Breed Introduction
Fancy Rats are domesticated varieties of the common rat with tails about 20cm long, nearly matching the length of their body. Their coat comes in an array of colors, including the typical Fancy Rat with chocolate or black coloring from the forelimbs to the head, and a white back with black spots or a stripe. They’re known for their high intelligence and affectionate behavior, capable of simple training such as circling or fetching coins.
With a medium build and often sporting black patches on their tails, Fancy Rats’ coats are reminiscent of Holstein cows, which is highly appealing. The standard Fancy Rat, along with the distinctive Dumbo ear variant, have been widely introduced into China from the United States and Russia, winning over pet owners with their varied appearances and endearing ear shapes.
Fancy Rats thrive in controlled environments, preferring well-ventilated, dry areas without direct sunlight. They are best kept in indoor spaces like balconies or around windows where there is good air circulation.
Protect your Fancy Rats from direct sunlight as they are prone to heatstroke. A diet rich in nutrients and easily digestible is recommended, including boiled eggs, mealworms, carrots, and fresh fruits. Be mindful not to overfeed sunflower seeds or high-calorie foods to prevent nutritional imbalance.
Due to long-term domestication, Fancy Rats don’t adhere to the typical nocturnal schedule of common rats. They adjust to the rest times of their owners, being extremely docile and self-grooming. Regular cleaning of their environment is necessary to minimize odors. They are receptive to human interaction and are best raised from a young age for better socialization and training.
Fancy Rats reach reproductive maturity by 3 months of age and can breed throughout the year, with litters of 10-20 pups, indicating high fertility rates. Adequate environment and nutrition are essential during breeding.
Easy Care Tips for Your Fancy Rat!
Looking for a pet that’s both smart and easy to care for? You’ll fall in love with the unique personality of a Fancy Rat! More than just a hamster’s privilege, Fancy Rats can be the perfect petite pals for your home. Check out these tips for a happy life with them!
🥦 Fruits and veggies are good; mealworms are a favorite.
Unlike hamsters, Fancy Rats aren’t fussy eaters and can enjoy a range of common fruits and vegetables. But what they adore most are mealworms!
🚫 Human food is a no-go.
Our tasty treats are too salty and rich for these little ones, causing undue strain on their tiny bodies. Keep the human snacks for yourself!
🧊 Cooling off in the summer heat.
Fancy Rats dislike the heat. When summer strikes, make sure you have cooling pads, ice packs, or marble slabs to keep them comfy and cool.
👫 Private love life; be mindful of cohabitation.
Unless you’re ready for a baby boom, don’t house males and females together. Their breeding prowess is impressive!
🌲 Opt for wood shavings for bedding.
Wood shavings are environmentally friendly and great at odor control, keeping your rat’s residence fresh and clean.
Fancy Rats are not only low-maintenance but also gentle by nature, making them excellent family pets. With simple day-to-day care, they’ll live joyously in your home!
