Hello all,
I have a few specific questions, but I first want to give you some background for prospective.
Less than a week ago, my 16 year old son decided to come home with a little hairless rat. The pet shop was selling him as a "feeder" rat. He cost $4.50. He was told he's about 3 months old. His body is about 4" long and his tail is about 3" long and his body might be and inch and a half wide. People say hairless rats are ugly. IDK...this guy is pretty darn cute if you ask me.
Anyway, being the 16 year old, he's not exactly on his A-game with respect to the learning curve, so I am his wingman for now. I've been reading and reading and sending him links to read too. But I have a few questions:
Thank you all,
Adam
I have a few specific questions, but I first want to give you some background for prospective.
Less than a week ago, my 16 year old son decided to come home with a little hairless rat. The pet shop was selling him as a "feeder" rat. He cost $4.50. He was told he's about 3 months old. His body is about 4" long and his tail is about 3" long and his body might be and inch and a half wide. People say hairless rats are ugly. IDK...this guy is pretty darn cute if you ask me.
Anyway, being the 16 year old, he's not exactly on his A-game with respect to the learning curve, so I am his wingman for now. I've been reading and reading and sending him links to read too. But I have a few questions:
- Does anyone have any opinions of feeder rats being kept as pets? Are there any concerns that I might have considering this?
- I fully expect to "need" to get a second rat for long term health, but I have read in one place that hairless should be housed with another haired rat, while other sources have stated that hairless should only be housed with other hairless. Which is better? Can you explain why?
- Considering he's about 3 months and you all agree that it fairly accurate given his size, when do you suggest getting him a companion? Soon, like any day now or within a certain period of time? When is best?
- Based on the above, this kinda dictates when I need to get a new habitat for him (them). I expect that an 18x24x32 will be reasonable for the two. Thoughts?
- Specific to this little guy, I have noticed that his water bottle does not seem to be draining down. I have not seen him drink either. I have been changing the water (RO water) each day and return the level back to where it was just so I can keep track. This has me a little concerned. Do some rats not like the, I don't know what you call them, hang on water bottles that have the little metal ball at the end?
Thank you all,
Adam