Can feeder rats be kept as pets?

Yes, feeder rats can be good pets. Just as all rats, they are smart, loving, and fun animals. There’s good reason why rats have been one of the most popular pet animals for many, many years. Feeder rats are just ordinary rats that, sadly, are bred to be fed to other animals.

How long do feeder rats live as pets?

Store-Bought and Feeder Rats Most store-bought rats will live 12 to 24 months. Some pet stores will receive lines from local fancy rat breeders, and your store-bought rat could live up to 36 months with great care, a stimulating environment and nutritious food.

How big will a feeder rat get?

The average body length of adult rats is 9 to 11 inches, plus a tail of 7 to 9 inches, according to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. Your pet rat could grow to be up to 20 inches long from nose tip to tail tip. In rare instances, an adult male pet rat might grow to weigh 2 lbs.

What do you feed a feeder rat?

So, the best rat diet consists of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a small portion of rat pellets or rat cube food daily. Make sure the rat pellets have at least 16% protein content and 4-5% fat content for a balanced rat diet. A rat’s favorite fruits and vegetables include: Apples.

Do pet rats smell?

Rats are in fact incredibly clean animals. They frequently groom themselves and should not smell. If you are encountering problems with your rats smelling or you’re concerned about this as a potential problem, rest assured it can be avoided.

Do pet rats bite?

Biting. Rats have teeth, so the possibility of biting must be mentioned. When startled or in pain, a rat might bite. Pet rats are among the most easygoing of rodents, though, so your chance of being bitten is minimal as long as you don’t startle them or pick them up when you suspect they’re in pain.

Does Petco sell feeder rats?

Snake food—and frozen reptile food in general—typically consists of frozen mice and frozen rats. We carry several feeder mice sizes, from tiny pinkie mice to large mice, while feeder rat sizes range from small to jumbo.

How long does it take for a pet rat to get used to you?

It can take months before a rat is 100% comfortable with you. Even rats that come from breeders that promise well socialized babies will need to trust you at their own pace. Keep in mind that these rats have never met you before, and as prey animals, they need to keep their guard up to feel safe.

Are male or female rats bigger?

In regard to the level of care required in male vs female rats, there’s really no big difference. Male rats are bigger so they do require more space, so the same cage that can hold four female rats comfortably can not necessarily house four male rats. Because male rats are bigger (an average 300-800 g vs.