New Rats for Xmas

Question
We got our boys pet rats for Christmas. They are just AWESOME. I have been reading some of the responses on your site concerning the diet for rats. Let me say I feel totally misled by the pet store about their eating needs. My question is...Is it a good idea to feed them uncooked rice or should we stay away from that? And can any pasta work that is not cooked or just the kinds you mentioned? An one more....What about meat for them? Is this something they need or can they get the nutrition needs from other things other than meat? We have 3 males and a female. The males stay in one cage and the female is by herself in my oldest sons room since she is his. How should we go about making a cage for them ourselves other than building them one? Also one more thing...Vets that specialize in rats in my area...47274 zip? Thanks in advance for your help and guidance.

Answer
Check out my website for information on diet and other rat care info. Not sure if you have been there or not since   you mentioned that you have been reading responses on my site, so I assumed you meant Critter City since this isnt my site, I just answer questions for allexperts.

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/index.htm

You can feed them uncooked rice but I partially cook it. As for meat, no they dont need meat as long as they are eating a good staple like a good rat pellet such as  the ones from harlan teklad, or regal rat by oxbow.


Dr. Angela Lennox
Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic    
9330 Waldemar Road
Indianapolis IN 46288
Phone:    3178798633
Website: www.BirdDr.com



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Dr. Jennifer Clarke
Hillview Veterinary Clinic LLC    
1761 Thornburg Lane
Franklin IN 46131
Phone:    317-736-8880
Website: www.hillviewvets.com