Well, a few days before Christmas, my parents finally agreed to my plea to get a rat. So, skipping the big commercial stores, we headed off to a nice little store with a good reputation, where it was plain to see that the ratties were well cared for, and where they were also supplied by a known breeder. I had my heart set on a female, but at the moment they said that they only had males(for obvious reasons). Well, it turned out there was some sort of mix-up, and there was indeed a female in with the males. o.o I hadn't done any research into rat reproduction at that point, thinking that I probably wouldn't ever need that knowledge, so I had no idea how easy it was for a female to get pregnant. And... I got her. :S
So, the story, in short: I now have my little ratty, Chinook, PLUS 13 little ones. >< I don't have much experience with rats, although I have owned several other small rodents, and I would REALLY appreciate advice right now. Now, before anyone asks, I have started to look for good homes for the eepers, as well as taking safety precautions and whatever else with the cage(removing levels and hammocks, providing nesting). That aside, I'm a bit concerned with general care etc. I have been reading up, and saw that high-protein foods are important, so I'm giving her some egg and (low fat)yogurt on top of her regular food. Is this okay?
I've also noticed that she will step on/over them, and generally not be very careful with the little guys. Is this... normal? I'm not overly concerned, since otherwise she seems to be doing a pretty good job, but...
So, the story, in short: I now have my little ratty, Chinook, PLUS 13 little ones. >< I don't have much experience with rats, although I have owned several other small rodents, and I would REALLY appreciate advice right now. Now, before anyone asks, I have started to look for good homes for the eepers, as well as taking safety precautions and whatever else with the cage(removing levels and hammocks, providing nesting). That aside, I'm a bit concerned with general care etc. I have been reading up, and saw that high-protein foods are important, so I'm giving her some egg and (low fat)yogurt on top of her regular food. Is this okay?
I've also noticed that she will step on/over them, and generally not be very careful with the little guys. Is this... normal? I'm not overly concerned, since otherwise she seems to be doing a pretty good job, but...