Knowing the lifespan of your dumbo rat pet can help you ensure you give it a good quality of life and can help you appreciate your pet more during your time together. Pet rats differ from wild rats in terms of longevity in that pet rats live longer. The reason for this is mainly because they are more cared for and thrive in an environment that provides them with food, shelter and care.
The normal lifespan for pet rats is 2-3 years, although some owners report extending their pet rat’s life to 4 years.
To help your pet rat live as long as possible, here are some tips:
- Feed him a proper diet. A balanced diet for dumbo rats consists of lab blocks, which prevent them from picking only what they want to eat, mixed with grains or seeds. It is important not to feed too many seeds as they are high in fat and can make them overweight. Make fresh vegetables 20% of your diet to ensure optimal health. Be careful not to give too many, as they can cause diarrhea in your pet rat.
- To prevent obesity in your pet dumbo rats, make sure they get the proper dose of exercise. A good exercise plan is simply to have them run on the treadmill for two minutes a day, along with an hour of roaming outside.
- Play with your dumbo rat. Studies show that just playing with them already contributes to your health because it not only improves your physical health, but also your mental and social health. Plus, it strengthens the bond between you and your pet rat, making it happy and less stressed.
- Do not allow your rat to be exposed to things that could harm it. Put away household chemicals that can be poisonous to your rats, particularly those that can endanger rats when they chew on them. Make sure electrical cords are well cared for or arranged to prevent biting and possible electrocution. Also, don’t use pine or cedar shavings as bedding.
- Feed him blueberries. Blueberries have been found to increase the lifespan of some rats by up to 4 years. Blueberries contain antioxidants that prevent aging and have polyphenols that have been shown to strengthen bones in rats, according to a laboratory study.
By taking these simple tips to heart, you can improve the health and well-being of your pet dumbo rat and ensure that he lives a long and happy life.
