How should an albino rat be kept? - briefly
House the animal in a well‑ventilated, escape‑proof cage with a solid bottom, paper or aspen bedding, and at least 0.5 sq ft of floor space per rat. Maintain ambient temperature of 20–24 °C, ensure continuous access to fresh water, provide a high‑fiber pellet diet with occasional fresh vegetables, and clean the enclosure weekly.
How should an albino rat be kept? - in detail
A white laboratory rat requires a secure, well‑ventilated enclosure that prevents escape and protects against predators. Use a cage of at least 45 × 30 × 20 cm for a single animal; increase dimensions proportionally for groups. Wire mesh should have a spacing of no more than 1 cm to avoid injuries. Provide a solid base covered with absorbent, dust‑free bedding such as paper pulp or aspen shavings; replace the substrate weekly and spot‑clean daily to control odor and parasites.
Nutrition must be balanced and consistent. Offer a commercial rodent pellet formulated for laboratory strains, supplemented with fresh water in a sipper bottle that prevents spillage. Include small portions of fresh vegetables (e.g., carrot, broccoli) two to three times per week, avoiding citrus and high‑sugar fruits. Ensure the water bottle is cleaned and refilled daily.
Maintain ambient temperature between 20 °C and 24 °C and relative humidity of 40‑60 %. Install a thermostat and hygrometer to monitor conditions; avoid direct drafts and sudden temperature shifts. Provide a 12‑hour light/dark cycle using low‑intensity fluorescent lighting; dim the lights during the dark phase to mimic natural rhythms.
Enrichment is essential for mental and physical health. Place a rotating wheel with a diameter of at least 15 cm, chewable wooden blocks, and tunnels within the cage. Rotate toys weekly to sustain interest. Handle the animal gently, using cupped hands and brief sessions of no more than five minutes, to reduce stress and habituate it to human contact.
Health surveillance includes weekly visual inspections for signs of respiratory distress, fur loss, or abnormal behavior. Record body weight every two weeks; a deviation of more than 10 % from baseline warrants veterinary consultation. Schedule a full health check with a qualified veterinarian at least once per year, including screening for common pathogens such as Mycoplasma pulmonis.
Cleaning protocol: perform a full cage change every two weeks, disinfecting all surfaces with a rodent‑safe sanitizer and rinsing thoroughly. Spot‑clean waste daily, replace water bottles, and refresh food supplies. Maintain logs of cleaning dates, temperature readings, and health observations to track trends and ensure consistent care.