If you are considering selling or carrying products for pet rats, this is a great idea as these “fancy” rodents are becoming increasingly popular.
Here are some things you should know before you start.
Rats Make Great Pets
Despite that there remains a stigma attached to rats, and that for the uninformed these critters rank high on the “ew!” scale, rats that are bred specifically to be pets actually make terrific companion animals.Among their many positive traits are:

• Contrary to popular belief, domestic rats are actually quite clean.

• They are highly intelligent, playful and easy to train.
• They are social and affectionate, and bond easily with humans and other animals.
• Their fans claim rats are the next best thing to a dog.

Although rat fans are still in the minority, their legions are growing, with numerous rat fancier societies springing up around the world.There are even rat shows, much like dog and cat shows. In 1976, a contingent of British rat lovers founded the National Fancy Rat Society to promote the critters as exhibition animals.The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (AFRMA), an international club founded in 1983, is another such group.Indeed, the Internet is teeming with rat groups, societies and plain old “rattie” lovers who merely want to celebrate these unique pets. So you can bet there’s a market for them.Types of Fancy Pet RatsPet rats are available in different varieties and types.Varieties include:

• Dumbo (my personal favorite due to their cute faces and large round ears)
• Hairless (wrinkly bald guys)

• Rex (with curly coats)
• Tailless or Manx
• Satin (with very shiny coats)
• Standard

Rats also come in various recognized markings and colors such as:

• Dalmatian (similar to the dogs of the same name)
• Irish, with white spots on their tummies and white feet
• Masked, with white bodies and mask-like facial markings

This is an abridged list. Check out the AFRMA for a more comprehensive look.Regardless, pet rats can be quite varied in appearance, and very beautiful.Rats' Dining HabitsRats are omnivores who enjoy a diet that contains a variety of foods. Their diets should also be low in fat, because these pets are prone to obesity, as well as sodium and sugar.Moreover, do not feed rats foods designated for gerbils, hamsters, rabbits or other small pets as these do not contain many of the nutrients rats require.A high-quality “lab block,” which is commercially prepared hard food, is best for rats. This should constitute about 80 percent of a pet rat’s diet, and supplemented with fresh veggies, fruits (they love blueberries, which are also high in anti-oxidants), whole grains, rice, pasta and lean meat or other low-fat, healthy table scraps as occasional treats.Meanwhile, there are popular, commercially available lab blocks such as Oxbow Regal Rat and Mazuri.But there is a bit of controversy about these two brands. Some rat experts claim that these pets often turn their noses up at Regal Rat, and that Mazuri contains too much fat and preservatives.It’s also important to note that Regal Rat is strictly for adult rodents.In my extensive research, I discovered that the lab block made by Harlan Teklad, a highly respected producer of lab animal diets, is considered the best on the market.For more information about what pet rats should and should not consume I suggest referring to the information compiled by Debbie “The Rat Lady” Ducommun on the Rat Fan Club site.The Importance of WaterLike cats, rats need access to fresh water at all times because they are prone to dehydration.Experts recommend the use of leak-proof pet water bottles as opposed to bowls, to avoid the potential of feces, urine and/or other debris getting into the water.Rats HousingRat cages with powder coated wires with sturdy, solid bottoms are recommended. These are best for ventilation and pet rat safety. The finish is rust and tarnish resistant, is chew proof, lead- and zinc-free and does not have any sharp edges.Aquariums of at least 20 gallons are also recommended, although I prefer the above mentioned cages. I do not recommend cages with wire bottoms because these can cause injuries to rats (they might get their little legs caught, for one), and are uncomfortable.It’s also crucial to clean a rat’s home on a frequent basis. The Rat Care Guide offers excellent tips about this.BeddingA very important note: Do not use cedar or pine! These are known to cause respiratory and other ailments in rats.Be sure to choose bedding that is dust- and chemical-free.Some good rat bedding choices are Aspen chips, paper-based options such as Yesterday’s News cat litter and CareFresh, Ecopetbed and Critter Country.Fancy Pet Rats.com provides useful information about this.Playtime for RattiesPet rats require appropriate toys because they love to play, and chew.Many experts say that bird toys are a good option. Per my advice for birds, these toys should be free of any materials that rats can get tangled in, cut by or choke on.Rats also love playing with such objects as empty cardboard bathroom tissue and paper towel rolls. Plus, boxes, huts and/or tunnels for them to hide and play in are a must.Oh, and they love hammocks! So you may want to consider selling these.Otherwise, it’s important to inform pet rat parents that ratties need to spend time outside their cages playing and hanging out with their humans for at least an hour a day, every day.Rats HealthAs previously mentioned, rats are prone to respiratory ailments, the most common problem with these pets. Many of these ailments are caused by Mycoplasma pulmonis bacteria, which exist in the lungs of all rats, but remain dormant in healthy rats.This is why avoiding the use of cedar or pine bedding is so very important. Otherwise, if a rat exhibits signs of this, via such symptoms as repeated sneezing, wheezing and labored breathing, immediate veterinary treatment is required.Other common rat ailments are:

• Bumblefoot, a bacterial infection of the heel bottom
• Digestive disorders such as constipation or diarrhea
• Mites
• Obesity

On the downside, no matter how healthy they may be, rats do have short lifespans; they only live to about 3 years old.The good news is, rats are generally robust, hearty little souls, as long as they are provided with healthy diets and habitats, as well as lots of love.Rats for Sale?If one should chose to sell or even breed rats, there are obvious pros and cons.Some Pros:

• There is a demand for healthy pet rats.
• There is a demand for responsible, ethical breeders.

The Cons:

• Rats have very large litters, so it may be a challenge to sell all of the kittens.
• This is an expensive undertaking, requiring extra “nursery” cages and other equipment.
• You will not make a heck of a lot of money; you may even lose money.

The National Fancy Rat Society and Rat Fan Club provide excellent information about this.Indeed, this is an undertaking that should not be taken lightly.My advice to those who operate in markets where there is a demand for pet rats is – as always - to partner with an animal shelter.There are, in fact, many rescue rats available for adoption. Petfinder.com, for example, lists many pet rats. I did a search for my area and there were 543 rats available for adoption!So this really is the best option, in my personal opinion.Rats Rule!In summary, these lively, loveable rodents make wonderful pets, and are sure to continue to increase in popularity.As their fans will attest, once you go rats, you’ll never go back!