Buying a dwarf rat: what to look for, what do you need and how do you prepare properly?

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Buying a dwarf rat – how to make a good, responsible start

Example of a suitable enclosure for (dwarf) rats

A dwarf rat is essentially a domesticated rat with dwarfism (so not a completely different species), with the same intelligent, sociable nature – just in a smaller size. This makes them extra fun to work with, as long as you have the basics right: groups, space, ventilation, and a logical layout.

DRD Rodent Shop® doesn't sell animals, but we're happy to help you prepare: choosing the right cage, bedding, food, and furnishings. You'll find practical advice and a carefully selected selection with us – specialists since 2011 .

Quick to:

Where do you buy a dwarf rat? • Always keep them together • Preparation: cage & furnishings • Pick-up day & first week • Checklist • FAQ

1) Choose a good address

✔ Shelter or involved breeder

✔ Health and character are paramount

✔ Clear information about nutrition and origin

2) Get everything ready

✔ Spacious accommodation with ventilation

✔ Ground cover + multiple hiding places

✔ Basic food + foraging

3) Quiet start

✔ Get used to it first, then expand

✔ Observe eating, drinking and breathing

✔ Fixed routine for trust

Where do you buy a dwarf rat?

The best place to start is with your source. Many organizations recommend looking at a shelter first : they have animals that deserve a second chance, and you'll often receive honest advice about their temperament and compatibility. Then comes a dedicated breeder, who consciously selects animals based on health and behavior.

Questions you can always ask

✔ How do the animals live now (groups, space, hygiene) and what do they eat?

✔ Are males and females separated (due to early fertility)?

✔ How are they socialized (tame, used to sounds and routine)?

✔ What is known about health in the line/parent animals?

Never buy dwarf rats alone

(Dwarf) rats are social, group animals . In practice, this means you should buy them in pairs, preferably as a small group if your space and furnishings allow. Keeping them alone can cause unrest and doesn't suit their natural behavior.

Dwarf rats together with “normal” rats?

In pet circles, it's often recommended to keep dwarf rats primarily with other dwarf rats, as standard rats grow faster and can quickly develop a physical advantage. Ask your breeder/shelter what's best for your situation.

Preparation: cage, bedding, food and furnishings

You're not just buying "an animal," you're buying a habitat. So, make sure everything is ready before you pick them up: a spacious enclosure, multiple hiding places, bedding, a permanent toilet area, and enrichment for climbing, sniffing, and destroying.

Housing (practical guideline)

✔ Choose generously: for two rats, a minimum of 100 × 50 × 70 cm is often used (bigger = better).

✔ Ventilation is important: a barred cage helps to remove odors.

✔ Pay attention to the bar spacing (small enough to prevent escape).

→ View dwarf rat cages

Ground cover

✔ Dust-free and absorbent

✔ Handy for toilet corner + comfort layer

→ Dwarf rat bedding

Power supply

✔ Suitable basic food

✔ Supplement with vegetables/herbs

→ Dwarf rat food

Design & ratscaping

✔ Multiple houses/hiding places

✔ Routes with tunnels & plateaus

→ Dwarf Ratscaping | → Houses

Pick-up day & the first week at home

Pick-up day

✔ Bring a safe transport box with some familiar nesting material.

✔ Ask what food they are used to and feed the same thing for the first few days.

✔ Check alertness: clear eyes/nose, clean coat, active behavior.

First week

✔ Rest and routine: let them get used to it, build up contact moments gradually.

✔ Observe eating, drinking and breathing daily.

✔ Add extras (new snacks/toys) later so you can better assess changes.

→ Hygienically clean | → Running wheels

Checklist: buying a dwarf rat (everything arranged?)

✔ You purchase at least two dwarf rats (same sex).

✔ Accommodation is ready: spacious, well ventilated, suitable bar spacing.

✔ Ground cover + fixed toilet corner.

✔ Multiple houses/shelters and routes (plateaus/tunnels).

✔ Basic food + something to forage/hide.

✔ Multiple drinking points (especially for groups).

✔ Transport box for safe transport.

Good to know

✔ Rats can reach sexual maturity at a young age; housing them separately prevents surprises.

✔ If you have any doubts about your pet's health (shortness of breath, runny nose, lethargy): contact a veterinarian.

✔ When using accessories, ensure they are made of safe materials and have a stable placement (avoid the risk of falling or pinching).

FAQ – buying dwarf rats

What exactly is a dwarf rat?
Usually this refers to a tame rat with genetic dwarfism: the same behaviour and needs as (tame) rats, but smaller in size.

Do you sell dwarf rats?
No. DRD Rodent Shop® doesn't sell animals. We do, however, help you with preparations and everything related to housing, food, and furnishings.

Where can I best buy dwarf rats?
A shelter is often the first option mentioned, followed by a dedicated breeder who focuses on health and temperament. Avoid impulse buys; good provenance truly makes a difference.

How many dwarf rats should I buy?
Always at least two, because (dwarf) rats are social animals that prefer to live in groups.

Can I keep males and females together?
Not a good idea. They can be fertile from a young age. Therefore, choose one sex and house them separately if you ever have both sexes.

Which cage do I need?
Choose a spacious and well-ventilated enclosure. For two rats, a minimum of 100 x 50 x 70 cm is often recommended; larger is better. Pay extra attention to the spacing between bars for smaller animals.

What should I purchase right away?
Cage/enclosure, bedding, multiple houses, tunnels/platforms, basic food, drinking stations, and a transport box. See also: dwarf rat assortment .

Quick shopping for your preparation

Cages • Bedding • Food • Houses • Ratscaping • Exercise wheels • Hygienically clean

Questions? Check out our service page.

✔ Specialist since 2011

✔ Ordered before 5 PM, shipped the same day

✔ Delivered from our own stock