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Group or solo: Rats are social and should be kept in pairs or groups. If they are the opposite sex, the males should be neutered. Rats who are already living together should be adopted together.
Diet: High quality rat food (called rat blocks.) Seed and grain mixtures can be added as supplement. Fresh clean water at all times. Rats also benefit from small amounts of fresh fruits, veggies, and grains. Avoid: artificial colorings, corn products. High-quality rodent chow (called rat blocks) should be the main food source. Avoid rat foods with artificial coloring and corn products. Seed and grain mixtures can be used to supplement the rat block diet.
Habitat/Housing: A wire powder-coated enclosure with multiple levels is ideal. The larger the better, especially if housing multiple rats. Cages sold for ferrets work well. Rats are intelligent, active, and playful and should be provided with appropriate rat-safe toys. A cardboard box or similar enclosure should be provided for hiding and sleeping, and many rats enjoy hammocks. Provide them with a litterbox with paper-based litter and clean daily. Spray down, wipe out, and clean their enclosure weekly. Once comfortable with handling provide daily out of cage time for exercise; some rats enjoy wheels and exercise balls.
Handling and Care: Rats are social and curious, but can take awhile before feeling comfortable with handling. Coax them to you with treats and pick them up with minimal restraint and allow them to climb on your hands, arms, and shoulders. If a rat runs away from you, do not chase or corner them to pick them up. Bring your rat to a small pet/exotics veterinarian annually for check-ups. Seek help immediately if you notice signs of illness, including sneezing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, lumps, sores, diarrhea, dental issues, hair loss, weight loss or changes in behavior.
More information: https://www.thesprucepets.com/caring-for-pet-rats-1236746 https://www.thesprucepets.com/feeding-pet-rats-1238500 https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/rat_care.pdf
Size: ½ - 1 and ½ pounds
Life expectancy: 2-3 years
Group or solo: Rats are social and should be kept in pairs or groups. If they are the opposite sex, the males should be neutered. Rats who are already living together should be adopted together.
Diet: High quality rat food (called rat blocks.) Seed and grain mixtures can be added as supplement. Fresh clean water at all times. Rats also benefit from small amounts of fresh fruits, veggies, and grains. Avoid: artificial colorings, corn products. High-quality rodent chow (called rat blocks) should be the main food source. Avoid rat foods with artificial coloring and corn products. Seed and grain mixtures can be used to supplement the rat block diet.
Habitat/Housing: A wire powder-coated enclosure with multiple levels is ideal. The larger the better, especially if housing multiple rats. Cages sold for ferrets work well. Rats are intelligent, active, and playful and should be provided with appropriate rat-safe toys. A cardboard box or similar enclosure should be provided for hiding and sleeping, and many rats enjoy hammocks. Provide them with a litterbox with paper-based litter and clean daily. Spray down, wipe out, and clean their enclosure weekly. Once comfortable with handling provide daily out of cage time for exercise; some rats enjoy wheels and exercise balls.
Handling and Care: Rats are social and curious, but can take awhile before feeling comfortable with handling. Coax them to you with treats and pick them up with minimal restraint and allow them to climb on your hands, arms, and shoulders. If a rat runs away from you, do not chase or corner them to pick them up. Bring your rat to a small pet/exotics veterinarian annually for check-ups. Seek help immediately if you notice signs of illness, including sneezing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, lumps, sores, diarrhea, dental issues, hair loss, weight loss or changes in behavior.
More information: https://www.thesprucepets.com/caring-for-pet-rats-1236746 https://www.thesprucepets.com/feeding-pet-rats-1238500 https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/rat_care.pdf
At the Denver Animal Shelter, we have many wonderful animals available for adoption! View our online database of adoptable pets or stop by to see our animals in person:
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
We constantly have new animals coming to the shelter. Keep in mind that adoptions occur frequently and we can not guarantee the availability of an animal listed online. The shelter's adoption package includes the adoption fee, spay or neuter cost, vaccinations, and a one-year pet license.
At the Denver Animal Shelter, we have many wonderful animals available for adoption! View our online database of adoptable pets or stop by to see our animals in person:
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
We constantly have new animals coming to the shelter. Keep in mind that adoptions occur frequently and we can not guarantee the availability of an animal listed online. The shelter's adoption package includes the adoption fee, spay or neuter cost, vaccinations, and a one-year pet license.
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
More about this shelter
Denver Animal Protection (DAP) provides animal care and protection services for all of Denver County. DAP operates Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), an open-admission shelter that is home to more than 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.
Denver Animal Protection (DAP) provides animal care and protection services for all of Denver County. DAP operates Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), an open-admission shelter that is home to more than 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.
Other pets at this
shelter
We'll also keep you updated on BOOTS's adoption status with email updates.
