Rat's New Home
Cage (appropriate for the size and number of rats): $60 - $150 new
Bedding: $8 - $25 per bag, depending on the type and size of the bag
Water Bottle: $3 - $10
Food Dish / Hopper: $2 - $8
Good Quality Food: $5 - $15 per bag, depending on the size of the bag
Fresh Water: free if your tap water is dechlorinated and doesn't contain fluoride, otherwise you will have to buy bottled water
Rat Toys (tubes, wheels, bird toys, hammocks, etc): $2 - $15
Setting Up The Habitat
Even if your cage is brand new it's a good idea to wash it out just in case. Fill the bottom of the pan with about half an inch of litter. Fill the food dish and put it in a safe location where it will not be knocked over or easily soiled. Hang the water bottle, filled, in a place where the rat can comfortably reach it. Attach any toys safely so they will not be easily knocked loose, and make sure your rat has a comfortable place to sleep such as a hammock or a nesting box. At least one of your rat's toys should be something meant for gnawing on; though rats can wear their own teeth down by bruxing they often prefer to do so by chewing on something and giving him a suitable chew toy will give him something to do as well as help keep his teeth down.
After your cage is set up and ready, it is time to take your rat home. The first day or at least the first few hours should be spent in its cage only. It needs to get used to the new smells, find where the food and water are, choose a place to sleep, and adjust to being with your other rats, if any. You also should watch it to make sure that it can't escape its cage, or hurt itself on any of the toys. After you feel that the rat is used to its cage and isn't afraid, you can take it out to play. Make sure you be very gentle because it isn't used to your smells or the smells of your house. If it is timid, you can coax it with a treat like a cracker or a piece of bread. You should take it easy the first week, giving it a chance to settle in. Take your pet out for exercise or for play at least every other day, but only for an hour or until it is used to you and its new home. After the first week, it should be settled in quite nicely.
