New owner? No problem! We got you!
Are you a new owner or a client that is looking for more information that you just cant find!?
Don't worry, we got you!
Here is a public section on come learning; links and some articles.
Along with this is going to be recommendations on bedding types.
However a Private site is set for clients only and will contain information for them!
You must contact to be on this registered list for this information!
Don't worry, we got you!
Here is a public section on come learning; links and some articles.
Along with this is going to be recommendations on bedding types.
However a Private site is set for clients only and will contain information for them!
You must contact to be on this registered list for this information!
This file is a few links for basic care as well as medical advice links and articles. These are well known links and very reputable, please always consult a vet before home treatment.
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Rat help and registrations, Links and information below:
American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA)
http://www.afrma.org/ Rat & Mouse Club of America (RMCA) http://www.rmca.org/ Medication Chart: http://www.rmca.org/Articles/dchart.htm Jazzed Up Rattery often uses this site when in need of guidance. North American Rat Registry
http://www.ratregistry.org/ Jazzed Up Rattery is a Registered Breeder with the Membership number: 14JUR0399 National Fancy Rat Society http://www.nfrs.org/ Jazzed Up Rattery is a Registered Member and Breeder. *No membership Number Needed for this society. The Rat Fan Club
http://www.ratfanclub.org/ Jazzed Up Rattery is a listed breeder and has use this link is the past, it has been found helpful not not always correct. Rat Guide http://www.ratguide.com/ This is helpful for those illnesses your unable to find online or able to go to a vet. |
Helpful Articles
Info taken from scutting gourmet by Alison Campbell! *Credit Due to them*
Safe Foods for Rats
Azuki beans Apple (removed All seeds) Apricots (removed All seeds) Asparagus Bamboo Banana Bean sprouts Beetroot Blackberries Blackcurrants Blueberries Bok choy Broad beans (canned and or cooked) Broccoli Butternut squash Canneletti beans Carrots Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Cherries (Remove Seeds) Chick Peas (canned or cooked) Chicory Chocolate (Moderation & Dark Natural Chocolate) Coconut Corn (Cooked, not whole baked store brand) Cranberries Cucumber Dandelion leaves Dates Eggplant Garlic Grapes (seeds removed) Green beans (cooked) Kale (curly) Kidney beans (cooked only) Kiwi (small amounts, without skin) Lettuce (in moderation, can cause gas) Meal worms (Super worms and crickets) Olive Parsnips Peach Peas Pears Plums Pomegranate GIRLS ONLY FOODS Clementine Kumquat Lemon Lime Mandarin Mango Orange Pomelo Tangerine Info taken from scutting gourmet by Alison Campbell! *Credit Due to them*
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Feel free to Download this below!
Popcorn (In moderation)
Potato (cooked only) Prunes Pumpkin (cooked only) Radish Raisins Raspberries Sharon fruit Soy beans (cooked only) Spring greens Spinach Strawberries Sweet potato (cooked only) Sugar snap pea Tomato Turnip Water chestnuts Watercress Watermelon Zucchini Not Safe Foods for Rats Mushrooms Avacado Raw Beans Licorice Candy Apple Seeds (Avoid all fruit seeds) Dry Corn (Baked Store Brand) Cabbage Brussel Sprouts Onions (Avoid) Green Bananas Green Potatoes Wild Bugs & creepy crawlies (Meal worms, Super worms and crickets are alright if from store) Raw Sweet Potato (Avoid) Artichokes Rhubarb Blue Cheese Poppy seeds Tofu Dairy Products (Avoid) Coffee and Tea Anything Carbonated Spoiled/Rotten Food |
Rating's: Bedding and Litter |
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Bedding & Litter
Some recommendations for bedding and litter, This list is also recommended from other breeders and organizations.
Bedding:
Kaytee Soft & Cozy
Rat Safe Rating: 4.5
Cost: $5.00-$20.00
Brand: Kaytee
Info and Comments: This can be and has proven to be a good alternative to Harlan's Diamond Soft or the Care-fresh Ultra brands. It is very soft and light, some time causing it to stick to the rats. It comes in basic white(Non-scented), Rose(Scented), Lavender(Scented), Vanilla(Scented), Cinnamon(Scented). This product is rated any where form a 4 to a 5 star item. I personally love the Lavender scented, but some scent’s can cause Myco flare up’s.
Diamond Soft Bedding (Harlan’s)
Rat Safe Rating: 4.5
Cost: $30.00-$45.00
Brand: Harlan
Info and Comments: This product is one of the best for dust level. It is expensive, but the bag is very large and can last a long time depending on what and how much you re using it for. I find it lasts longer than the biggest Care-fresh Ultra bag it is also cheaper by weight then Carefresh which is a big benefit.
Aspen Shavings
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Brand: Nepco, All living things, etc
Cost: $14.00-$30
Info and Comments: This product is good for use on the bottoms of cages or in litters, it is not recommended for use in tanks or non-ventilated areas. I have been using this product while I’ve been breeding this is the best at the time due to the cost effectiveness as well as lower dust. It is said to be safe on many websites, and is always better the Pine or Cedar. I would recommend other soft low dust bedding over the aspen because there is much better available. This product can still encourage respiratory irritations even though it`s labeled as a “safe” Product. There still is a small amount of dust, but there are ways to help decrease the dust by tossing and turning it in a bag then opening it to let some of the dust out (Best done our side). This does vary by brand, I use the Nepco Brand. Please note, it sticks to hammock’s, fleece, clothes, floors etc.
Pine and Cedar Rat Safe Level: Don’t Use!
Brands: Any and all Pine!
Info and Comments: Pine will make your rats and or any small animal sick! Do not use this bedding! It leads to respiratory problems, and can cause death.
Carefresh Crinkle Paper – All Colours
Rat Safe Rating: 4.5
Cost: $4.95 (2 OZ)
Brands: Carefresh
Info and Comments:
I have never personally used this product, I would guess it’s a good product to use as decoration and or nesting but I wouldn’t use this as a base for a cage as it doesn’t seem like it would be helpful with peeing and smell.
Fleece
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on yard and or location
Brands: Fabric stores, Dollar stores, Target, Walmart etc
Info and Comments: Fleece is the best way to control and eliminate all dust from other beddings, but it holds in smell and does not absorb pee easily. You will most likely be changing it every 1-2 days otherwise the ammonia can also cause respiratory infections. This needs to be washed thoroughly in a washing machine on HOT water to kill all bacteria’s, but I would suggest hanging it up to dry vs machine dry.
Recycled Cardboard and Paper
Rat Safe Rating: 2-3
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands: Boxo, and or other Brands
Info and Comments: This is great for litter! It’s also pretty good with smell, I wouldn’t recommend this product as a full out bedding as depending on the brand it can be quite hard on the body’s and feet of ratties.
Shredded Newspaper (Food Based Dyes)
Rat Safe Rating: 2-3
Cost: Free/recycling
Brands: Any news print
Info and Comments: This can be a lot of work, personally I shred all the paper by my self with my shedder. I use it with nursing mums and or for nesting, and it will need very regular cleaning like the fleece does because it holds in the smell. It is very absorbent, but is very quickly soaked. Be very careful to ensure the dyes used in printing are safe.
Carefresh- Any colour
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on Size
Brands: Carefresh
Info and Comments: Care fresh & Care fresh Ultra are often confused, or people do not realize there is a difference. The amount of dust you can wipe of plastic walls in care fresh bag is a pretty fair amount, and is much greater with standard Care fresh the Care Fresh Ultra
Aspen Threads
Rat Safe Rating: 4-5
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands: Nepco and online stores
Info and Comments: I like to use this in houses, nesting and nursing for moms. It can be manipulated to any shape and often is a good nesting material. I wouldn’t T how ever suggest this as a base cover to cages as it can knot and get balled up.
Pelletized Paper (Yesterday's News)
Rat Safe Rating: 5
Cost: Depends on Size and Supplier
Brands: N/A
Info and Comments: This product is great to use for litters, but due to the hardness I wouldn’t suggest it as a base product. It takes on the pee smell and locks it in, this litter is good for long term use.
Fleece Scraps
Rat Safe Rating: 5+
Cost: Depends/extra
Brands: N/A
Info and Comments: This is great for nests, nursing mums, hides and boxes etc. It does get smelly and often is best to just throw it all our after a use, you can wash them like a normal Fleece if you wish. The price isn’t much as you buy it when making other items or use in levels, but it is great for any hind of nest making.
Walnut (Crushed Walnut Shells)
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands/Supplier: Kaytee, Reptile Supplies etc.
Info and Comments: This product isn’t the best for a base and or litter, it does lock in the smell well but it can mold and cause issues with flies and other household bugs. Often many rats rather big it in then use it as litter, when wet it clumps lightly and then hardens. I would recommend another product.
Carefresh - Litter Plus
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on Size
Brands: Carefresh
Info and Comments: This litter works really well in litter pans with a wire top, other wise rats will play and mess with it over using it as litter. I wouldn’t use this as a base to the cage as again it is quite hard on the pays and body.
Kitty Litter (non-clumping, non-scented, low dust)
Rat Safe Rating: 2-3
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands: Many
Info and Comments: This is a great odor killer, but depending on the brand it can cause issues with the lungs. It also often holds other chemicals not ideal for rats, also the fact it can be very dusty. This litter can cause issues if eaten as well, so I wouldn’t really recommend it unless mixed with another litter.
Harlan Corn Cob
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on supplier and size.
Brands: Harlan Teklad
Info and Comments: This product can be used in a base of a cage, but I would recommend changing it often and only use with adult rats. It can be a choking hazard as well as a mold issue, sadly being a natural product it can mold and cause issues with breathing. I wouldn’t recommend this but it does work well when cleaned often and managed.
Rabbit Food (Pellets)
Rat Safe Rating: 1-2
Cost: Depends on brands
Brands: Oxbow, Bulkbarn, etc
Info and Comments: I would never use this unless you can’t afford the right litter, because it is a natural based food it will and can mold. This will cause breathing issues as well as mold in the air, bacteria will grow and flies will lay eggs. Mind you if cleaned daily I see no issue as to why it wouldn’t work, the rats can and may eat it, which I don’t like if they are in fact using it. I wouldn’t recommend this product.
Some recommendations for bedding and litter, This list is also recommended from other breeders and organizations.
Bedding:
Kaytee Soft & Cozy
Rat Safe Rating: 4.5
Cost: $5.00-$20.00
Brand: Kaytee
Info and Comments: This can be and has proven to be a good alternative to Harlan's Diamond Soft or the Care-fresh Ultra brands. It is very soft and light, some time causing it to stick to the rats. It comes in basic white(Non-scented), Rose(Scented), Lavender(Scented), Vanilla(Scented), Cinnamon(Scented). This product is rated any where form a 4 to a 5 star item. I personally love the Lavender scented, but some scent’s can cause Myco flare up’s.
Diamond Soft Bedding (Harlan’s)
Rat Safe Rating: 4.5
Cost: $30.00-$45.00
Brand: Harlan
Info and Comments: This product is one of the best for dust level. It is expensive, but the bag is very large and can last a long time depending on what and how much you re using it for. I find it lasts longer than the biggest Care-fresh Ultra bag it is also cheaper by weight then Carefresh which is a big benefit.
Aspen Shavings
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Brand: Nepco, All living things, etc
Cost: $14.00-$30
Info and Comments: This product is good for use on the bottoms of cages or in litters, it is not recommended for use in tanks or non-ventilated areas. I have been using this product while I’ve been breeding this is the best at the time due to the cost effectiveness as well as lower dust. It is said to be safe on many websites, and is always better the Pine or Cedar. I would recommend other soft low dust bedding over the aspen because there is much better available. This product can still encourage respiratory irritations even though it`s labeled as a “safe” Product. There still is a small amount of dust, but there are ways to help decrease the dust by tossing and turning it in a bag then opening it to let some of the dust out (Best done our side). This does vary by brand, I use the Nepco Brand. Please note, it sticks to hammock’s, fleece, clothes, floors etc.
Pine and Cedar Rat Safe Level: Don’t Use!
Brands: Any and all Pine!
Info and Comments: Pine will make your rats and or any small animal sick! Do not use this bedding! It leads to respiratory problems, and can cause death.
Carefresh Crinkle Paper – All Colours
Rat Safe Rating: 4.5
Cost: $4.95 (2 OZ)
Brands: Carefresh
Info and Comments:
I have never personally used this product, I would guess it’s a good product to use as decoration and or nesting but I wouldn’t use this as a base for a cage as it doesn’t seem like it would be helpful with peeing and smell.
Fleece
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on yard and or location
Brands: Fabric stores, Dollar stores, Target, Walmart etc
Info and Comments: Fleece is the best way to control and eliminate all dust from other beddings, but it holds in smell and does not absorb pee easily. You will most likely be changing it every 1-2 days otherwise the ammonia can also cause respiratory infections. This needs to be washed thoroughly in a washing machine on HOT water to kill all bacteria’s, but I would suggest hanging it up to dry vs machine dry.
Recycled Cardboard and Paper
Rat Safe Rating: 2-3
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands: Boxo, and or other Brands
Info and Comments: This is great for litter! It’s also pretty good with smell, I wouldn’t recommend this product as a full out bedding as depending on the brand it can be quite hard on the body’s and feet of ratties.
Shredded Newspaper (Food Based Dyes)
Rat Safe Rating: 2-3
Cost: Free/recycling
Brands: Any news print
Info and Comments: This can be a lot of work, personally I shred all the paper by my self with my shedder. I use it with nursing mums and or for nesting, and it will need very regular cleaning like the fleece does because it holds in the smell. It is very absorbent, but is very quickly soaked. Be very careful to ensure the dyes used in printing are safe.
Carefresh- Any colour
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on Size
Brands: Carefresh
Info and Comments: Care fresh & Care fresh Ultra are often confused, or people do not realize there is a difference. The amount of dust you can wipe of plastic walls in care fresh bag is a pretty fair amount, and is much greater with standard Care fresh the Care Fresh Ultra
Aspen Threads
Rat Safe Rating: 4-5
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands: Nepco and online stores
Info and Comments: I like to use this in houses, nesting and nursing for moms. It can be manipulated to any shape and often is a good nesting material. I wouldn’t T how ever suggest this as a base cover to cages as it can knot and get balled up.
Pelletized Paper (Yesterday's News)
Rat Safe Rating: 5
Cost: Depends on Size and Supplier
Brands: N/A
Info and Comments: This product is great to use for litters, but due to the hardness I wouldn’t suggest it as a base product. It takes on the pee smell and locks it in, this litter is good for long term use.
Fleece Scraps
Rat Safe Rating: 5+
Cost: Depends/extra
Brands: N/A
Info and Comments: This is great for nests, nursing mums, hides and boxes etc. It does get smelly and often is best to just throw it all our after a use, you can wash them like a normal Fleece if you wish. The price isn’t much as you buy it when making other items or use in levels, but it is great for any hind of nest making.
Walnut (Crushed Walnut Shells)
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands/Supplier: Kaytee, Reptile Supplies etc.
Info and Comments: This product isn’t the best for a base and or litter, it does lock in the smell well but it can mold and cause issues with flies and other household bugs. Often many rats rather big it in then use it as litter, when wet it clumps lightly and then hardens. I would recommend another product.
Carefresh - Litter Plus
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on Size
Brands: Carefresh
Info and Comments: This litter works really well in litter pans with a wire top, other wise rats will play and mess with it over using it as litter. I wouldn’t use this as a base to the cage as again it is quite hard on the pays and body.
Kitty Litter (non-clumping, non-scented, low dust)
Rat Safe Rating: 2-3
Cost: Depends on brand
Brands: Many
Info and Comments: This is a great odor killer, but depending on the brand it can cause issues with the lungs. It also often holds other chemicals not ideal for rats, also the fact it can be very dusty. This litter can cause issues if eaten as well, so I wouldn’t really recommend it unless mixed with another litter.
Harlan Corn Cob
Rat Safe Rating: 3-4
Cost: Depends on supplier and size.
Brands: Harlan Teklad
Info and Comments: This product can be used in a base of a cage, but I would recommend changing it often and only use with adult rats. It can be a choking hazard as well as a mold issue, sadly being a natural product it can mold and cause issues with breathing. I wouldn’t recommend this but it does work well when cleaned often and managed.
Rabbit Food (Pellets)
Rat Safe Rating: 1-2
Cost: Depends on brands
Brands: Oxbow, Bulkbarn, etc
Info and Comments: I would never use this unless you can’t afford the right litter, because it is a natural based food it will and can mold. This will cause breathing issues as well as mold in the air, bacteria will grow and flies will lay eggs. Mind you if cleaned daily I see no issue as to why it wouldn’t work, the rats can and may eat it, which I don’t like if they are in fact using it. I wouldn’t recommend this product.
"Dumbo Vs Standard?" |
The dumbo mutation appeared first in the pet trade, and as of this writing the scientific community appears to be unaware of this interesting mutation in domestic rats. The dumbo mutation has not yet been noticed, measured or studied by developmental biologists or geneticists. No papers have yet been published on this mutation in rats.
Therefore, the following list of traits is entirely anecdotal. It has been gleaned from descriptions of owners of dumbo rats, and from descriptions of dumbo rat standards and faults from fancy rat organizations. This list is quite informal and imprecise. Not all dumbo rats have all of these traits:
Ear shape: The dumbo mutation produces a wide variety of ear shapes and sizes. Most desirable among pet rat breeders are large, round, low-set ears. But the dumbo mutation may also produce creased, bent, folded, wrinkled, curled, misshapen, narrow, pointed, oblong and tubular ears. Ears may be positioned higher or lower on the skull. Ears may also be asymmetrical.
Skull shape: The top of the skull may be flat and broad. Some dumbo skulls may be concave. Skull may have a prominent occiput (back of skull), which may give the rat a hunchback appearance.
Jaw shape: Some dumbos may have have a small lower jaw.
Eye shape: Some dumbos may show differences in eye shape and position (pers. comm. Dann 2005).
Body shape: Body may be stocky.
Ear movement: some owners report that their female dumbo rats do not vibrate their ears when they are in heat (pers. comm. Dann 2005).
Temperament: Dumbos are reputed to have a docile, calm temperament.
Informal skull measurements of dumbo vs. standard rats
A. Dann (pers. comm.) measured the length, width and height at the maximum points of the heads of ten standard and four dumbo rats with callipers, then converted the measurements to ratios (length/width, width/height, and length height) in order to control for overall size of the rat. Results:
Therefore, the following list of traits is entirely anecdotal. It has been gleaned from descriptions of owners of dumbo rats, and from descriptions of dumbo rat standards and faults from fancy rat organizations. This list is quite informal and imprecise. Not all dumbo rats have all of these traits:
Ear shape: The dumbo mutation produces a wide variety of ear shapes and sizes. Most desirable among pet rat breeders are large, round, low-set ears. But the dumbo mutation may also produce creased, bent, folded, wrinkled, curled, misshapen, narrow, pointed, oblong and tubular ears. Ears may be positioned higher or lower on the skull. Ears may also be asymmetrical.
Skull shape: The top of the skull may be flat and broad. Some dumbo skulls may be concave. Skull may have a prominent occiput (back of skull), which may give the rat a hunchback appearance.
Jaw shape: Some dumbos may have have a small lower jaw.
Eye shape: Some dumbos may show differences in eye shape and position (pers. comm. Dann 2005).
Body shape: Body may be stocky.
Ear movement: some owners report that their female dumbo rats do not vibrate their ears when they are in heat (pers. comm. Dann 2005).
Temperament: Dumbos are reputed to have a docile, calm temperament.
Informal skull measurements of dumbo vs. standard rats
A. Dann (pers. comm.) measured the length, width and height at the maximum points of the heads of ten standard and four dumbo rats with callipers, then converted the measurements to ratios (length/width, width/height, and length height) in order to control for overall size of the rat. Results:
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Jazzed Up Rattery
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Jazzed Up Rattery
All rights reserved