Rats: Practical Advice from the Expert (CompanionHouse Books) Choosing Your Pet, First Aid, Fun Activities, Tricks, Training Tips, Diet, Nutrition, Communication, and More

by Debbie Ducommum

An excellent introduction to the remarkable rat, written by the world-famous Rat Lady, Debbie Ducummum, Rats offers expert advice to all keepers of these popular fancy pets. Held in high regard in Ancient Egypt, major Asian societies, and discriminating homes in America, rats are the most intelligent rodent on the planet and enjoy playing games with their keepers. As with all editions in the Complete Care Made Easy series, Rats offers readers information about selecting the right pets from good sources and acquiring all of the home essentials (for rats: cage, toys, bedding, and furnishings). The book discusses food options and the importance of feeding a rat a healthy, low-cal, low-fat diet based on fruits, veggies, and legumes plus recipes and menu tips. The author also covers the important considerations of rat proofing the home for keepers who opt to give their pets free run of their dwellings. The chapter “Beginning Your Friendship” discusses rat socialization, handling, grooming, cleaning, and interactions with children and other pets. The health of a pet rat is covered in the “Health Care” chapter that includes choosing a veterinarian, the first vet visit, spaying/neutering, the weekly health exam, plus handling common rat maladies and dealing parasites and emergencies. The real f-u-n begins in chapter seven, “Fun Activities,” in which the reader can learn how to train his or her rat to walk on a leash, enrich his rat’s life with entertaining games, and learn party tricks to impress visitors to the rat’s home. True rat lovers will enjoy taking their rats to shows—just like dog shows—to show off their rat’s conformation and natural beauty. The chapter “Show Time” offers advice on preparing for shows, classes at shows, and competing for ribbons. The final chapter on breeding offers rat enthusiasts advice about reproduction, the birthing process, and handling pups. Glossary, appendices, and index included.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2011

Reviews

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book by the famous "Rat Lady." This and her Rat Health Care are my go-to books for how to care for pet rats, though admittedly I tend to refer to the Rat Guru on YouTube for the most updated info on how to care for pet rats these days.

The care information is pretty basic (rats aren't complicated pets, for the most part). My favorite part of the book is the appendix, where the homemade diet is. I use hers as a base for my own homemade recipe (for one thing, she adds quite a few crushed vitamin/mineral supplements to hers, in hard-to-find concentrations-- I prefer to go supplement-free because (1) I can't track down the supplements in the milligrams she suggests, (2) because I think it's better to provide nutrients in a whole-foods manner rather than from supplements, and (3) my rats do get lab blocks every day as well, which should fill in any nutritional gaps my homemade recipe may have.)

I disagree with the author when it comes to the need to spay/neuter pet rats. The author says to do it as a preemptive strike against tumors. For a pet that only lives about 2 years, this seems both cost-prohibitive and unnecessarily traumatic (and that's if you can even find a vet who can do it). I also wonder at some of the dietary recommendations (such as the chromium picolinate, which the author says extends longevity in rats-- this nutrient was all the rage in the news back in the 90's, back when the Rat Lady had her famous newsletter in the pre-internet days; we don't hear much about chromium picolinate now-- was she riding the hype that was going on in the media?) Also, there's talk about finding a lab block that is soy-based rather than corn-based (corn tends to harbor dangerous mold); but soy can present its own problems to males (but is probably helpful for said tumors in females. By the way, her homemade recipe is tofu-heavy, something I plan to go easy on with my male rats). So while I do recommend this book, there may be some room here for updates.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new rat owner, this was a very helpful book in teaching me different things about looking after them. A few things weren't of relevance to me such as taking rats to shows but I definitely feel more comfortable with looking after my two new pets thanks to this book.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informational

There was a lot in there very inform it able , and it has recipes which are nice !!! Great book for beginners

[Paige Etheridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for newbie rat parents! Fun to read and informative. Love the positive attitude of the text too! Love for rats is spreading! 🐀🐀💜💜

[Wiseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative! Rats make better pets than you'd think!

[Mariana]

Yup, I just got two rats. Thanks, Debbie.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than expected for a rat guide. Probably would have stronger opinions if I were reading for the purpose of caring for a rat instead of just research.

[Tiffany Z · Rating 2 out of 5]

good rat photos

[Meggin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew the basics of having rats, but this book really taught me all I needed and more about the wonderful world of pet rats. Going through the book, I realized both my rats, though total opposites, showed hand-book examples of what to expect.

I'm so excited to try some of the games and tricks I read in chapter 7 and to try some of the menu items shown on the "suggested menu" on page 165. It teaches you everything you ever needed to know, from what foods can harm to rat shows and breeding. I also learned that it is illegal to have rat in Alberta.

I highly recommend reading this book curled up with your best ratty. As I read, one ratty, Timmy would run around on my bed, exploring everything he could, while my other ratty, Teddy was content to stay on my shoulder, or curl up under my chin while I read.

My only disappointment with this book is the numerous spelling, grammar errors I found, which often happens when an editor is non-existent or does a poor job before it goes to press. I also wish there was more information for Canadian rat clubs at the back, as it seemed to only list the ones the author was familiar with. She could have done better to add more variety.

[Allie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rats: Wrong, Inaccurate Advice from the so-called Expert

There is a lot inaccurate and just plain wrong information in this book. She contradicts herself at many points in the book, saying never do X in one chapter but saying X is great for your rat in the next. I would not recommend it to anyone that wants to raise a healthy rat.

[Pinkorca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and simple read- this book is a good starter for anyone who is thinking of rats or caring for them for the first time. For those more knowledgable this book won't tell you too much, but it would still be helpful to educate and share with others in your ratties life (extended family, rat sitters, etc).

[Joshua Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely learned some stuff about rats from this one. I think all rat owners should give this a read. Even if you don't take away everything in this book, it will give you lots to think about. Enjoyable read too, basic, but not monotonous.

[Terren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great book, there was just nothing new from the previous book.

[Alfreda Morrissey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good overview, but most of the information provided here is on various sites on the internet.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had some pretty good information but at times seemed to bulk rats with how they should respond to things. Worth reading.