Karen Kenney - Rat

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Rat / Karen Latchana Kenney (You Have a Pet What?!) ISBN 978-1-63430-435-1 (hard cover) ISBN 978-1-63430-535-8 (soft cover) ISBN 978-1-63430-624-9 (e-Book) Library of Congress Control Number: 2015931858 Printed in the United States of America, North Mankato, Minnesota

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A giant white-tailed rat stirs in its log den. Its home is in the rainforest of Australia. At night, the wild rat begins its search for food. The into tough coconut shells.

Both wild and pet rats are clever animals. Thats one reason rats can be interesting pets. FUN FACT The giant white-tailed rat is big! Its one of the biggest rodents in Australia. It can weigh more than 1.8 pounds (800 grams). Wild Rats You can find rats in remote places such as rainforests. But this mammal also lives close to humans.

They live in trees, by water, in caves, and in buildings. Near people, wild rats eat nearly everything. They for food in the trash. In nature, brown rats prefer meat. They like snails, fish, and rabbits. Rainforest rats eat fruit and seeds.

Other rats eat insects and worms. Rats live in large groups called colonies. Females have about eight babies at a time. Each is hairless and blind at first. The babies eyes open after 14 days. Rat Origins Rats originally came from Asia, Australia, and nearby islands.

Many rats spread to other parts of the world on explorers ships.

You can tell a rat from other rodents by its tail. It looks smooth and bare, but its not. It has short, fine hair. Hair covers the rest of its body, too. Most rats weigh between 3.4 and 8.5 ounces (95 to 240 grams).

Their bodies are 6.7 to 8.3 inches (17 to 21 centimeters) long. Many rats tails stretch as long as their bodies. This small animal has many features that help it thrive in the wild.

A pet rat is called a fancy rat. Many people love their pet rats. They are smaller than wild rats.

They are calmer and friendlier, too. Fancy rats come in different varieties. Some have curly hair or large ears. Others dont have hair or tails. Their fur may have different colors and patterns. Pet rats love attention.

They form strong with their owners. Its what makes them such popular pets. FUN FACT Fancy rats were first bred in the late 1800s. In the 1900s it became popular to keep rats as pets. Are you ready to be a rat owner? Rats are pretty easy to care for. They are small, quiet pets.

But they do need regular attention. Can you keep its cage clean? Can you give it fresh water and food every day? These social animals need to play. They need to explore outside of their cages, too. Can you buy more than one rat? Its best to have a few. Single rats can become stressed and lonely. FUN FACT An Indian temple was built for the Hindu rat goddess. FUN FACT An Indian temple was built for the Hindu rat goddess.

It is the Karni Mata temple. About 20,000 rats live there! The rats at the Karni Mata Temple are called kabbas. They are considered holy animals. People travel from all over the world to visit and pay their respects. Some Owner Risks Is anyone in your home allergic to rats? Some people get rashes from rat as it explores your home. You must clean up after it. Remember, rats love to chew! At home, this might be a problem.

A pet rat could chew on wood, plastic, paper, cords, and fabric. Be prepared to rat-proof your home. Rats can bite if they get scared, but this is rare. Also, pet rats have a short lifespan. Most live only two to two and one-half years. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a pet rat include a runny nose, hives or skin welts, itchy throat and wheezing.

You can buy pet rats from several places. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a pet rat include a runny nose, hives or skin welts, itchy throat and wheezing. You can buy pet rats from several places.

Pet shops usually sell rats. Animal shelters may have unwanted rats. may sell unusual rats. Or other owners rats may have babies. They may sell or give away the babies. Pick a rat that is four to six weeks old.

It will adapt better to being your pet. Look for one that is healthy and active. A shiny coat and bright eyes are good signs. Females tend to be more active. Males are less active. They may sit on your lap longer.

If buying two rats, check the genders! You may end up with a lot of baby rats if you buy a male and female.