Rats are trending: FIVE things to know about the Woolworths chicken-loving rodents

Rats have been in the news of late – for the wrong reasons if you’re South African retail giant Woolworths.

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As reported by The South African website, a Woolies shopper recently discovered a rat in a pack of chicken at a store in the Western Cape.

Certainly not what you’d expect to find when looking for dinner!

To their credit, Woolworths were quick to respond to the viral video.

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If you aren’t put off by the furry rodents, have you ever considered keeping one as a pet?

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Veterinarians have shared FIVE things you should know before making that decision:

Rats are smart, empathetic – and kind of adorable

Rats can be trained to do tricks and even play with their owners. Studies have shown that rats may even dream and ‘giggle’ when tickled.

Rats are very clean

People often think of rats as dirty, sewer creatures, but they’re actually quite clean and good about grooming. In fact, rats groom more frequently and thoroughly than cats.

Pet rats don’t live very long

Rats only live between two and three years on average. Respiratory disease is by far the most common killer of pet rats. Some 90 to 100 percent of animals in ‘ratteries’ – where pets are bred – screen positive for respiratory pathogens.

Like people, rats need to watch their weight

When rat owners visit pet stores, many are tempted to buy seed mixes. However, these diets are high in carbohydrates and fat, and are not healthy for rats. Vets recommend feeding rats a pellet-type diet supplemented with fruits and vegetables.

Rats aren’t good pets for young children

Despite their cleanliness, rats – like all animals – can transmit diseases and pathogens to people and are not recommended for children under the age of five.

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