On arrival at the rescue, every animal is given a health check and any necessary treatment. All animals are monitored for a minimum of 2 weeks to ensure they are fit and healthy, and to assess their temperament, prior to being put up for adoption.

RATS

The average life span of a Rat is 2-4 years

Rats like to live in pairs or same sex groups of 3 or 4.

Their diet should consist of a good quality complete food which can be scattered about the cage to provide interest and satisfy their foraging instinct. A range of fruit and veg should also be given, this will provide essential vitamins and minerals. They also enjoy cereals, pasta, dry dog food, pulses, boiled egg, yoghurt and baby food. Their diet should be free of additives (sugar, salt and artificial colouring).

A large cage is essential - MINIMUM SIZE: 3ft high x 3ft long x 2ft wide for a pair of Rats (1m x 1m x 0.6m). It should have several levels as they love to climb. If the cage has a mesh floor put some vinyl tiles or card at the bottom to prevent them injuring their feet.

The cage should have absorbent litter in the bottom (paper based - not wood shavings) which will allow them to express their normal behaviour - foraging and digging. They will also use soft paper for bedding.

SAWDUST OR WOOD SHAVING SHOULD NOT BE USED.

Rats need plenty of gnawing material - willow or fruit tree branches. They enjoy resting in hammocks and exploring tunnels and tubes. Make their cage interesting and hide food treats around. Different size cardboard boxes are fun to explore and shred. Hammocks, ropes, wooden toys and branches (fruit tree or willow) for climbing, as well as lava or wooden shelves to rest on.

Strict hygiene is essential - the cage should be spot cleaned daily you will need to remove any damp soiled bedding and replace it with fresh. Cages and toys should be thoroughly cleaned once a week using a pet-safe disinfectant.

We have a number of Rats staying with us long-term because they cannot be re-homed due to old age or they have special requirements. We do not give up on animals just because they have problems - we provide them with the long term care they need.
If you would like to sponsor a Rat find out more.

VIEWING IS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Please complete our homefinder form to express an interest in any available Rats, then we can keep you updated on any suitable animals that are cleared for adoption.

We request a donation for each animal adopted so that we can continue to help other animals in need.

Watch this space......