Rat Maze

[kc261]

This isn't really related to feeders, but I thought it might get more responses from people who really know rats than in the general pets forum, so I hope this is ok. If not, could an admin move it for me?

I am posting the following question for my daughter:

Hello. I'm doing a 5th grade science fair project. I decided to do a rat maze.

Could you give me a list of treats that rats like?

[Epona142]

Peanut butter.

[SatanicIntention]

No, not peanut butter unless you water it down. They can choke on it.

Pretty much anything you can eat, they can eat. There are a few No-No lists as well as "good food" lists on www.ratguide.com

Two females or two males would be a good starting point. A nice solid bottomed wire cage, water bottle, hammocks, aspen bedding, and some health food choices such as Regal Rat, Reggie Rat, or a homemade food mix, are all you really need.

They are VERY smart, but it does take alot of work to get to the point of them working the maze by themselves.

[littleindiangirl]

My rats love yogurt drops. They prefer the vanilla flavor over orange and strawberry. They are sold in bags or boxes by the small animal stuff at petsmart.

They also go crazy nuts for yogurt covered raisins. I found some at walmart. They also like blueberries, but they turn them purple LOL. I haven't given any of mine chocolate chips (semi-sweet), but there are rat people that say it's a great treat once in a while. (Not everyday, 1 chip maybe a 2 times a week)

Pretty neat science project, hope it turns out well!

[Dcommander]

mine love chocolate and cornflakes

[kc261]

Thanks for the answers so far!

To clarify things a little... I've owned rats as pets before, altho not terribly recently, but I've been reading up on it to get back up to speed. Also I had my daughter read the rat caresheets from petco & petsmart. So I think we have the basic care stuff covered.

Her question was trying to get ideas of a few different treats that rats really like to be used as rewards for completing the maze.

A new question... we are about to build the actual maze and aren't quite certain how wide the paths should be. We found directions on how to build one that said 4", but we are getting young rats that have just been weaned. So I'm thinking they'll look pretty lost in 4" wide tunnels. Would 3" be more appropriate? 3.5"? Or should we stick with 4"? We aren't actually picking up the rats from the breeder until Saturday, and I hoped to have the maze built before then.

[Dcommander]

This is not an answer by a pro, so dont regret me if it's wrong, but I think they'll do ok in 4''

[littleindiangirl]

Rats dont see very well. They rely on scent and sound, with their whiskers helping them stay close to a wall. They feel comfortable running around with their whiskers touching.

They will 'mark' (pee on) their course on the maze, it also helps them navigate where they have been, and how to get back. They rely very much on smell, just some things to keep in mind.

If you want further reading, check out www.ratbehavior.org

[cassandra]

I bred mice and they're favorite is either cheerios and leftover steak bones.