Rat Dumbo: care and maintenance at home

Many people mistakenly believe that any container can serve as a rat cage. So, you can come across references to the fact that a rat lives in an aquarium, or even more often, that it has to exist in a small hamster cage, according to the principle “it’s fine as it is!” The situation is no better with the arrangement of such a rat's home: a house, a bowl, a drinking bowl and often a wheel, which takes up the lion's share of the cell space - that's all that fits there. Unfortunately, for a rat, an active, highly developed animal, such living conditions are comparable only to imprisonment, and comfortable conditions look somewhat different.

Description of the breed

Round ears are the main distinguishing feature of Dumbo rats

Beginners in rat breeding, first of all, need to understand one thing: all the names of decorative rats (Dumbo, Rex, Sphinx, etc.) indicate variations of the same breed - Rattus Norwegicus dom (decorative rat). One litter can contain pups of different variations.

Belonging to a particular variety is determined by the structure of the animal’s body, the characteristics of its appearance and the quality of its fur. Dumbo rats can have characteristics of other breeds and are called Dumbo Rex, Dumbo Sphinx or Dumbo Husky.

Dumbo has a pear-shaped body, the maximum size of which reaches 20 cm in length, with short, dense fur. The ears of these rats are located lower than those of their relatives.

Rod options

So, as we have already figured out, the rods must be metal, but it is very important whether they are galvanized or painted. Galvanized ones are subject to corrosion, which is impractical and even dangerous; painted ones are durable and will last a long time.

Remember that the rods must be securely welded and always have a rounded shape. For small rats, the distance between the rods should not exceed 0.7-1 cm, and for adults 1.2-1.5 cm.

Dumbo rat character

If you buy two Dumbo rats, they will never be bored

It should be understood that Dumbo is just a distinctive feature of a decorative rat, which does not have any effect on its mind and level of intellectual development. However, animals can inherit the character traits and behavioral characteristics of their parents. Therefore, Dumbo rats have several characteristic features:

• the ability to guess the owner’s mood;
• intelligence;
• slightly less active than other varieties of decorative rats.

Dumbo owners note their amenability to training. But in general, the character and upbringing of a pet depend on how much attention the owner pays to it. It is also important where the rat was purchased. If she lived in a cage with other relatives in a pet store for more than six months, it will be more difficult to tame her. But affection and care for a smart pet will help make it completely tame.

Dumbo are friendly and smart animals. Experienced rat breeders advise buying two same-sex rats at once . The fact is that if the pet is alone, it needs to be given attention for at least two hours a day. Otherwise, Dumbo will be bored and may refuse food. Since it is not always possible to spend so much time with a pet, he needs to buy a friend. In this case, you don’t have to worry about the well-being of the animals.

What to look for when choosing a rat cage

A good cage should provide rats with a safe living environment in which all their physiological needs will be taken into account. I have highlighted the key points that you need to pay attention to when choosing. Using the information presented below, you can easily distinguish a good model from a bad one.

Cell type

The best option for keeping rats is a classic cage with a plastic tray and metal bars. Aquariums and plastic dunes are not suitable as permanent housing due to poor ventilation.

Dimensions

The size of the base should be no less than 60x40 cm, and the height should be no less than 50 cm. This is enough to fully support 1-2 rats. If you plan to have three or more rats, each of them should have about 50 liters of internal volume.

Rods

The ideal distance between the bars of the cage should be 1 centimeter, the maximum permissible for adult rats is 1.7 cm (2 provided that large males are kept in the cage.) The grid itself serves as an additional sports equipment for climbing, so it is desirable that the bars are positioned horizontally.

Pros and Cons of Keeping Dumbo as a Pet

Keeping Dumbo the rat's house doesn't cost much.

The decorative rat is one of those pets that does not require large expenses for its maintenance. Rats are curious and everyone wants to try their teeth. In addition, they require constant attention as they can fall and get hurt.

What attracts these animals is their developed intellectual abilities and lack of aggression towards humans and other animals.

The advantages of choosing Dumbo the rat as a pet include:

• cleanliness of the animal;
• omnivorous;
• low maintenance costs;
• ease of care.

But there are also disadvantages:

• the property of an animal to leave marks wherever it is;
• tendency to chew on any objects;
• expensive treatment;
• people with a keen sense of smell notice a specific smell that comes from domestic rats;
• for your pet to feel well, you need to devote a lot of time to it;
• walking is required;
• relatively short lifespan.

Which cage for a rodent is better to buy?

Rodents are cute, funny creatures that don't require much care. To make them feel comfortable, you need to arrange a cozy home for them.

A good cage is functional and is selected according to the needs of the animal. But there are general selection parameters that should be followed:

• Material. Metal mesh cages that cannot be chewed through are recommended. When buying a plastic container, it is better that it has a smooth, streamlined shape - then the pet will not be able to test the walls.
• Door. It is important that it has a secure lock. A rodent can easily move a simple hook and open the cage.
• Bottom. The best models are equipped with solid pull-out trays made of metal or plastic, which do not oxidize and do not absorb odors and dirt.
• The size depends on the pet. Since rodents prefer an active life, you need to provide them with free space to play. In a cramped cage, the animal is sick and sad.
• The frequency of the rods is also selected according to the size of the animal - the smaller the animal, the narrower the gaps should be.

Pay attention to the fastening of the bars: if it is weak, the animal will pull out the bars and run away.

Many cages are equipped with additional accessories, so the owner does not need to purchase them separately. It is advisable that inside there are dishes for drinking water and food, a rest house, tunnels and ladders for climbing. If you have a running wheel, make sure that it is solid and matches the dimensions of your pet, otherwise the rodent may injure its tail or paws.

Care and maintenance of the Dumbo rat at home

Since the rat is a rodent, it is kept in a metal cage, the bars of which cannot be damaged by the animal..

The cage is the optimal home for the rat Dumbo

Some owners find it acceptable to use an aquarium as a rat house. But this method of maintenance has more disadvantages than advantages:

• poor ventilation of the glass container, due to which an unpleasant odor will quickly appear in the house;
• more difficult cleaning;
• the need for more frequent disinfection;
• The top of the aquarium should be left slightly open for air access. At the same time, there is a risk that the pet will leave the house, since rats are smart and can jump to a height of up to half a meter;

The home of a decorative rat has its own requirements:

• it must be installed in a place protected from drafts and direct sunlight;
• the temperature in the room should not fall below +18–20°C, otherwise the animal may get sick;
• the optimal cage size for 1–2 pets is 60x40x30 cm;
• it is desirable that the house be two-story, with a place for entertainment and sleep;
• Do not place the cage near heat sources (heating radiators and heaters).

What to feed

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Rats are omnivores, but each animal can have its own preferences in food, which are difficult for a loving owner not to notice. The following grains must be present in a rodent's diet:

• wheat;
• rye;
• oats;
• soybeans

To maintain good health, in addition to plant protein, animal protein is needed. It is found in all types of meat, minced meat, fish, seafood, and butter. Milk and fermented milk products are beneficial. It is recommended to give in limited quantities:

• fresh herbs;
• radish;
• fresh cabbage;
• zucchini and eggplant.

Treats for decorative rats include dried fruits, sugar, sweets and any types of cheese. But it is better not to give citrus fruits and pineapples to your pet.

With improper nutrition, a decorative rat may experience developmental deviations such as excessive tooth growth - this indicates a predominance of soft food in the diet, while the rodent needs to regularly grind its teeth on hard.

Hygiene and bathing

If your pet refuses to go to the bath, wipe the stubborn one with a damp cloth

Decorative rats are clean and regularly take care of themselves. However, they are in a constantly polluted room, where there are always leftover food and the results of the animal’s vital activity.

Therefore, the owner must follow several hygiene rules for the rat’s home:

1. It is better to use dry granules or large sawdust as bedding. Small ones can get into the animal’s eyes and cause allergies.
2. You cannot cover the cage with newsprint. When wet, it begins to release harmful substances contained in printing inks. This entails the risk of poisoning the animal.
3. The cage is cleaned every 2-3 days.
4. Every two weeks, all toys and other elements of the house are treated with a disinfectant.

If a rat resists bathing, there is no need to forcibly immerse the animal in water - this is fraught with loss of trust in the owner . Such stubborn people can be periodically wiped with a damp cloth.

Video: Dumbo bathing

Diseases and treatment

You should take Dumbo to the vet at the first sign of discomfort.

It’s hard not to notice if your pet is unwell. A healthy rat has shiny fur, clear and clean eyes, and the animal is playful and active. If deviations in health status are observed, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

The most common diseases of decorative rats:

1. Mycoplasmosis. Infection occurs through airborne droplets and progresses to pneumonia. Deadly dangerous.
2. Abscesses. Associated with injury to the animal. An opening and disinfection of the inflammation site is required.
3. Development of benign and malignant tumors.
4. Parasitic lesions. Rats are not dewormed. Treatment is carried out only if the disease is detected.

Vaccination

Decorative rats do not need vaccination. No drugs have been developed for them to help prevent the development of diseases in these animals.

Selection and accessories for your pet

An animal's cell must contain several elements:

• drinking bowl;
• feeder;
• nest (place to sleep);
• a mineral stone on which the animal will grind its teeth.

To prevent the animal from getting bored, toys are placed in the house. Rats are very fond of such a device as a hammock. It can be made from a piece of durable fabric or purchased ready-made at a pet store. Most preferred toys:

• ladders, including rope ones;
• tunnels;
• labyrinths.

How to make a cage with your own hands

To place your pet in a cozy house, you don’t have to buy a cage at a pet store. After all, you can make a home for a rat with your own hands. At the same time, you will be able to save money and create a design that fits organically into the interior of the house.

To make a cage yourself, you will need to prepare the following materials:

• durable metal mesh, with appropriate distances between the rods;
• pliers;
• door locks;
• nylon wire;
• side cutters;
• silicone glue;
• aluminum wire;
• PVC sheet.

Making your own cage for a rat can be divided into several successive stages:

1. Execution of design drawing. A correctly drawn diagram will make it clear what exactly is required to make the cell, and will also help visualize the work process. In the schematic drawing, in addition to walls and partitions, you will need to indicate the planned locations for the installation of play complexes, a house, feeding troughs, and hammocks. You just need to keep in mind that when making a drawing you need to strictly adhere to the scale, this will help you not make a mistake with the dimensions.
2. Manufacturing of parts for the frame. To do this, 4 main sheets are cut out of a metal mesh - walls, roof and bottom. Then, holes are immediately cut out in the places planned for installing the doors. Usually doors are made on each tier and on the roof. This is necessary for convenience when you need to quickly get the rat out of the cage.
3. Fastening parts. First, cut the wire into small pieces 5-6 cm long. Using the resulting twigs, the prepared parts are connected by winding, the minimum number of turns is 3-4 pieces. The free ends are pinched with pliers.
4. Installation of additional tiers. In a similar way, you will need to attach pre-cut shelves. In this case, the height of the first floor should fluctuate between 25-30 cm. The remaining tiers may be slightly lower - 20 cm each. The height of the upper floor should be at least 35 cm.
5. Making a pallet. First you need to cut the PVC sheet. It should be taken into account that the base area should protrude 1 cm on each side beyond the bottom of the cage. The optimal height of the sides is 8-10 cm. All parts of the pallet are connected using silicone glue.
6. Door installation. The prepared doors are attached to the mesh using nylon ties. After that, pre-prepared locks or latches are installed.

Once the cage is ready for an animal to move in, you will need to check the structure for any protruding wires, dangerous protrusions, or unevenness. All elements that pose a threat to the pet must be carefully sanded.

Before starting work, it is recommended to paint the mesh. To make paint application easier, you can pre-wipe the rods with a solvent.

All work on making a cage for a rat must be performed on a hard surface, otherwise inaccuracies may occur during installation of the structure. When the rat house is ready, it is better to wait 2-3 days before moving in. Time is necessary for the paint and glue vapors to completely evaporate.

Despite the fact that a homemade cage will cost much less than a purchased one, this design also has significant disadvantages. For example, the process of building a house will take a lot of time. In addition, homemade cages look a little sloppy compared to factory-made products.

Dumbo rat breeding

Breeding Dumbo rats is a simple process

There is nothing difficult about breeding dumbo rats. These animals reproduce quickly and do not experience problems in bearing and giving birth to offspring .

How to determine gender

Males can be distinguished from females by their enlarged testicles, which are clearly visible already at the age of 2–3 weeks. In female decorative rats, the rudiments of nipples are observed during this period of life.

Mating

Sexual maturity occurs early - at the age of 5–6 weeks. But individuals from 8 to 10 weeks are recommended for mating. In order to get offspring, it is enough to leave the male and female in the same cage for a couple of days. But you need to understand that fertilization is possible only if the female is in heat. It occurs regularly at intervals of 4–7 days.

Pregnancy

From the moment of fertilization to the birth of rat pups, no more than 23 days pass. On average, birth occurs between 21 and 23 days. The female's pregnancy becomes noticeable starting from the second week after fertilization. The animal’s physique plays a big role in the appearance of the first signs. If the female is thin, the rounded tummy will be noticeable faster than in a fat and large rat.

A litter can contain from 8 to 15 pups. During pregnancy, the female needs increased and nutritious nutrition. Bloody discharge and the female's desire for privacy will indicate the approaching birth . Often the dumbo rat begins to prepare its nest: it cleans and arranges it. Childbirth lasts no more than 3 hours.

How to care for newborn rat pups

The female Dumbo takes good care of her offspring. During this period, the owner must follow several rules:

• do not pick up baby rats;
• take care of the cleanliness of the cell;
• provide the mother with good nutrition.

Rats can be handled once they are 14–15 days old.

Cages for guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas

For a comfortable life, guinea pigs, rabbits, and chinchillas need a large space. The minimum cage size for an animal is 0.7 sq.m. Two animals, accordingly, will need to double the living space.

Good houses for guinea pigs are made of plastic or metal. The design must have strong locks, doors and provide easy access for cleaning. The recommended distance between the rods is 1.5-2.5 cm. This is enough so that the animal cannot stick its head through.

Ferplast Grand Lodge Plus for guinea pigs and rabbits, gray

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The Ferplast Grand Lodge Plus two-level enclosure is an excellent purchase for active animals. The upper floor is suitable for relaxation, the lower floor is for eating and playing. Both tiers have retractable plastic trays, and the levels themselves are connected by a wooden staircase.

The gray plastic enclosure has a durable metal frame, embossed side walls and a sloping removable roof - it opens to provide access for cleaning. Cage dimensions 134x73x117 cm.

Advantages:

• stylish appearance;
• secure locks;
• convertible top;
• three doors;
• impeccable workmanship.

Flaws:

• high price.

Ferplast Grand Lodge Plus for guinea pigs and rabbits is equipped with plastic bowls, ladders, a hay feeder and a drinking bowl.

MidWest Guinea Habitat Plus for guinea pigs 171GHP (120x60x36 cm)

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

The spacious cage, 36 cm high, is designed for two animals. Its rods are made of metal. The waterproof, easy to clean tray is made of plastic. The house cover is removed.

Inside there are several separate “rooms”, between which the animals move through ramp doors. The model folds compactly and is easy to store and transport.

Advantages:

• stainless steel;
• removable tray with Velcro fasteners;
• wide doors;
• capacity;
• Assembly instructions included.

Flaws:

• no carrying handle.

MidWest Guinea Habitat Plus is designed for pigs, chinchillas, turtles, and rabbits. The dimensions allow you to arrange the house to your liking and place toys and feeders inside.

Voltrega for rabbits and guinea pigs (936), white

4.5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

The metal cage grille is coated with white powder paint. The tray is made of impact-resistant food-grade plastic. The material does not emit toxic substances, is easy to clean and does not absorb odors.

The front wall is removable, and the narrow rods ensure good air circulation in the cage. The model does not have sharp corners or parts that could injure the animal. With dimensions of 100x55x40 cm, the house weighs 4.5 kg.

Advantages:

• collapsible design;
• pull-out tray;
• durable latches;
• large volume;
• low price.

Flaws:

• heavy.

The white Voltrega cage is spacious and roomy. Plus, she already comes with a massive hay feeder.

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Training and playing with your pet

Dumbo is very trainable

Dumbo rats are quite obedient and easy to train . They love to play with soft and hard balls, willingly explore labyrinths and run through their owner's hands. Many pets love to climb onto the shoulders and watch everything that happens from there.

If you want to teach a rat various tricks, you need to remember a few rules for training these rodents:

1. The optimal duration of classes is 20–30 minutes.
2. The animal is fed for the last time 8–10 hours before class. In this case, he will be more willing to do what the owner requires, wanting to receive food for it.
3. It is necessary to ensure that the animal fully understands what is required of it. Only after this do they move on to learning other tricks.

What can you teach a Dumbo rat:

• find one object out of several;
• remove pieces of paper and beads hidden in a matchbox;
• stand on its hind legs at the owner's command.

Hamster cages

Hamsters are nimble and active, so they need spacious housing with accessories for entertainment. Lattice structures with one or more tiers are popular among breeders.

Multi-storey cages have large dimensions. The animal rests on the upper tiers, eats and plays below. For small animals, the recommended distance between the rods is 5-10 mm, for large animals - 13 mm.

Syrian hamsters need a house with dimensions of 50x40 cm and a semicircular roof. For other breeds, cages measuring 30x45 cm with a height of 20 to 30 cm are enough.

Triol Disney Monstropolis

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

The Disney Monstropolis two-tier cage is made of thin metal rods painted with blue powder paint. Below is a plastic removable tray. The tiers are connected by transparent tunnels.

The oval roof is removable, allowing easy access for cleaning. On the second floor there is a large wheel and a drinking bowl, on the first floor there is a feeding trough. The dimensions of this unusual and stylish cage are 36x26x45 cm.

Advantages:

• there is a labyrinth and stairs, plastic shelves;
• fixing hook on the door;
• strong rods;
• colorful gift box.

Flaws:

• The wheel is too noisy when a rodent runs in it.

Triol Disney Monstropolis is easy to disassemble and assemble, plus it keeps your hamster in healthy shape.

Hamster cage N1 30x23x25.7 cm (DKg187gol)

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The rectangular two-tier cage is installed on the table and fits easily into any room interior. On the ground floor there is a plastic wheel and a drinking bowl. On the second there is a holiday house. You can get to the top through a tunnel.

The grate is made of thin iron rods. There is a tray with high sides at the bottom, and there is a carrying handle on the roof. The model is available in two colors: blue and pink.

Advantages:

• bright plastic parts;
• convenient feeder;
• easy access inside;
• there is a house for sleeping;
• weight only 1 kg.

Flaws:

• Unreliable latch on the door.

Model N1 has an attractive appearance and is suitable for standard hamsters and decorative mice.

Spelos, plastic

4.4

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

The Spelos cage is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable life for a hamster. The upper part is made of transparent plastic and resembles a dome. There are metal lattice inserts on both sides, secured with clips. There is a long transparent tunnel for outdoor games. The deep tray allows you to pour a thick layer of filler. Dimensions of the cage: 38x24x47.5 cm.

Advantages:

• good ventilation;
• large running wheel;
• spacious feeders;
• easy maintenance;
• environmentally friendly materials.

Flaws:

• the cost is high.

In the Spelos cage the hamster develops well and feels safe and comfortable.

What to name the animal

You shouldn't give your pet the first name that comes to mind.

It is advisable to choose names for your pet that will highlight its individuality. To choose the right one, you can rely on the recommendations of experienced rat breeders.

1. There is no need to rush to give your Dumbo rat the first name you like. You need to take a closer look at the pet, observe it, and note its characteristic behavioral features.
2. Each pet is special to its owner and has the right to a “special” name. Therefore, you should not stop at the usual names for rats, but choose an original one.
3. If there are several animals, they can be given names from the same category. For example, the names of the planets are suitable.
4. Hints in choosing a name can be found in fairy tales, cartoons or nursery rhymes.

It is important to choose a name that can be changed to a diminutive. This is what the owner will most often call his charming pet with big ears.

Dumbo the rat is one of the best pets. Communication with him is always interesting and evokes a lot of positive emotions. Taking care of a rodent is not difficult, and food costs are low.

Best Cages for Gerbils

In nature, gerbils live in the desert, so it is not easy to recreate living conditions acceptable to them. Regular rodent cages do not cope with this task. It is best to choose spacious two-tier structures consisting of a glass terrarium and a terrace with a metal lattice.

A lot of sawdust is poured into the aquarium so that the gerbils dig deep tunnels, and a relaxation area is arranged on the terrace. For breeding gerbils, one-story containers with plastic or glass walls and a lattice roof are used.

Ferplast cage for gerbils Gabry 50 (glass, metal)

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The Gabry glass two-level cage is an ideal option for keeping a gerbil. The walls of the first floor are made of durable glass; below there is a deep tray for sawdust.

An iron staircase leads to the second tier. There is a lattice metal terrace there. The model is equipped with a drinking bowl and a drinking bowl. Dimensions of the cage: 52x27x44 cm.

Advantages:

• two spacious floors;
• safe door opening and closing system;
• easy access to the cage;
• quality materials.

Flaws:

• high price.

Ferplast Gabry provides good ventilation. All its parts are firmly connected to each other - the cage is designed for long-term use.

Inter Zoo Cage-terrarium G120X ALEx

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

The ALEx Inter Zoo cage is a collapsible plastic container with rounded walls. The bottom of the container is black, the top is transparent. A metal grille is installed on the roof to ensure sufficient air flow. It is fixed with special clips, which can be unfastened to remove the roof to play with the animal or clean the cage.

Advantages:

• high-quality plastic;
• fine grate;
• removable tray;
• capacity.

Flaws:

• no carrying handle.

The spacious cage, 58x25x38 cm, accommodates a feeder, a drinking bowl and the gerbil's favorite toys.

Tetra Zooexpress terrarium large with plastic door

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The Zooexpress terrarium consists of a transparent plastic dome that acts as side walls and a roof. At the top there is a ventilation grille, secured on the sides with latches, and at the bottom there is a colored tray. The accessory is sold together with a drinking bowl, food bowls and original toys. Cage dimensions 42x30.5x22.5 cm, weight 1.3 kg.

Advantages:

• streamlined shape of the terrarium;
• safe manufacturing materials;
• weighs little;
• good equipment;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• plastic bowls that gerbils quickly chew on.

Tetra Zooexpress is recommended not only for gerbils, but also for ornamental mice, degus and aquatic turtles.

Proper care

Remember that the cage must be kept clean. Keep order and food bowls. Carry out cleaning 2 times a week, general cleaning 1 time a week. It is necessary to change the filler, wash the tray, wash and disinfect the feeder and drinker.

The water in the drinking bowl is changed daily, sometimes several times a day, if the owner sees that it is dirty. Change the toilet filler as often as possible. All items and accessories must also be washed and disinfected.

You cannot use chemicals, only natural substances, and you cannot use substances with any smell. The use of any unnatural substances can cause poisoning and the development of diseases.