[lhpets]

Hi Everyone!
I’m a new rat owner, and this is my beautiful girl, Mercy💫

I bought her from a pet store nearby, not knowing what can go on in those sorts of establishments, and she definitely was not receiving as much love as she is now. She has some cage aggression and is a little iffy with my sisters rat as of recent, but we are working on it! The pet place didn’t tell me her exact age, but apparently she is 6-8 weeks.

I’m sure I’ll be on here often seeking advice on how to love her in the best way possible 💫

 

[lhpets]

Hi RatPappy!

Thank you for the advice!! About the female rat situation, I do think there could maybe be some trauma revolving that as the guy at the pet store literally put his hand in and snatched her away from her sister I felt so horrible about it I wanted to get both of them but being a new rat owner I definitely didn’t want to bite off more than I could chew, so I just had to take the one. I separated Mercy and Arthur (my sisters male rat) for the whole day today and when I brought them back together tonight to test the waters, they were as good as they usually are. I’m beginning to suspect I was being overprotective and thought play fighting was genuine fighting haha, because she can be aggressive in the cage. Arthur has such nice temperament too, definitely the classic snuggly, chill male

Thank you for responding to my post, it was nice to read!

 

[lhpets]

Hi Ratbuster thank you for replying!!

I bought Mercy about a week ago, so I’m not too sure if she would even be there but I might call them sometime today if I get the chance. I’d want to buy a bigger cage before getting another female, but it’s a little tight at the moment with cash haha.

Looking into diying a big cage and rat tree area for both Mercy and Arthur, and eventually a female bestie! Arthur isn’t neutered and honestly the only concern I have about babies is how Mercy will be with them, I can’t shake the feeling she will just end up eating them or something! But the place we got Arthur from was really good and they’re actually after a rat breeder but obviously I have a lot to learn between here and then.

Update on Mercy and Arthur btw, I’ve been letting them free roam for about 2-3 hours at night when they come out of hiding, and they’ve been loving it! They were snuggled up together on the couch last night🥺

 

[lhpets]

Thank you for your advice, I didn’t realise how soon after giving birth Mercy would fall pregnant again. If I get Mercy a female friend, will Arthur be more lonely and need his own male friend?

 

[lhpets]

You’ve been very helpful I really appreciate it!! My sister is only 14 so she won’t be able to afford it but I’ll talk to her about me paying for it heheh

I loveeeee Emiology on youtube she’s been pretty helpful, and I did watch a video from Shadow the Rat on cage must haves, I have a pretty cool shower ring hammock because of that video haha

I’ll make sure to keep you updated!! If we end up getting bigger cages I’ll try to find both of them a friend 🐀🐁