Books Recommended by PRC:

"Training your Pet Rat" by Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville

This book isn't only about training rats to do tricks - It has loads of useful and accurate information about the proper care of pet rats.  I have a lot of respect for a book that comes right out and says that pine and cedar are toxic beddings for rats.  Many pet rat books and even websites of retail pet stores will skirt the issue, saying that you should discuss the best option with your veterinarian.  The only area that is lacking is this book is a section on rat health problems.  This book can be found in some Canadian pet stores.  I own this book and I highly recommend it.

"Rats! A Fun and Care Guide" and "Rat Health Care" by Debbie Ducommun
   
Rats! is a great book for new rat owners.  It has an excellent introductory section on rat health care which and discusses potential health problems that rat owners must be familiar with such as mycoplasmosis and respiratory infections.  The purple book is a new version that came out in 2002 and is smaller with more photos, although the information is basically the same.  I recommend both this book and especially Debbie's Rat Health Care booklet which has extensive coverage of many health issues.  I own them both.  The Rat Health Care booklet is the most accurate, up to date, and complete published source of information on companion rat health care available in print.  It actually contains a lot of the same but more detailed information as Rats! so if you are trying to choose between them, I would recommend getting Rat Health Care.  "Rats! A Fun & Care Book" can be ordered through Chapters-Indigo (I have never seen it in a bookstore or pet store here in Canada) or through the Rat Fan Club.  The Rat Health Care booklet can also be ordered through the Rat Fan Club.  http://www.ratfanclub.org/books.html