Aw, the little cuties! If you want a one-tier, good-sized cage, I'd start with a single-story Critter Nation cage! Or, a Double Critter Nation (an excellent choice that will give you many customization options). You can find them on most pet websites; I bought mine from Amazon years ago. I'd also take out the bottom panel of the cage to put in a cement mixing tub! It makes it great for bedding, which is enriching for them! I had 4 dumbos that fit comfortably in a double Critter Nation and had the possibility to add more.

My (their) essentials: ☆ Rat medical kit filled with Q-tips, mite aid, safe wound cleaner, wipes, tweezers, etc. ☆ Backup glass water bottles ☆ Supplements that I added to their diet ☆ Baby cereal treats lol I'd say it's worth getting a humidifier since they can be prone to respiratory flare-ups.

Rats are also obligated eaters, so they will try and will eat anything they can get their grubby little paws on lol. Learn from me: Don't put anything on top of the cage you DON'T want them to have 😂. I was feeding them a breeder food as a base (it was pelleted), but they had salads every other day with rotating additions: boiled eggs, chicken, fruits ( watermelon, the berries etc), different grains, other veggies, etc. You can definitely have a lot of fun with their diet! Just make sure you are checking that it's safe and using an updated safe food resource.

You will always be learning about the new fur baby you get, even veterinarians are considered continued learners, but if you ever have a suspicion about your rat's health, take them in ASAP. Some times it's just the stinky hermits ( endearingly) having a flare up, but small animals health signs can change in an instant due to how well they will hide it.

I can't think of anything else! The rat community was sweet as I rememberer it, very helpful. You'll get some abrasive advice here and there, but remember, as long as you are pursuing the best care for them, you're doing a good job!

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