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Welcome to Our FAQ Page!
Thinking about adopting a rat—or maybe a few? Whether you're brand new to pet rats or a returning rat lover, we know you might have questions about care, adoption policies, and what to expect when bringing home a Reno Rat. This page was created to help answer some of the most common questions we hear from adopters so you can feel confident and prepared.
At Reno Rats, our goal is to support informed, loving homes and set you up for success. From why rats do best in pairs, to what kind of food we recommend, you'll find answers to the essentials right here. If your question isn’t covered, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to chat rats!
Everything you wanted to know, straight from the rat’s nest.
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How do I reserve a Reno Rat?Fill out our online adoption form. Once we receive your application, we’ll reach out to confirm and chat with you about the rat you're interested in or others we have that might fit what you're looking for. Next we will send a adoption confirmation email and a PayPal/Venmo link for the non-refundable reservation fee. Your rat is officially held once the fee is received.
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Do you adopt out single rats?Only in very special circumstances. Rats are deeply social and thrive in pairs or trios, so we generally require adopters to take at least two littermates (or have a similarly aged companion waiting at home).
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What’s included in the adoption fee?A temperament-tested rat raised with daily handling 30 day health guarantee Our 15-page digital Care Guide A small “scent blanket” from home to ease transition Lifetime support—email us anytime!
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When can my babies go home?Pups are ready at 6–7 weeks of age, once they’re fully weaned, eating solid food, and have passed our health checks.
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How do I get them home?Please bring your own pet carrier or safe way to transport your new pet(s) home. We do not offer travel carriers.
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Can I meet a rat before I adopt it?Yes! We absolutely encourage you to meet your pets before adopting them. If you choose to adopt and your baby is old enough to go home you can meet and adopt on the same day.
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What size cage do I need?Aim for 2 cubic feet of space per rat with bar spacing ≤ ½ inch. Popular choices include the Critter Nation (Single or Double) or the Vevor brand cages which are very similar to the critter nation. Be sure not to purchase a ferret nation as the bar spacing is not safe for pet rats. You can find these cages linked on our Amazon Storefront
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Wire shelves or solid?Always cover wire shelves with fleece or replace them with solid levels to prevent foot injuries (bumblefoot).
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Which bedding is safest?Paper-based, hemp, or kiln-dried aspen. Avoid pine/cedar shavings, corn cob, and dusty cat litters. Rats are prone to respiratory issues, avoiding as much dust as possible can help mitigate these issues.
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What can I decorate my cage with?It's important to have a variety of items in your cage, hides, hammocks, shelves, toys, perches, fall breakers, litter pans and more. Some of our favorite items are linked on our Amazon Storefront, but dollar store also has some great options. We find great stuff in the bird and reptile sections of our local pet stores too.
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What food do you feed at the rattery?Oxbow Essentials Garden Select Adult Rat Food - Non GMO, supplemented with fresh fruit and veggies 3–4 times a week. Our ratties also enjoy occasional meat treats like fresh boiled chicken or ground beef.
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Can I mix my own grain blend?We recommend sticking to a high-quality lab block to ensure balanced nutrition. If you add a mix, keep it under 20 % of the total diet.
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Are any foods toxic to rats?Yes—avoid raw dry beans, green potato, licorice, sticky peanut butter, chocolate, and citrus for adult males.
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How much out-of-cage time do rats need?Plan for at least 1 hour of supervised free-roam daily. A rat-proof playpen or couch snuggle time works great.
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What toys keep them busy?Cardboard tunnels, dig boxes, rope ladders, foraging balls, and chew blocks. Rotate toys weekly to keep things novel.
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Do rats bite?Well-socialized rats rarely bite. Nips usually happen only if a finger smells like food or a rat is startled.
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How do I perform a quick health check?Look for bright eyes, clean ears, smooth breathing, and a glossy coat. Feel for lumps weekly and monitor weight monthly.
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What are common health issues?Respiratory infections, mites/lice, and benign mammary tumors. Early vet care keeps most issues manageable.
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Do I need an exotics vet?Yes—rats require an exotics-savvy veterinarian. If you are in Northern Nevada we recommend Mountain View, Animal Medical Center, or Kreature Komforts.
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Where do I pick up my rats?Pickup is in Spanish Springs, NV (address provided after reservation). We do not currently ship, but we can coordinate in-person transport within 1 hour’s drive for a mileage fee.
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What if I can’t keep my rats?Per our adoption agreement, please return them to Reno Rats—no judgment, no questions asked. Their well-being comes first.
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How can I keep learning?Join our newsletter for litter announcements, care tips, and supply recommendations, and follow us on Instagram or Facebook @RenoRats. Do research! Check out YouTube for cool ways to decorate and care for your pet rat.
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