When they see a cute rat running around your floor, some people may snub their noses. Many people are afraid of rats. If you have ever been around rats for more than a minute, you will quickly see how incredible these creatures really are.
Rats are affectionate, intelligent, and even-tempered. You might be curious about the curly fur of the rex rat. Let’s look at all the amazing aspects of owning a rex rat.
Here are some quick facts about Rex Rats
| Species Name: | Rattus norvegicus |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Care Level | Simple |
| Temperature: | 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Temperament: | Docile, curious, affectionate, intelligent |
| Color Form: | Albino, blue and black, cream, platinum; buff, silver; sable, Siamese; fawn; gray |
| Lifespan: | 2-3 years |
| Size: | 9-11 inches, 1-2 pounds |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Minimum Cage Size: | 2 cubic feet per rat |
| Configuration of a cage: | Multi-level |
| Compatibility: | Very compatible |
Rex Rats Overview
Rats are one of the most under-appreciated and overlooked domesticated species. Rats are often misunderstood and fearful. Most rats are charismatic and people’s minds change quickly once they meet them.
Pet rats are often a magnet for people because of their intelligence and alertness. They have come a long way from being household pests and are worthy of our love and attention.
You will be impressed by the curiosity and willingness of Rex rats to learn even things they don’t want to. If left alone, they can become destructive so make sure to keep an eye on their playtime. Regardless of the reason, rats are attracted to cords and cloth. To ensure they don’t get into trouble, you need to be vigilant.
Rex rats can thrive in your home if they have the right environment and interact with other animals.
What is the Cost of a Rex Rat?
Specialty rat breeds are not expensive, however. Breeders can sometimes decide the price based on the rarity of color and pattern.
A rex rat can be purchased from a breeder for between $20 and $50. You may get a discount if multiple rex rat adopters sign up. Some breeders won’t allow you to buy from them unless you have a pair.
You can find a surrendered rat or bonded pair that you can rehome. You can expect to receive supplies if you find one, which can prove costly.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Rex rats are social, friendly, and curious. They form strong bonds with other animals, people, and rats. It is not uncommon for a rat’s memory to recall its name and the sound it hears from its owner.
Rats are among the most intelligent creatures on the planet. Rats are able to learn commands and master mazes. They can also perform all kinds of tricks.
Rex rats are very clean and will groom each other. Rex rats can learn to use a litterbox and not go to the toilet all over their cage. It can be easier to clean up their cage if you begin training them earlier.
All rats are extremely empathic, which mirrors the way our brains work. You will find it easy to bond with your rat because they share many of the same qualities. You can build trust with your rat over time.
They make great pets and are gentle enough to be kept as your first pet. Although it might make parents cringe, rats are much less likely to bite than other critters such as hamsters and guinea pigs. They are also more affectionate and less skittish than other animals.
You shouldn’t leave Rex rats alone for too long. They thrive on attention, even in social groups. It is important to encourage your rat to play as often as possible. You will be closer to your rat the more they spend time with you.
Appearance and Varieties
It is found in cats, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and cats. It can produce a curly or wavey coat which opens up many possibilities. You can find Rex rats in almost any color or pattern. Let’s have a look at all the options.
Rex Types
- Standard Rex–curly Hair
- Double Rex–curly hair, patchy fur
Rex Coat Colors
- Cream
- Black
- Black & White
- Tan
- Tan & White
- Gray
- Gray & White
- Siamese
- Fawn
- Platinum
- Silver
- Sable
Rex Coat Patterns
- Berkshire
- Hooded
- Masked
- Irish
The rex variation can be found in all of these colors and patterns, making them very versatile.
How to Care for Rex Rats
Rats are easy to take care of. You can take care of your rats as long as they are in a suitable-sized cage and given adequate nutrition.
Of course, rats require social stimulation, too. You should ensure that your rats have friends and plenty of time outside their cages.
Habitat, Tank Conditions, and Setup
Cage requirements
Rats should be kept in pairs. Your space must be adequate for both of them. Your cage should measure at least 29 inches by 15 inches by 18 inches for two adult rats. You should not place the bars more than a half inch apart.
Rats thrive in multi-level cages that allow them to climb and explore. Your cage should not have sharp edges or large openings. You might be amazed at what your rats can squeeze through.
Bedding
There are many options when it comes to bedding. So you can choose the one that works best for your needs.
The best bedding choices:
- Liner made of fleece linen, machine washable, and easy to replace
- Recycled pellets – non-toxic and cost-friendly
- Paper pulp–non-toxic, absorbent
- Shredded paper–easy to alter
- Aspen–clean scent, but can be messy
Accessory
To keep their attention, rex rats love to have activities around their cage. They enjoy playing with one another and discovering new fun things. They also love to spend time together.
These are some great options for your rex rats:
- Huts and houses
- Hammocks
- Tunnels
- Ladders
- Toys that are dangerous
- Treat balls
You can also buy floor toys for your pet to enjoy the outdoors.
Are Rex Rats compatible with other pets?
You may be surprised to learn that rats can get along with other pets quite well. There are risks when mixing different species. So be cautious. Interactions between rats and other species should be monitored.
Although rat friends can be made with household cats and dogs, you shouldn’t trust them. You could make a huge mistake and everything could go wrong. Rats are tiny by comparison. They aren’t as curious as they seem and can’t defend themselves against larger animals.
Rats might bully other rodents if they are the larger guy in the brawl. They also have a prey drive. They are not compatible with mice, rats, gerbils, or hamsters. You should never buy a rat for the purpose of keeping it in a cage with other species. This is a recipe to fight and even worse.
You can have more than one rat at once. At the most, they should be kept in pairs. However, they can live happily in larger groups. These animals are social and loving creatures that care for their cagemates.
Single rats can become very depressed and lonely. Even though you may think your attention is sufficient to keep your rat company at all times, they still need your help. Introduce an adult rat to your baby rat as they can injure the young rat.
This is the best option if you are able to buy a bonded couple. You can buy the bonded pair separately. Introduce slowly.
What to feed your Rex Rats
Omnivores are Rex rats that eat both meat and plants. There are well-balanced premade diet cubes available in most major pet shops and online. These cubes provide all the essential nutrients that your rat requires to be healthy.
Our rodent friends can become ill from certain foods, just like other animals.
Always avoid:
- Chocolate
- Green potato
- Junk food
- Caffeine
- Wild invertebrates or mice
- Citrus fruits (for male rats).
- Dry corn
Make sure your rat always has fresh water available.
How to keep your Rex Rat healthy
Rats have a very short life expectancy. They are expected to live for two to three more years in captivity. Do not let their short lives discourage you from getting one of these beautiful little creatures.
You must ensure that the environment is conducive to rex rats living as long as they can. Multi-level cages allow air to move freely, but they should not be placed too close to draft doors or vents.
There are several major health concerns that rex rats face:
- Internal parasites
- External parasites
- Urinary tract infections
- Upper respiratory infections
You might not want to consider vet visits unless your rat is in immediate danger. You should still take your rat to their annual checkups in order to avoid any possible problems.
Breeding
You need to be prepared if you want to breed rats. A separate cage will be needed for the mother in order to build her nest and wean her children.
For approximately 10 days, you can pair the male with the female. The time should last at most one heat cycle for the female, if not more. You can only try to agitate the male if the female is already in heat.
Rats have a 22-day gestation period. You have plenty of time to prepare the nesting site. After a few days, you might see a visible belly. The mammary glands may swell.
Mama needs to be fed a healthy diet. Although rat dads can be very happy with their young, it is best to remove the male from the nest before the baby is born. After giving birth, rats can become pregnant again and need to heal.
Baby rats grow quickly. They have eyes wide open and are fully furred by 14 days old. To ensure happy temperaments, socialize your baby rats as often as you can.
Are Rex Rats Suitable for You?
The rex rat is an excellent choice if you are looking for a companion animal with as much potential as a dog. The rex rat is a fascinatingly wavy-furred animal with exceptional personality and brilliance. This breed is great for all ages, even children 6 and older.
You don’t have to be a novice to get a rat. These adorable rodents make great pets. To keep your rex happy, make sure to buy at least one of the same-sexed pairs.
Are rex rats suitable as pets?
Rex rats make excellent first pets since they are so docile. While some parents may wince, rats are less likely to bite than other popular creatures such as hamsters or guinea pigs. They are also less shy and more physically friendly. Rex rats should not be left alone for extended periods of time.
Is it better to acquire one or two pet rats?
Rats are social, clever, and engaging creatures. We recommend keeping at least two suitable rats together. They can also be housed in groups that are compatible. Companionship is a crucial part of their care.
Can a rat be content on its own?
Rodents do not generally pine away and die merely from being left alone, so if you are only concerned with what rats require to survive, you may leave them alone. However, it is not fair to consider solely what our creatures require to survive. We should also consider what they desire in order to provide them with pleasant life.
Will you get bitten by a rat?
Healthy rats like to be active when buildings are quiet and avoid people. When cornered, however, they will lunge and bite to protect themselves. Some rat species’ saliva contains dangerous infections including leptospirosis and Hantavirus. Rat bite victims may develop a rat-bite fever in rare situations.
Why are pet rats only alive for two years?
Rats have extremely high metabolisms and heart rates (300-500 beats per minute), which contributes to their short lifespans. Genetics also play an impact in how long an animal lives.
What is the most amiable rodent pet?
Gerbils and rats are the friendliest rodents, whereas hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils are the most popular. Gerbils are the ideal rodent pet for youngsters, in our opinion. They have no odor and are little, lively, and fluffy. Gerbils are clever tiny animals that may be taught to do feats.
What is the most intelligent rodent pet?
Rats, maybe the brightest rodents, can learn tricks, like spending time with their owners, and are incredibly loving. When their owners call their names, they truly reply.
What kind of rat makes the finest pet?
Dumbo rat is the most popular variety now because of its namesake in the 2019 Disney film. A well-bred rat is similar to a well-bred dog. They’ll be pleased. They’ll be intrigued.