A husky rat is popular for its distinct appearance that looks similar to the Husky dog breed. Although the two animals are not related, the adorable and tiny husky rat is still incredibly fascinating on its own.
In this article, we will share 11 facts about the husky rat related to their diet, lifestyle, and general personality. We will also share whether they make good pets or not.
Keep reading below for more information.
Before you scroll further down this guide, check out these other animal-related articles: Interesting Facts About the Phantom Bernedoodle and Interesting Facts About the Blue Cane Corso.
Table of Contents
What is a Husky Rat?
The term “husky rat” describes a certain coloration of rat. Although huskies are born solid, their coats gradually lighten and darken as they mature.
The term “roaning” refers to the intermixing of white and colored hairs that appears on foals between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks. This results from a recessive gene and gives them a striking appearance, somewhat resembling that of a husky.
The “roaning” process is very time-consuming; the rats are usually adults before it is fully finished.
While its exact origin is unknown, the husky rat is widely believed to have originated in either Eastern Europe or Russia. Although this mouse is more well-known in Europe, it has also gained a following in the United States.
Roan rat and husky rat are both common names for this type of rodent. Although both “husky” and “roan” refer to the same rat species, Europeans tend to use the former term while American breeders favor the latter.
It is also essential to be aware that the husky rat is not a separate breed of rat. It is a member of the Rattus Norvegicus species, genetically identical to other pet rats like the dumbo and the white rat.
Facts About the Husky Rat
Husky Rat Diet
The nutritional needs of pet rats are uniform across the board. Their diet consists of foods they enjoy and those they must avoid to maintain their health.
Although pet rats can eat various foods, each rat will have its preferences. But for your pet rat’s health, you should feed them various foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats.
A diet of 60% vegetables and 40% rat pellets is optimal for the wellness of husky rats. Make sure the pellets you purchase for your rats have a protein content of 16% and a fat content of 4-5% when shopping for rat pellets.
Husky Rat Care
When you bring a pet into your home, whether through purchase or adoption, you must meet its needs.
Make sure your husky rats get enough time to engage with you and explore their environment, and make sure they have challenging toys and places to climb to keep their bodies and minds active.
It’s also a good idea to use food and treats as a form of stimulation for your pet rat. Rats, when living in the wild, must rely on scavenging to survive.
Making your pet work for its meal is a great way to keep it occupied and entertained. You can use paper cups or toilet paper tubes to cover the food.
Toys that require your pet to work through a simple puzzle to access food are another way to keep it mentally active.
Allowing your husky rats some time out of their cages under close supervision is the best way to foster a close relationship with them. If you leave your husky rat outside its enclosure while you attend to other matters, it will ultimately chew on items like electric cables.
Furthermore, play wheels can be added to the rat’s cage to run off any excess energy and help the rat maintain a healthy level of physical activity. No amount of cage entertainment, such as wheels or toys, can replace quality human interaction.
In addition, you ought to remember that rats’ teeth never stop growing. Therefore, you must supply your pet rat with chew toys. Your husky rat is more likely to develop dental issues like malocclusion if it does not have access to items to gnaw.
Husky Rats as Pets
Pet husky rats are fun-loving, energetic, and smart. These furry little ones are also very devoted. Many husky rat owners report that their pets recognize them and enjoy following them around the house.
Also, rats are naturally curious about their surroundings, so you can expect them to investigate any cracks or crevices they can find.
Husky Rats Sociability
Rats are social creatures; therefore, many veterinarians advise housing multiple rats in a cage unless your pet has serious behavioral issues.
The sooner you introduce your pet to other rats and people, the more social it will become.
Husky Rats Hierarchy
When a dominant alpha is absent in a cage, pet rats exhibit all of the typical behaviors associated with a dysfunctional group.
But once they get past that, you’ll see that your rats get along great. It has been documented that rats will tend to their sick cage mates. And because rats are social creatures, many pet owners choose to house multiple rats in a single cage.
Husky Rats Prevalence
In Europe, husky rats are a common household pet. In some places, like the United States, you might have difficulty tracking down these extraordinary animals.
But there are places you can go online to find a husky rat. However, you need to make sure you’re getting a healthy pet rat by only purchasing from reputable breeders or websites.
Husky Rats Cost
There is a $40-$60 price range for a healthy husky rat. That’s pretty good for such a cute and cuddly pet. Getting two rats of the same gender could help you save money.
The initial investment in a pet is reasonable, but it’s essential to factor in the ongoing expenses of providing adequate nutrition, shelter, and veterinary care.
These expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Husky Rats Lifespan
Since husky rats aren’t a distinct breed, their lifespan is neither shorter nor longer than that of regular fancy rats. They live about as long as a typical pet rat does, which is between 1.5 and 3 years.
A healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular veterinary care can all help your rat friend live longer. However, you should still be aware that rats do not have a particularly long lifespan.
Husky Rats Size
To begin with, husky rats are roughly the same size as usual fancy rats, measuring between 9 and 11 inches in body length and another 7 to 9 inches in tail length for a total of 16 to 20 inches in length, with males being little larger than average in this regard.
A male husky rat weighs 450–650 grams, while a female typically ranges from 350–450 grams.
Husky Rats Cleanliness
Despite their negative connotation, rats are quite clean creatures.
Spending time washing each other and themselves is a social way to bond, and excessive cleaning is occasionally used to display dominance over a family member. Furthermore, rats are especially susceptible to foul odors that might irritate their respiratory systems.
If you have pet rats, you might want to consider purchasing a clip-on water dish that is marketed for birds in addition to the water bottle.
If you do this, you’ll likely see your rats sitting on the edge of the bottle as they wash with the water.
Husky Rats Trainability
Training a rat is comparable to training a dog. Much like dogs, they are extremely motivated by food and will go to any length to obtain some. Because of their friendly nature, they enjoy playing fetch, jumping, and arriving when called.
What Type of Cage Should I Get for a Husky Rat?
Knowing the difference between a hamster and a rat is crucial. When compared to hamsters, rats are both larger and more active. You should upgrade to a taller and roomier cage with perches at various levels.
The minimum dimensions for the cage are 90 cm in length, 60 cm in width, and 150 cm in height. Your pet rat may require a larger cage if you plan to house multiple rodents together.
Also, remember that a rat cannot be housed in a glass aquarium. Rats cannot survive in these glass aquariums due to inadequate ventilation.
Ventilation issues can lead to many health problems for you and your pets. Use a wire cage with a solid floor for the best results. The bottom of the cage needs to be sturdy so your rat doesn’t get stuck or hurt.
In addition, using litter on the cage floor can help remove odors caused by urine and feces. Dust-free bedding should always be available as an added precaution against respiratory issues.
Rats also require a quiet place to sleep and rest. A nest box, either homemade or purchased from a pet store, should be provided. Your pet will certainly appreciate the thoughtful addition of a hammock and wheel to its cage.
You should never put the cage in or near the sunlight in warmer weather. It is also recommended that you keep the rat’s cage away from any winds during the winter.
In addition, it would be beneficial if you attempted to train your rats to use the litter box. That’s the simplest way to maintain a sanitary environment in your pet’s cage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to take care of a rat?
Rats are fairly low-maintenance pets. They don’t need constant attention, just the right food, environment, and some TLC.
Do rats recognize their owner?
Rats bond with their owner, and respond to their face and voice.
How do you calm a scared rat?
Lift a scared rat carefully with your hands, or give them a small blanket to warm themselves.
Facts About The Husky Rat
Now that you know so many interesting things about a husky rat, you can bring one home knowing exactly what to expect and how to care for one.
Rest assured, you are guaranteed to fall in love with them sooner than you get to know them.
If you find this guide, “Facts About The Husky Rat,” informative and helpful, you can check out these other animal-related articles from our team:
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You can learn more about this animal by watching “10 COMMON RAT CARE MISTAKES!” down below:
