Things to Have On Hand
Fish Mox
Available online (I purchase it from FishMoxFishFlex). Fish Mox is just Amoxicillin in capsule form. This can be mixed with foods or liquids to help for home treatment in the occurrence of a freshly acquired Upper Respiratory Infection, a bad wound, etc. While going to the vet should ALWAYS be your first options, not everyone has a vet that is immediately available. Emergency vets are of course very expensive. Please pay attention and be observant of your rats health at all times. Rodents tend to hide their illness to help keep themselves safe from predators. Please always seek help for anything you might feel is “weird”, “odd”, or otherwise different than normal behavior. PLEASE also note to not over medicate, or treat rats without symptoms. Rats can build an immunity to amoxicillin if used too often. |
Minor Medical Supplies
Saline Wound Wash can come in handy should something unexpected happen. Generally speaking however, rats heal open wounds preternaturally fast – so try not to panic! Ensure is a great immune booster that you can also mix your meds into (Fix Mox) included. 1ML syringe for easy administration/dosing. Medicated eye drops come in handy from time to time as well. |
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar or Pure Vanilla Extract
Apple Cider Vinegar is known for its health benefits, however there is an added benefit for rat owners – it slightly changes a rat’s chemistry which lessens the smell of their urine! Pure vanilla extract can also slightly alter their body chemistry for this, however it is not known for the added health benefits. Mixing should be no more than 2-4 drops per 8oz of water. |
Distilled White Vinegar
Cleaning with a 50/50 Water/Vinegar solution will drastically cut down scrubbing and ammonia smells. Mix it up, and spray on virtually any surface – let sit for approximately 5 minutes and then spray it down. Generally no scrubbing needed and completely removes urine and feces buildup. |
Large & Extra Large Solid Wheels
Rats love to run on wheels. And yes, they are perfectly safe as long as they are 12" or larger, and solid. There are plenty of different types and brands to choose from. The "Silent Spinners" are generally pretty expensive.. if you decide to go that route, I'd wait for a nice sale from Doctors Foster and Smith. |
Water Bottles
Not all water bottles are created equal. I personally prefer the You & Me brand sold by PetCo, and the extra large bottles (for only $4) from Wal-Mart. They are the simple ball-type.. I find that if you fill them completely to the top, and hang them them slightly tilted, they leak the least of all the bottles that I've tried. |
!! DOLLAR STORES - DOLLAR STORES - DOLLAR STORES !!
Stop spending obscene amounts of money on pet toys and accessories. It’s amazing what you can find at the Dollar Tree and Goodwill near you. Everything from baskets, colanders, dog rope toys, cardboard tubes, dishes, zip ties, wire, plastic shower curtain hooks, etc etc |
Colanders and Baskets
These make great hammocks, ledges, hides, etc! Easy to clean, easy to replace, and they come in several assorted shapes, sizes, colors, and styles for maximum customization. I personally purchase the ones with “mesh” bottoms to release urine, but that’s completely your preference. |