How to Pick Pet Rats

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Reach your hand gently into the rat's cage. Let the animal come to you. Do not reach out and grab the rat. Place your hand under the animal's nose when it approaches so that it can smell you.
Step 2:
Pet the rat as it becomes familiar with you. Gently pick it up with both hands. Place one hand under the rat's body to fully support his weight.
Step 3:
Examine the rat's ears to make sure they are not crusty. Check out the eyes to see if they are clear.
Step 4:
Feel the rat's skin and examine it for sores, scratches or bites. Check out the feet to make sure they are not injured and that their toenails are not damaged or bleeding. Make sure the rat feels plumpish an doesn't look malnourished.
Step 5:
Ask about the age of the rat. Rats only live 18 months to 2 years. Y

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