Glorious Food!<\/h3>\n
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Be sure that any treats you offer your rats are safe. Some foods that are fine for people can cause sickness, or worse, for rats. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether you\u2019re preparing for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, winter solstice, or any other type of observance, the quickest way to win favor with your rats is through their bellies.<\/p>\n

Generally, rats can eat some of the same healthy foods we do. Educate yourself about potentially unsafe foods for rats, and consult your veterinarian for any concerns specific to your rat.<\/p>\n

For example, sweet potatoes, bulk tofu, dry beans, and peanuts should never be given raw. Green potato skins and eyes, poppy seeds, dried corn (fresh is fine), or any type of nut that has gone bad or contains mold should be avoided. Celery, beets, and spinach should be fed with caution, or in moderation. For more in-depth information, and a full list of foods to be wary of, one reference is the Rat Fan Club<\/a> diet page.<\/p>\n

Rats should receive fresh fruits and vegetables every day anyway, so you can easily integrate some of your holiday feast into their daily diet. The main things to remember are: moderation and portion size. Avoid offering your rats any vegetables, fruits, or meats that are \u201cenhanced\u201d with seasonings, spices, sweets, etc. As you cook, set aside the healthiest ingredients for your rats before all the extras are added.<\/p>\n

When it comes to desserts, offer your rat kiddos a little smidgen of the sweets \u2014 a tiny indulgence every now and then won\u2019t hurt otherwise healthy rats. Just don’t make it a regular habit, and be sure to factor in any other snacks they\u2019ve had that day. Also, avoid anything made with artificial sweeteners. Rats generally don\u2019t like them, and these sweeteners aren\u2019t good for rats.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t feed your rats a vegetarian diet, then samplings of turkey, chicken, giblets, and fish would also be welcomed. However, avoid ham or anything else that is particularly high in sodium.<\/p>\n

Do not allow your rats a sip of your adult beverages! Avoid giving them any fizzy drinks, as well. Rats do no have the physical ability to burp or vomit, and carbonation can cause an upset stomach.<\/p>\n

Find The Fun Side Of Food<\/h3>\n
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Pumpkin “guts” provide enrichment that plays to the explorer in all rats, and maybe the connoisseur. Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before you throw away any leftover, whole pumpkins, consider carving one open. When my son was young, we\u2019d cover the table with paper bags, pull out the guts of a pumpkin, remove any knives from the area, and bring the rats over to inspect the pumpkin contents<\/a>. Some were hesitant and had no idea what to make of the slimy, orange strings, while others were courageous enough to amble through the pile.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry if your rats taste the raw pumpkin; it\u2019s perfectly safe and healthy as long as it\u2019s still fresh. Even if they don\u2019t like the flavor, it\u2019s a fun enrichment activity. Plus, if you\u2019re able to pull out the seeds before anything unsanitary happens to them, you can roast them in the oven with a tiny bit of olive oil for an additional rat snack. They are filled with nutrients and protein, but their high fat and calorie content means you should limit them to only a few per day.<\/p>\n

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A toy with a treat inside? Yes, please! Brandi Saxton<\/a> of It’s A Rat’s World<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another enrichment activity, which also doubles as a holiday present, is a DIY treat tube (I call it a treat pi\u00f1ata). I make one every December for my rats, and hang it from the top of their cage while I supervise. Basically, it\u2019s a toilet paper tube covered in festive wrapping paper and filled with a healthy rat food<\/a> or snack of your choice. Both ends of the tube should be tied off using a string or cloth ribbon. Don\u2019t use curling ribbon, as it can be harmful if swallowed. Leave one of the ends long enough so that the tube can hover over the floor of the cage.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t make it too easy for them, but do ensure that your rats can actually reach it with their hands in order to open it. Definitely get your camera out to capture the moment, too. It\u2019s hilarious to watch the looks of confusion on their faces, and the moment of triumph when they tear it open!<\/p>\n

Remove the treat tube whenever you can\u2019t supervise the activity. You don\u2019t want a rat getting tangled in the string. For more detailed instructions, check out my Instagram post<\/a> about it.<\/p>\n

Explore Gift-Giving The Rat Way<\/h3>\n

While gifts aren\u2019t necessary, I do enjoy spoiling my rats with new things for their cage. I often try to get at least one new item my rats have never experienced before. I\u2019m a big believer in changing things up in their environment to help keep rattie minds sharp.<\/p>\n

Options for changes include: a shelf\/level addition for the cage, a food puzzle, a foraging toy, a digging box, or a ferret tube. I also take this opportunity to replace chewed up hammocks and bedding. I like to support small businesses and hammock makers during this time of the year.<\/p>\n

If your rats don\u2019t need any new items, but you still want to do something special, consider donating to a rat rescue in their name!<\/p>\n

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A post shared by It’s a Rat’s World Magazine (@its_a_rats_world_mag)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n