What is needed for Dambo rats? - briefly
A balanced diet of high‑protein pellets, fresh vegetables, occasional fruit, and unlimited clean water, combined with a spacious cage featuring solid flooring, nesting material, enrichment items, and routine health monitoring, is essential for their well‑being.
What is needed for Dambo rats? - in detail
Proper care for Dambo rats demands a complete set of provisions that address housing, nutrition, hygiene, enrichment, and health monitoring.
A secure enclosure should be spacious enough to allow movement; a minimum of 0.5 m² per pair is advisable. The cage must feature a solid base, ventilated sides, and a lockable door to prevent escape. Wire flooring is unsuitable because it can cause foot injuries; instead, use a solid floor covered with absorbent bedding.
Nutrition requires a balanced grain‑based pellet formulated for laboratory or pet rodents, supplemented with fresh vegetables such as carrots, leafy greens, and occasional fruit. Protein can be provided through boiled egg whites or commercial rodent treats, limited to 5 % of the daily intake. Fresh water must be available at all times via a sipper bottle with a stainless‑steel nozzle to avoid contamination.
Hygiene involves daily removal of soiled bedding and weekly deep cleaning of the cage with a mild, non‑chlorine disinfectant. Replace bedding with a material that absorbs moisture, controls odor, and is dust‑free, such as aspen shavings or paper pulp.
Environmental enrichment is essential for mental stimulation. Include chewable objects (untreated wood blocks, cardboard tubes), tunnels, and climbing structures. Rotate items regularly to maintain interest.
Health management includes routine veterinary examinations, monitoring for signs of respiratory distress, skin lesions, or abnormal behavior. Maintain ambient temperature between 20 °C and 24 °C and relative humidity of 40 %–60 %. Provide a quiet area free from drafts and direct sunlight.
Record keeping should document daily feed amounts, water consumption, weight measurements, and any health observations. This data supports early detection of issues and informs adjustments to care protocols.