Care Guide Reference

Nile Rats [Kusu Rats]
Arvicanthis niloticus
Africa

Sometimes known as Kusu Rats, but better known as Nile Rats. One of my favourite rat species to be honest.

I run some five pairs and three colonies of these little beauties and have always been captivated by the species. Like a giant version of the zebra mouse but with the pronounced stripes. Having said this, they do have a dorsal stripe in black running the length of their body from the nape of the neck right down to the tail base.

This is a species that tames up rather nicely, and whilst l have heard of other keepers being bitten l have never had the pleasure of Nile teeth in any part of my hands. If purchased when young and handled on a regular basis within the first week, the keeper will find a charming animal to be held.

Housing these rats is a relatively easy affair, l know of some breeders whom keep theirs in plastic bottomed cages, but l personally would advise against this - due to their gnawing features.

Mine are all housed in glassware, for the pairs l offer a 24" glass tank with a wooden framed mesh covered lid, whilst the colonies run in 48" x 12" x 18" tanks with one colony running in a 60" x 24" x 18".

All the Niles are awarded running wheels and whilst l acknowledge that a lot of breeders would not include the open spoke variety l have never ever experienced any problems with tail loss on this type.

I do include tunnels made from thickened cardboard for hideaway areas, and also include branches for running and climbing frames.

For substrate l use shavings, and always supply the environment with a good quality hay of which l supply huge quantities. Shavings depth is roughly around 3-4".

Special requirements are the provision of heat but not exceptional heating as they will breed quite prolifically in both mild temperatures as well as warmer climates.

Feeding is also easy and uncomplicated. Provide a good quality rodent mix, taking out the grass pellet and replacing with either a buck wheat, pumpkin seed is entirely up to the keeper. For although they will eat the grass pellet it is an item that is kept till last. Fresh vegetables is greatly appreciated and they will readily tuck into carrots, spring greens, Swede, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beetroot, the list is endless.

Culture feeds are also taken quite zestfully - mealworms, morrio worms, wax worms - all the way down to the crickets and the locusts.

In terms of breeding, they are prolific all year, and on a regular basis one can find that the ratios of gender can sometimes be unevenly balanced in the favour of the male. Litter size is roughly between four to nine.

They can live in the right environment from anywhere between 3 - 6 years, which isn’t bad for a genuinely nice rat species.