rat questions!?

4 Responses to rat questions!?

1. MAZ | August 19, 2010 at 9:53 am | Reply

   go to a pet store and if they have males in the same tank which they usually do it should be ok ………;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ohhh rats can live enenywhere lol
   dont feed them chocolate
   cmon their warm blooded as long as they can snuggle their fine but dont try to agrivate them on purpose
   rats can be alone just make sure they have food and water
   i would say put a thin layer of wood chips then the rest paper

   you can use sreaded news papper
   its ok for them to eat papper and all that but only if they do it and you dont feed them that which i dont think you will anyway
   dont use rocks they like more soft bedding
   they make litter pans that go in the corner of the cage it could take a while but their smart!

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2. On the Radio Uh Oh | August 19, 2010 at 10:54 am | Reply

   * It depends on the individual rats… some get along, some don’t. However, usually 2 males get along fine… especially good chances if they’re the same age when you get them/get them at the same time.

   * Not really. Single level cages are better than multi-level cages, as rats aren’t as flexible/agile as certain other rodents. Also, you’ll want something with a solid bottom, so their legs don’t get caught (as they will). Also, the bigger the better.

   * They can eat chocolate, but it’s not good for them. It’s not a hazard to them like dogs and cats, but is still very sweet, and rats are prone to obesity (and tumors as a result of it) and diabetes… so it’s best to keep it at a minimum. But if they get ahold of some, you don’t have to freak. I give mine a *tiny* bit as a treat from time to time.

   * Temperature isn’t too specific. If it’s comfortable for you, it’ll be comfortable for them. Give them lots of bedding (old shirts, etc…) the nestle in if they’re cold.

   * Yeah, they can be alone for a bit. But they’re very social and prefer being with people. But as long as they have food and water, they’ll be fine.

   * Paper bedding. DO NOT USE WOOD BEDDING! Rats have very weak respiratory symptoms, and wood (cedar, oak, etc…) bedding can cause them serious illness and even kill them (their lungs close up and they can’t breathe). So paper bedding, ONLY PAPER BEDDING, minimally processed/dust free, is best (can be found at any pet store).

   * They won’t eat paper and cardboard. They might tear it up to nest, but likely won’t eat it. If they do… it’s like if a human eats it… not great for us, but won’t kill us, either.

   EDIT re your added details:

   * You can train them… however, don’t put anything except paper bedding in that litter box. They’ll actually take it upon themselves to pick one spot of their cage they go in, and most rats, upon picking that spot, will ONLY go in that spot (even if you’re letting them run around – they’ll go into their cage to use the bathroom).

   * No, you can’t use rocks. For one thing, they’re choking hazards for any mammal (reptiles, fish, etc… have unique jaws, etc… that don’t make it such a hazard). Also, the point of the bedding is to absorb the ammonia of their urine… which rocks won’t do. If the odor isn’t absorbed, then they can suffer from respiratory illness from the odor of their own excrement (likewise, you need to clean the cage at least once or twice a week, and scoop the poop out from time to time). Use only paper bedding sold at pet stores specifically for rats.

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3. Annie | August 19, 2010 at 11:51 am | Reply

   I had a pet male hooded rat, Johnathan, and I just loved the little rat !!!!! I could not keep him in a cage at all !!! He had the run of the house !!! He was that tame !!! took bathes, brushed his teeth, etc…… He was so special !!!!! Remember, rats can chew through anything, and I do mean anything !!!! Until you get to know it and it you and it tames down and grows up, glass is the way to go…. a very large aquarium !!!! there is no such thing as rat proof !!!!!! rofl…..they need LOTS of stimulation, toys, wood to chew, paper to chew and roll around, wood shavings, etc……… your local pet store should have books and supplies, and you could do research on line……….. Rats as most animals know what they can and can not eat………. go in peace…….. God bless
   EDIT * interesting post above me…. I did not know about the wood danger……. my pet rat was a LONG time ago…… learn something new every day……..

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4. Robyn S | August 19, 2010 at 12:51 pm | Reply

   males do get allong to geather
   yes i would pick the second cage but i wouldent buy the first cage on the aquarium. i would put it on the ground. they cant eat choclet

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