Can I Take Care Of A Gambian Pouched Rat?

Are you familiar with your local and state laws about owning a Gambian pouched rat?

Do you mind having a pet that may grow to be aggressive?

Can you commit to spending a lot of evening time socializing with this animal?

Do you mind having a pet that will make damage in your home?

Can you provide a large and sturdy (metal) cage for a Gambian pouched rat?

Can you provide a varied diet that includes a commercial rat grain mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, insects, and cooked lean meats and eggs?

Do you have an exotics veterinarian that can treat Gambian pouched rats?

The import of Gambian pouched rats is illegal in the U.S. This species also is illegal as a pet in many states due to the threat to native species should these rodents be released into the wild. However, there are a handful of states that don’t have specific laws concerning this species, though many require a permit to keep exotic animals. Be sure to check your local laws, which can differ from state laws. And note any homeowners association or rental rules about exotic pets.

Temperament varies among Gambian pouched rats, and some are easier to tame than others. As pets, certain rats will remain skittish and possibly aggressive into adulthood despite your best efforts to socialize with them. However, with regular handling, most become friendly and gentle. Also, housing two males together is a bad idea, as they likely will fight each other.

New owners should expect to spend a lot of time each day caring for this pet — socializing with it, feeding it, and keeping its habitat clean. These rodents are nocturnal, so your social time with them will likely have to take place in the evening.

Like other rodents, Gambian pouched rats need to chew to grind down their teeth. And with their large teeth, they can do a lot of damage quickly chewing your possessions if they aren’t supervised when outside of their cage.

Gambian pouched rat need a large, sturdy enclosure. In general, the cage should be as large as you can fit and afford. At a minimum, it can be around 3 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet tall. Powder-coated metal or stainless steel are the best cage materials, as these rodents can easily chew through wood or plastic.

Gambian pouched rats are omnivores in the wild, eating plants and animals including various vegetation, insects, and small mammals. As pets, they need a varied diet that includes a commercial rat grain mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, insects (such as crickets and mealworms), and cooked lean meats and eggs. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate quantity and variety to feed for the size, age, and activity level of your animal. Your rat will always need access to freshwater. A water bottle attached to the side of the enclosure is ideal to keep the water clean. But make sure your rat is consistently drinking from the bottle before removing its water dish.

You can take care of a Gambian pouched rat!

Before acquiring a Gambian pouched rat, make sure there is a veterinarian near you who can treat the species. They are generally healthy and hardy animals, though they are prone to a few health issues. Some might acquire respiratory illnesses and some might pick up mites and fleas from their environment. And if your rat doesn’t have enough chew toys to wear down its continuously growing teeth, its teeth can become overgrown and cause difficulty when eating.