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Yes, yes, I know... we should all hopefully try to rescue abandoned rats or purchase our rats from a breeder; however, my car isn't exactly what I call 'trustworthy' and the nearest breeder is two hours away. Therefore, I just went to a PetsMart to get my rats.
I bought two. And, for the moment (and to fit my budget), they have a cage that SHOULD fit them for a couple of months while my bank account slowly recoups. They have plenty of treats... and frozen veggies, crackers, and open access to whatever (clean) foods that I eat (unspiced meats, etc.).
But I do have a couple of questions that I would very much appreciate being answered from someone more seasoned in the arts of owning rats... in my adult life, up to this point, all I've ever owned is a cat (who I still own).
Lenny (my beige and white splotched rat) is a balls-to-the-wall, no frills kinda guy. He don't care what's going on... if there's something happening, he seems to want to be a part of it. I've had him for a week and he's already inching his way onto my hand.
George (my black and white rat) is a bit more of a shy guy... sometimes, I don't know if he's just miserable in his new surroundings or if he's just shy. I'm sure that rats are like dogs/humans/cats in that some are just predisposed to being sociable/adventurous while others are not.
So, I guess, here's my questions:
- Should I be concerned that a week in to this whole thing that George, while he'll groom my hand and stuff, has no interest in leaving his cage?
- If he doesn't settle down and get brave in a week, should I consider taking him back to the store? I love the little dude, and it's not like he's aggressively mean, he just seems to be happier sleeping in his little igloo or bummin' around the cage.
- I'm using an igloo at the moment that fits the ratties fine; however, I know they'll eventually outgrow it. The larger options are utterly obscene in terms of their size (I only ever plan on having two rats at once, not 4-5). Is there a good medium-sized tuckaway for my lil' buddies? 8"L x 6"W x 5"H?
- Any other tips and pointers for a new rat owner? I'm in love w/ my lil' doodz. I bathe them in treats, veggies, etc., but I want to make sure that, in their short life, they feel they're well cared for... even with a cat being in the house (who isn't allowed to get within 3-4 ft. of the cage).
Unfortunately, I don't have the square footage in my small apartment for a free-range room... but, outside of that, I'm open for suggestions.
Thanks for all your help. I love my lil' rats!!!
M.
I bought two. And, for the moment (and to fit my budget), they have a cage that SHOULD fit them for a couple of months while my bank account slowly recoups. They have plenty of treats... and frozen veggies, crackers, and open access to whatever (clean) foods that I eat (unspiced meats, etc.).
But I do have a couple of questions that I would very much appreciate being answered from someone more seasoned in the arts of owning rats... in my adult life, up to this point, all I've ever owned is a cat (who I still own).
Lenny (my beige and white splotched rat) is a balls-to-the-wall, no frills kinda guy. He don't care what's going on... if there's something happening, he seems to want to be a part of it. I've had him for a week and he's already inching his way onto my hand.
George (my black and white rat) is a bit more of a shy guy... sometimes, I don't know if he's just miserable in his new surroundings or if he's just shy. I'm sure that rats are like dogs/humans/cats in that some are just predisposed to being sociable/adventurous while others are not.
So, I guess, here's my questions:
- Should I be concerned that a week in to this whole thing that George, while he'll groom my hand and stuff, has no interest in leaving his cage?
- If he doesn't settle down and get brave in a week, should I consider taking him back to the store? I love the little dude, and it's not like he's aggressively mean, he just seems to be happier sleeping in his little igloo or bummin' around the cage.
- I'm using an igloo at the moment that fits the ratties fine; however, I know they'll eventually outgrow it. The larger options are utterly obscene in terms of their size (I only ever plan on having two rats at once, not 4-5). Is there a good medium-sized tuckaway for my lil' buddies? 8"L x 6"W x 5"H?
- Any other tips and pointers for a new rat owner? I'm in love w/ my lil' doodz. I bathe them in treats, veggies, etc., but I want to make sure that, in their short life, they feel they're well cared for... even with a cat being in the house (who isn't allowed to get within 3-4 ft. of the cage).
Unfortunately, I don't have the square footage in my small apartment for a free-range room... but, outside of that, I'm open for suggestions.
Thanks for all your help. I love my lil' rats!!!
M.