THE FIVE FREEDOMS OF RAT WELFARE
The Five Freedoms ensure that we meet the mental and physical needs of animals in our care.
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst. Rats should have access to fresh water and an appropriate diet in sufficient quantities to maintain health and vigor. A healthy rat diet consists of a balanced dry mix or formulated rat pellet and a selection of healthy fruit and vegetables.
2. Freedom from discomfort. Rats should be provided with an appropriate environment with sufficient space; this includes multiple shelters/resting areas. The environment should be of appropriate temperature and noise levels.
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease, either by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. This includes monitoring rat’s health and treating any injuries or providing appropriate medication, preferably prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.
4. Freedom to express natural behaviour. Rats should be provided enough spaces with proper facilities and company of their own kind. They should have spaces to stretch out, run, jump, play, climb, forage, chew and dig.
5. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. Animal’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. These conditions can be achieved by preventing overcrowding and providing enrichment and safe hiding spaces. As your rats’ caregiver you must minimize the conditions that cause unacceptable levels of anxiety, fear, distress, boredom, sickness, pain, hunger, thirst and so on.
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