Re: just got myself my first two rats! Just a quick question
i don't use the lab blocks either, its not quite as difficult for me to get at them now then it was and certainly not as it is for but it is a bit cost prohibitative. in any case this is what i do and have done for 4 years. they seem to thrive nicely on it but i have never had any lost babes autopised either so i can't give scientific proof of it.
i give them as a staple (i just keep the bowl full) dog kibble. it was the best that i could find in my area. you need to check protein levels and ingredients. the protein should be as close to 14-18% as possible. there should be no alfafa or corn as these can both cause problems and for the most part are nothing more then junk fillers.
i give them table scraps from nearly every meal so long as the food i was eating was healthy (the stuff that i wasn't is only offered as a treat sometimes). i'm allergic to oranges as well so they are find on that front.
i also give them fresh fruits and veggies as often as my budget will allow (as no other human in the house will actually eat veggies the animals give me a nice excuse to buy some for myself and them).
i also will give them a small water bottle of cranberry juice from time to time as this is related to an improved immune system and as a deterrent to urinary tract infections and has been claimed to help reduce risk of tumors in females (not entirely sure how accurate that is but i figured it can't hurt to try anyway). dried cranberries (they last longer) would also work well but i have had difficulty finding them in my area.
they also get cooked chicken bones to help wear on their teeth and help fill their protein requirements. as well as the table scraps of course.
but as far as them licking your fingers? that does not necessarily mean that they are deficent in their diet. they are grooming you which is one of the highest forms of ratty love you can get next to being marked (tiny dribbles of pee left on you) as theirs. it sounds like they are really come round to you and that at the very least they like you.
the reason they likely scarfed down the ham was that it was yummy and new. rats do need protein but just because they chow down on a new food you give them does not necessarily mean they are deficent in that food group either.
and you are certianly not being a pain. everyone here loves talking about rats and love to help people with their rats. don't feel foolish or burdensome over asking a question. its what the forum is for. questions, stories and pictures (the latter two we are eargerly awaiting from you :wink:
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