[JTP3T3RS0N]

Hi i might be getting some rats in a few weeks and ive been reading a lot online about them. I have a lot of questions since i dont know too about rats but i know the basic supplies and stuff.

1) Is this cage big enough to house 2 rats?

2) I dont really get what a nesting box is. Is it some sort of container with some bedding in it?

3) Would i use anything to cover the second levels?

4) Do different species socialize well?

5) Do you handle your rats right away when you get them?

6) I heard it was bad to buy rats from pet stores. Why is that?

7) Im planning on getting a ferret hammock and a tunnel thing. What other toys should i get?

 

[tattered_teddy_bear]

1. yes the cage is big enough, but no more then 2!
2. a nesting box could be anything that is a hiding place, i have a "woodland getaway" wooden box homes are good because then they have something to chew on.
3.i have plastic small tubs with litter in them on my other levels, they may use them, but rats like to climb and play so hammocks and tubes are fun. some people put some sort of litter fabric (a sheet of fabric) down and throw it in the wash when it gets too dirty.
4. there's not different species of rat just different colors and such. breeders generally breed for temperment and looks.
5.when it comes to handling rats some are very friendly, some more skittish, they have to ge tto know you, talk to them for the first few days a lot. then try getting them to come and get food from your hands, avoid grabbing and scaring the ratties.
6. pet store rats need more attention, i know people who've had wonderful pet store rats, but they can be inbred and more likely to get sick.
my boy louie is from my pet store and he's an angel.

<3

 

[Forensic]

2) Nesting box might also appear in the context of a birthing female who needs a cozy place to have her babies. But all rats need a 'safe place'.

3) General consensus is that wire floors can increase the risk of bumblefoot if not kept very clean.

4) All rats sold as pets are, in general, the same species. Rats and hamster, gerbils, rabbits, mice, etc. are a very bad idea, as rats are predators and will kill anything small than them and will attempt to attack anything bigger than them that threatens them.

5) Depends on the rat. Some are skittish, shy, and may nip. Some are loves immediately. Give them time to settle in, but don't be afraid to pick them up. Search 'forced socialization' if you end up with a skittish rat.

6) Buying pet store rats also supports the people who breed indiscriminately for feeder purposes.

7) Hammocks and tunnels are good, as are anything they can chew (that isn't pine or cedar, which can be quite bad for any animal, or painted with toxic paints, hopefully most animal toys are painted safely). Anything they can destroy seems to go over well, as well. Change things up and keep them entertained.

 

[tattered_teddy_bear]

that was more helpful i think. ^_^

 

[Forensic]

Though I seem to have repeated a lot of what you'd already said.

 

[tattered_teddy_bear]

you made it sound better ^_~

i forgot to say about the types of bedding and stuff. thats important i'm very jitter minded.. lol

 

[JTP3T3RS0N]

i have one more question. The nearest breeder by me is about a 2 hour drive and i doubt my dad will drive up there (im only 14). Do breeders ever ship rats or is that bad for the rats?

 

[Forensic]

Some breeders will 'ship' but that usually involves air travel. You could perhaps ask if the breeder is willing to bring the rat to you or to meet you halfway, or wait until you're 15, have a permit and offer to buy the gas and do all the driving...

 

[Poppyseed]

Don't forget rescues! Many rescues have adorable rats as well and need the adoption money/space to take in more rats in need. Always good to look there.

petfinder.com is awesome.

 

[tattered_teddy_bear]

where are you located?
<3