Feeder rats are normally the typical white lab rats. Sometimes, you'll see hooded rats as feeders as well. Hooded rats are either black, brown or tan on their heads and shoulders, with a few spots of color down their back, with white haunches and sides. The fancy rats come in all colors. From black to gray to cream. Some have several colors. Most are very friendly, for they have been handled from birth by professional fancy rat breeders.

There are national rat associations, clubs and breeders' web sites all over the Internet. There are books and other research sources to teach everything from nutrition to health care, to training. The more you learn, the more you can enjoy having a rat, or two.

Unlike gerbils, hamsters or guinea pigs, rats are truly interactive. They thrive on human companionship and stimulation. They love to learn new things and to cuddle. Moreover, they are easy to travel with, needing only a safe container with water and a shelter where they can escape the human eye when they wish to rest.

Rats learn fast. The best way to teach them is for them to learn as they eat their meals. Being that rats are always hungry, there is no need to food deprive them prior to beginning a training regimen. Simply use a piece of cheese, broccoli or food cube. Lure them into whatever position you wish through having them follow the food.

Teach your rat to come! Begin by showing your rat his food reward. As you tap the edge of his cage or something else that is fairly close to him, say his name and tell him to come. When he arrives praise him and give him his piece of food. Each time you do this make him come closer to you before he receives his food bit. Within a period of a day or two, you can have your rat coming across the floor to you.

Teaching him to return to his cage with his food is as simple as directing him there once he receives his food bit. As he scurries away from you holding his food, allow him to only go forward toward his cage. Within a short time he will be conditioned to return to his cage to eat his food bit. Most rats prefer to eat in privacy, so he will quickly learn this trick.

Have fun with your rat, but be sure to offer him a well rounded vegetarian diet and plenty of exercise. This will give you an unbelievably fun companion that can live as long as 3 to 4 years.