How much will two rats cost to care for?

How much will it cost to care for two rats? Mainly vet-wise, but also for food and bedding? Thanks.How much will two rats cost to care for?
Cage - $80 (one-time investment)


Toys - $25 (most of them are a one-time investment)


Chew sticks - $4.00 (one package per month)


Food - $10.00 (one package per month)





In terms of veterinary care, the most common problem you will run into with pet rats is respiratory infections. They are extremely prone to them, especially if you do not clean the cage well. You should always make sure that you do not use a pine or cedar bedding, because the natural oils from the wood can irritate their lungs and make them sick. The fluffy stuff made from cardboard is what I use, though some people like to use cloth scraps as well. When they do get a respiratory infection (you will know because you can hear them sneeze a lot, wheeze, and you will see a red discharge around their eyes and nose) they need antibiotics to get better. Marvel Aid is an antibiotic drink replacement sold at pet stores for about $10,00, but it should only be used to treat minor infections. If you plan on taking a rat to the vet for antibiotics, it will cost you around $40.00 at the end of the day (including examination and medication). You will probably have to do this 1-2 times per year, and to be on the safe side you should separate them temporarily when they're sick so that they don't contaminate one another. To have a rat euthanized by a vet is also $40.00 (make sure to research this before you decide to do it, as there's a right way and a wrong way). Responsible pet ownership includes making sure that your pet doesn't suffer needlessly, so you should not plan on letting your rat ';meet its natural end.';





Rats are also very prone to tumors. To have these tumors removed costs a few hundred dollars. You can also have your female rats spayed for a few hundred dollars to reduce the risk of them developing mammary tumors later in life.





Myself and many other rat enthusiasts I know have never opted for surgery on a pet rat, though.





You should estimate that after your initial investments you're going to spend around $20.00 per month on food and bedding (like any other pet), and up to $150 per year on veterinary care.How much will two rats cost to care for?
On a day to day basis rats do not cost alot to care for, personally i spend 拢15 a month on top of the range food and 8 pounds a month on special dust free bedding for them. In between are bits and bobs such as disinfectant spray which is usually 拢3 - 拢4 every 2 months.


My cage cost me 拢100 as an initial one off purchase.


Be prepared for vet fees for things likes coughs and colds as well as mite/lice treatments which have cost me 拢20 every 3 - 4 months.


At the end of the day it must be remembered that all rats are different and even if you put your all into providing hte very best care for them illnesses which are passed down through their families can occurr which can be long standing illnesses which could cost along in the long term. You may find it helpful to insure your rats so you can pay for vets fees a little at a time incase this may occur.


Don't let this out you off buying rats because they really are the most wonderful pets in the world. Good Luck, Eloise x
I found my females cost a little more than males besides getting spayed and neutered. girls are more prone to tumor and infection.


Its usually $80 for me every 2 months. Lab blocks are about $8-$20 depends on the size you get . Mazuri Harlan Tekland , oxbow etc have these. and bedding i get from carefresh its usually about $8 depending on size.