OT- We have a new pet Rat, Advice?
[email protected]
Welcome our newest pet "Stuart Little" a sweet 4 week old rat that is dk.
grey with white feet and a white spotty belly and a white tip on his tail. I
am also considering a mate in the near future for him. What advice can you
that have rats as pets give on teaching tricks and potty training him to one
of those corner potty's for small pets. So far i have moved what I could see
of his poop to the corner potty. Also do you know if walnuts are ok? Please
email me privately as I am sure the rest of the group may not be interested.
MTIA, Lynn F
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
grey with white feet and a white spotty belly and a white tip on his tail. I
am also considering a mate in the near future for him. What advice can you
that have rats as pets give on teaching tricks and potty training him to one
of those corner potty's for small pets. So far i have moved what I could see
of his poop to the corner potty. Also do you know if walnuts are ok? Please
email me privately as I am sure the rest of the group may not be interested.
MTIA, Lynn F
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/4/2002 4:49:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Puddinghead1@... writes:
pairs----same sex, perferably, unless you're planning on breeding. But you
shouldn't be doing THAT unless you know a whole lot more about rats! Go to a
reputable breeder---NOT a pet store {those are feeder rats (bred to be snake
food) and are not going to be the healthiest or well-socialized (why bother
if they'll become snake food?)}
They eat almost anything (they're RATS! <G>). I'd recommend asking the
breeder about any questionable foods. Mine love nuts (but I haven't tried
walnuts). Potty training should occur naturally. The cage should be very
large; no fish tanks or hamster cages (and wheels are a no-no unless they
wheel is huge---and the tail cannot get caught). Don't use pine or cedar
shavings---they can cause respiratory problems.
Training is almost too easy. They love to explore and many are natural
"hams". There are many books and websites on rat-training---but you could use
dog training books for much info.
Google: fancy rats / rats breeders / rat lady / rat cage building / rat
health for more info than you'll need!
Congrats! They're great !
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Puddinghead1@... writes:
> Welcome our newest pet "Stuart Little" a sweet 4 week old rat that is dk.First thing, GET HIM A BUDDY! Rats are VERY social and need to be sold in
> grey with white feet and a white spotty belly and a white tip on his tail.
> I
> am also considering a mate in the near future for him. What advice can you
>
> that have rats as pets give on teaching tricks and potty training him to
> one
> of those corner potty's for small pets. So far i have moved what I could
> see
> of his poop to the corner potty. Also do you know if walnuts are ok? Please
>
> email me privately as I am sure the rest of the group may not be
> interested.
> MTIA, Lynn F
>
pairs----same sex, perferably, unless you're planning on breeding. But you
shouldn't be doing THAT unless you know a whole lot more about rats! Go to a
reputable breeder---NOT a pet store {those are feeder rats (bred to be snake
food) and are not going to be the healthiest or well-socialized (why bother
if they'll become snake food?)}
They eat almost anything (they're RATS! <G>). I'd recommend asking the
breeder about any questionable foods. Mine love nuts (but I haven't tried
walnuts). Potty training should occur naturally. The cage should be very
large; no fish tanks or hamster cages (and wheels are a no-no unless they
wheel is huge---and the tail cannot get caught). Don't use pine or cedar
shavings---they can cause respiratory problems.
Training is almost too easy. They love to explore and many are natural
"hams". There are many books and websites on rat-training---but you could use
dog training books for much info.
Google: fancy rats / rats breeders / rat lady / rat cage building / rat
health for more info than you'll need!
Congrats! They're great !
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
I learned something about rats and training. Its pretty basic though, and
most of you may already know it, but I found it very interesting. At a local
science museum, we saw a "rat basketball" game.. it was too cute.. The rats
had been trained to dunk a ping pong ball into a tiny basket ball hoop. The
rats "competed" on each side of the cage, the object being to see which rat
got the most points ( of course, the rats didnt care.. lol, but the
spectators loved cheering thier "team" on) They were rewarded with treats
when they dunked the ball. ANYWAY, the rat handler said that the rats were
female, because if they were male, they would fight each other rather than
focus on the task. So, I would surmise from this that two male rats might
tend to be aggressive towards each other in some instances.
Teresa
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
most of you may already know it, but I found it very interesting. At a local
science museum, we saw a "rat basketball" game.. it was too cute.. The rats
had been trained to dunk a ping pong ball into a tiny basket ball hoop. The
rats "competed" on each side of the cage, the object being to see which rat
got the most points ( of course, the rats didnt care.. lol, but the
spectators loved cheering thier "team" on) They were rewarded with treats
when they dunked the ball. ANYWAY, the rat handler said that the rats were
female, because if they were male, they would fight each other rather than
focus on the task. So, I would surmise from this that two male rats might
tend to be aggressive towards each other in some instances.
Teresa
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/4/02 6:03:47 PM, lanselmo3@... writes:
<< More importantly,
since he's been inside my shirt and bathrobe for two hours, does rat pee
wash out? (I don't feel any wet yet, but he's certainly peed on me before.)
I'm sorry to be so "needy", but I have had such a difficult time finding
anyone else who has a pet rat. >>
Sure it washes out!
I don't think you should agonize so much. Get him a buddy or two, feed them
various kinds of food (he'll leave what he doesn't want, theoretically; mine
ate all kinds of stuff) and enjoy them!
They're not going to live for fifteen years, so brace yourselves for
short-lived pets. That's one problem with rodents and like that...
Sandra
<< More importantly,
since he's been inside my shirt and bathrobe for two hours, does rat pee
wash out? (I don't feel any wet yet, but he's certainly peed on me before.)
I'm sorry to be so "needy", but I have had such a difficult time finding
anyone else who has a pet rat. >>
Sure it washes out!
I don't think you should agonize so much. Get him a buddy or two, feed them
various kinds of food (he'll leave what he doesn't want, theoretically; mine
ate all kinds of stuff) and enjoy them!
They're not going to live for fifteen years, so brace yourselves for
short-lived pets. That's one problem with rodents and like that...
Sandra
Ben Anselmo
Dear Kelly,
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Lisa, I live in Brooklyn, my son
is turning 8 this month (always unschooled), and I just joined the list
today. The rat message is timely, because we just brought one home two days
ago. I need some advice, if you can spare the time.
We started thinking about getting a rat last year. I was unable to find any
breeders in NYC, so we put the idea on the shelf until recently. My son
saved his money, and we started gathering supplies for a rat. We bought a 20
gallon long tank because we have 3 cats, and we were concerned they would be
able to get a claw through a cage. (I know it will need more frequent
cleanings to keep down the ammonia.) We got recycled paper bedding, which I
really like, (very clean, no odor), a bowl, and water bottle. We found a man
who could "special order" a rat from a breeder. I had very mixed feelings
about this. I still didn't know who the breeder was, or how they shipped the
animal, etc. And I wasn't crazy about "ordering" an animal sight unseen. I
posted to our local homeschool group to see if anyone else had any rats, or
breeder recommendations. Zip, zero. (It is even difficult to find rat food
in NYC; how weird is that?) Anyway, I did the unthinkable. (And, yes, I
know, I'm an idiot.) While buying some supplies in the local shop in
preparation for our future rat, I let the moronic sales guy show us the nice
feeder rat they had. I know, I know, just shoot me. Well, obviously, after
we saw the poor little thing, terrified out of his mind, peeing everywhere,
how could we leave him? My son looked at me with those big, sappy brown eyes
and said, "Can we keep him? I'll name him Frodo." My mind was saying, "You
have got to be kidding", but my heart was breaking. He had a name; how could
I let him be eaten? Fool that I am, we brought poor Frodo home. My son is
over-the-moon on love. He is a very sweet rat, very lovey. I'm not sure how
old he is, but a fairly educated guess is 4 to 6 months. His health is
obviously questionable. He looks OK, no discharge, no lumps, nice body, but
occasional sneezes. Doesn't sound wheezy. So far he is really only eating
the crappy kibble mixture that was available in the pet store. (We are going
into the city Friday to look for something of better quality.) He has had a
tiny bit of apple (yesterday), and today a tiny bit of tangerine. Today he
had very soft poop, almost diarrhea. I'm assuming from the tangerine. He has
obviously never had treats, and we are being very cautious. I would like to
improve his diet, and I am concerned about his sneezing. Another issue is
getting him a playmate. My plan was to buy two siblings. Great plan, right.
I had NO intention of buying a feeder. So now what do I do? Do I try to get
a companion animal from a breeder? Do I go back to the pet store and see if
he had a "nice" sibling? Do I wait and see how his health is? If I wait too
long, will it be more difficult to introduce a new pet? More importantly,
since he's been inside my shirt and bathrobe for two hours, does rat pee
wash out? (I don't feel any wet yet, but he's certainly peed on me before.)
I'm sorry to be so "needy", but I have had such a difficult time finding
anyone else who has a pet rat. I have been on numerous web sites, but I
wanted to talk with someone personally. I hope you don't mind. We adore our
little guy, and want the best for him.
Take care, and thanks.
Lisa
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Lisa, I live in Brooklyn, my son
is turning 8 this month (always unschooled), and I just joined the list
today. The rat message is timely, because we just brought one home two days
ago. I need some advice, if you can spare the time.
We started thinking about getting a rat last year. I was unable to find any
breeders in NYC, so we put the idea on the shelf until recently. My son
saved his money, and we started gathering supplies for a rat. We bought a 20
gallon long tank because we have 3 cats, and we were concerned they would be
able to get a claw through a cage. (I know it will need more frequent
cleanings to keep down the ammonia.) We got recycled paper bedding, which I
really like, (very clean, no odor), a bowl, and water bottle. We found a man
who could "special order" a rat from a breeder. I had very mixed feelings
about this. I still didn't know who the breeder was, or how they shipped the
animal, etc. And I wasn't crazy about "ordering" an animal sight unseen. I
posted to our local homeschool group to see if anyone else had any rats, or
breeder recommendations. Zip, zero. (It is even difficult to find rat food
in NYC; how weird is that?) Anyway, I did the unthinkable. (And, yes, I
know, I'm an idiot.) While buying some supplies in the local shop in
preparation for our future rat, I let the moronic sales guy show us the nice
feeder rat they had. I know, I know, just shoot me. Well, obviously, after
we saw the poor little thing, terrified out of his mind, peeing everywhere,
how could we leave him? My son looked at me with those big, sappy brown eyes
and said, "Can we keep him? I'll name him Frodo." My mind was saying, "You
have got to be kidding", but my heart was breaking. He had a name; how could
I let him be eaten? Fool that I am, we brought poor Frodo home. My son is
over-the-moon on love. He is a very sweet rat, very lovey. I'm not sure how
old he is, but a fairly educated guess is 4 to 6 months. His health is
obviously questionable. He looks OK, no discharge, no lumps, nice body, but
occasional sneezes. Doesn't sound wheezy. So far he is really only eating
the crappy kibble mixture that was available in the pet store. (We are going
into the city Friday to look for something of better quality.) He has had a
tiny bit of apple (yesterday), and today a tiny bit of tangerine. Today he
had very soft poop, almost diarrhea. I'm assuming from the tangerine. He has
obviously never had treats, and we are being very cautious. I would like to
improve his diet, and I am concerned about his sneezing. Another issue is
getting him a playmate. My plan was to buy two siblings. Great plan, right.
I had NO intention of buying a feeder. So now what do I do? Do I try to get
a companion animal from a breeder? Do I go back to the pet store and see if
he had a "nice" sibling? Do I wait and see how his health is? If I wait too
long, will it be more difficult to introduce a new pet? More importantly,
since he's been inside my shirt and bathrobe for two hours, does rat pee
wash out? (I don't feel any wet yet, but he's certainly peed on me before.)
I'm sorry to be so "needy", but I have had such a difficult time finding
anyone else who has a pet rat. I have been on numerous web sites, but I
wanted to talk with someone personally. I hope you don't mind. We adore our
little guy, and want the best for him.
Take care, and thanks.
Lisa
>
> First thing, GET HIM A BUDDY! Rats are VERY social and need to be sold in
> pairs----same sex, perferably, unless you're planning on breeding. But you
> shouldn't be doing THAT unless you know a whole lot more about rats! Go to a
> reputable breeder---NOT a pet store {those are feeder rats (bred to be snake
> food) and are not going to be the healthiest or well-socialized (why bother
> if they'll become snake food?)}
>
> They eat almost anything (they're RATS! <G>). I'd recommend asking the
> breeder about any questionable foods. Mine love nuts (but I haven't tried
> walnuts). Potty training should occur naturally. The cage should be very
> large; no fish tanks or hamster cages (and wheels are a no-no unless they
> wheel is huge---and the tail cannot get caught). Don't use pine or cedar
> shavings---they can cause respiratory problems.
>
> Training is almost too easy. They love to explore and many are natural
> "hams". There are many books and websites on rat-training---but you could use
> dog training books for much info.
>
> Google: fancy rats / rats breeders / rat lady / rat cage building / rat
> health for more info than you'll need!
>
> Congrats! They're great !
> ~Kelly
>
>
>
>
[email protected]
Hi Lisa
I have had pet rats since before my daughter, Lanora (12), was born. Now she
wants to begin breeding them and has been doing research for months now.
<<We bought a 20gallon long tank because we have 3 cats, and we were
concerned they would be able to get a claw through a cage.>>
We have two cat and both are afraid of the rats. It's hysterical to watch,
one of the cats comes to investigate while on of our girls is out with us.
The rats sees the cat and CHARGES it, mouth wide open showing her teeth and
the cat RUNS away. Our ratties will even hiss and jump at the cats when they
dare to come near their cage.
Your cage is good but I recommend getting something bigger when you can, or
make an extension to the one you fave. There are a LOT of web pages about
pet rats and many of the owners have a page dedicated to their cages. You
can find a lot of examples of home made cages and some of them start with a
large aquarium at the bottom. We managed to snag a great deal on a ferret
cage for half price but we want to make one of our own too.
<<Anyway, I did the unthinkable. (And, yes, I
know, I'm an idiot.) While buying some supplies in the local shop in
preparation for our future rat, I let the moronic sales guy show us the nice
feeder rat they had. I know, I know, just shoot me. Well, obviously, after
we saw the poor little thing, terrified out of his mind, peeing everywhere,
how could we leave him?>>
Good for you!!! You rescued a rattie! A LOT of the dedicated rat lovers
rescue feeders like this. Temperament is the main concern in these cases and
it sounds like your guy is real sweet.
<<His health is obviously questionable. He looks OK, no discharge, no lumps,
nice body, but occasional sneezes. Doesn't sound wheezy.>>
Rats and respiratory problems just seem to go hand in hand. In fact,
virtually all pet rats are born with one particular rd, I can't recall the
name right now but almost all the good web sites have a section on it. Their
environment and care make a big difference on how long it takes for the
symptoms to appear and worsen.
Your rat may just be still dealing with the care he got in the store. If he
was on pine bedding his respiratory tract may be irritated and he'll probably
get better soon.
<<So far he is really only eating the crappy kibble mixture that was
available in the pet store.>>
I recommend giving them a good lab block and providing the variety with fresh
food. Our girls get a portion of what we have everyday (the stuff thats good
for them that is). We buy mostly organic produce and when we eat we think of
them, we give them our apple cores, carrot greens, etc. The kids also find
bugs for them outside, they LOVE bugs, especially grasshoppers.
<<Another issue is
getting him a playmate. My plan was to buy two siblings.>>
The younger the better. If they're both still babies they should do fine.
Perhaps you can find another "rescue"? If you go to the pet store the best
plan is to look for "volunteers", little rats that will willingly come up to
your hand. They grow fast so I would recommend finding a buddy for him right
away.
<<Do I go back to the pet store and see if he had a "nice" sibling?>>
This is what I would do in your situation.
<<More importantly,
since he's been inside my shirt and bathrobe for two hours, does rat pee
wash out?>>
Oh yes! The more your rattie loves you the more he'll "mark" you. He's
letting all the other ratties (he doesn't know there aren't any others) know
that you are HIS human. Sometimes our little girls will leave tiny bits all
over us, we are wet but honored.
<<I'm sorry to be so "needy", but I have had such a difficult time finding
anyone else who has a pet rat. I have been on numerous web sites, but I
wanted to talk with someone personally. I hope you don't mind. We adore our
little guy, and want the best for him.>>
You can email me anytime! Lanora too, her email is 'eeveegirl@...', she
loves to talk about ratties.
Kris
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I have had pet rats since before my daughter, Lanora (12), was born. Now she
wants to begin breeding them and has been doing research for months now.
<<We bought a 20gallon long tank because we have 3 cats, and we were
concerned they would be able to get a claw through a cage.>>
We have two cat and both are afraid of the rats. It's hysterical to watch,
one of the cats comes to investigate while on of our girls is out with us.
The rats sees the cat and CHARGES it, mouth wide open showing her teeth and
the cat RUNS away. Our ratties will even hiss and jump at the cats when they
dare to come near their cage.
Your cage is good but I recommend getting something bigger when you can, or
make an extension to the one you fave. There are a LOT of web pages about
pet rats and many of the owners have a page dedicated to their cages. You
can find a lot of examples of home made cages and some of them start with a
large aquarium at the bottom. We managed to snag a great deal on a ferret
cage for half price but we want to make one of our own too.
<<Anyway, I did the unthinkable. (And, yes, I
know, I'm an idiot.) While buying some supplies in the local shop in
preparation for our future rat, I let the moronic sales guy show us the nice
feeder rat they had. I know, I know, just shoot me. Well, obviously, after
we saw the poor little thing, terrified out of his mind, peeing everywhere,
how could we leave him?>>
Good for you!!! You rescued a rattie! A LOT of the dedicated rat lovers
rescue feeders like this. Temperament is the main concern in these cases and
it sounds like your guy is real sweet.
<<His health is obviously questionable. He looks OK, no discharge, no lumps,
nice body, but occasional sneezes. Doesn't sound wheezy.>>
Rats and respiratory problems just seem to go hand in hand. In fact,
virtually all pet rats are born with one particular rd, I can't recall the
name right now but almost all the good web sites have a section on it. Their
environment and care make a big difference on how long it takes for the
symptoms to appear and worsen.
Your rat may just be still dealing with the care he got in the store. If he
was on pine bedding his respiratory tract may be irritated and he'll probably
get better soon.
<<So far he is really only eating the crappy kibble mixture that was
available in the pet store.>>
I recommend giving them a good lab block and providing the variety with fresh
food. Our girls get a portion of what we have everyday (the stuff thats good
for them that is). We buy mostly organic produce and when we eat we think of
them, we give them our apple cores, carrot greens, etc. The kids also find
bugs for them outside, they LOVE bugs, especially grasshoppers.
<<Another issue is
getting him a playmate. My plan was to buy two siblings.>>
The younger the better. If they're both still babies they should do fine.
Perhaps you can find another "rescue"? If you go to the pet store the best
plan is to look for "volunteers", little rats that will willingly come up to
your hand. They grow fast so I would recommend finding a buddy for him right
away.
<<Do I go back to the pet store and see if he had a "nice" sibling?>>
This is what I would do in your situation.
<<More importantly,
since he's been inside my shirt and bathrobe for two hours, does rat pee
wash out?>>
Oh yes! The more your rattie loves you the more he'll "mark" you. He's
letting all the other ratties (he doesn't know there aren't any others) know
that you are HIS human. Sometimes our little girls will leave tiny bits all
over us, we are wet but honored.
<<I'm sorry to be so "needy", but I have had such a difficult time finding
anyone else who has a pet rat. I have been on numerous web sites, but I
wanted to talk with someone personally. I hope you don't mind. We adore our
little guy, and want the best for him.>>
You can email me anytime! Lanora too, her email is 'eeveegirl@...', she
loves to talk about ratties.
Kris
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
<<What advice can you
that have rats as pets give on teaching tricks and potty training him to one
of those corner potty's for small pets. So far i have moved what I could see
of his poop to the corner potty. Also do you know if walnuts are ok? Please
email me privately as I am sure the rest of the group may not be interested.
MTIA, Lynn F>>
Training is basically encouraging things they do normally. Some rats are
more prone to do certain behaviors like potty training. You can get corner
litter trays at the pet store but some rats will just sleep in them.
Walnuts, like any high fat food, should only be an occasional treat.
Kris
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
that have rats as pets give on teaching tricks and potty training him to one
of those corner potty's for small pets. So far i have moved what I could see
of his poop to the corner potty. Also do you know if walnuts are ok? Please
email me privately as I am sure the rest of the group may not be interested.
MTIA, Lynn F>>
Training is basically encouraging things they do normally. Some rats are
more prone to do certain behaviors like potty training. You can get corner
litter trays at the pet store but some rats will just sleep in them.
Walnuts, like any high fat food, should only be an occasional treat.
Kris
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]