I'm Gettin A Baby!!!

[Jods]

maybe two :D :D :D I'm so excited. I've had rats before, but I still want all the advice I can get so HELP all you rat people!!! :D It will be so nice to have a rat in the house again.
Cass I need help! I have pictures!! I think they are Hooded right?

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p1efdb51f17c799a65dc752df628f6867/f57334c2.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p331b24f6b93174b0bbf2ffd750360861/f57334c4.jpg

and heres mom
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p25cc54e6d574aceec8aa2deb5d75da7d/f57334c3.jpg

I'M SOOO EXCITED In a week or so shes gonna email me individual pics so I can pick mine!

[manda_moo87]

YAY!
Congrats Jodie, this is so exciting! :D

[Aspen and Misty]

Yup, they are hooded!

I love rats, I have three of them :D They are such wonderful pets!

CongRATS!!!

Ashley

[animal_rescue]

Congrats!:D

[shutterbug0303]

Yippie for a new baby! I just love having new babies in the house! :D Congrats!

[chrissycat21]

Congrats!

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Yay! A new rattie:D I would LOVE to have a few rats, or even mice... BUT my husband hates them. I had 2 about 4 years ago, but one died of a tumor and the other died for unknown reasons. I have been begging him for another one.. without a good response. SO now I can just look at yours and admire them;) They are so cute, let us know how everything turns out. CONGRATS!!!!!:D :D :D

[lute]

great news!!! :D

yup they are hooded. that's my favorite pattern!:D

[luckies4me]

Make sure to get TWO ratties, as they are very social. Just make sure they are the same sex, as you don't need babies. I will write more later. I'm falling asleep as I type...

[Karen]

Ooooh baby ratties! So cute! I can't wait to see who you choose!

[wolfie]

So cute!!!! ^_^ Congrats! You must be so excited

[buckner]

Aww, congrats! They really do look cute.

I agree with luckies4me - get at least TWO ratties and make sure they're the same sex. Don't use pine or cedar, get a big enough cage for them, and don't feed them store bought rat food. Yeh, you know all this... I just say it everytime. :)

[Jods]

Okay I bought a large cage actually made for rabbits so its big. I emailed the woman and told her I decided I wanted two. I know to feed them those blocks (can't think of the name right now)
When she emails me back to say yes (which I know she will cause she already told me I could have two if I wanted) I just want to clarify with her that I do want two, I will let you guys know. Thanks for all the support you guys are the best. :D Oh yeah her email today was just saying she's been holding them and there eyes should be open anytime in the next couple days and that I could have two LOL... Oh and that I could come visit them if I wanted and I will get LOTS of pics!!;)

[Jods]

She sent the individual pictures today!! :) She still hasn't exactly said okay you can have two though. I emailed her back and told her which two I liked they are both females. I hope she emails me back if not i'm going to call her when I get home. She hasn't really written back yet. I will post the individual pictures of them tonight so you all can see. and I will tell you which two I like so far who knows I may change my mind a million times ;) :p I'm sooo excited I can't wait. My cousin is also getting two males from her and I had a question... We were wondering if they could play together under close supervision or is it a definate NO don't even risk it? If not I won't I was just curious. I can't wait to show you guys the pics the ones I like have black tails with pink tips!! :) What kind of toys should I get I have tubes and boxes for them to hide in and I will buy treats, but what else should I get??

[luvofallhorses]

congrats they are all soooo cute :D even the mommy!

[molucass]

No, you definitely cannot let the boys play with your girls.. Baby rats can get pregnant as young as 5 weeks old. That's why breeders have to seperate the babies before then, because the males will breed with their sisters, and even their mom if shes still in the cage with all of them.

About the toys, my girls like their hammock, tubes, boxes and igloos to hide in.. My girls also like the wooden bird toys that hang up, and have a bell on it.. They chew on it, and etc..

CongRATulations.

BTW, if you are looking for some good rat forums, I can recommend two.

http://www.goosemoose.com/rfc
http://www.ratpalace.com
:)

[wolfsoul]

Congrats! :D

Molucass is right, you can't let them play at all. Mating can happen in as little as two seconds -- literally.

For toys and chews, my rats LOVE chicken bones. I always give them any bones that are left after I eat chicken, or turkey, or anything. You can also go to your local Petcetera, and they have a product called "Fortum Rawhide Honey Hearts." You can hang them up in their cage, and they will chew on them. I've never met a rat that didn't like them.


wanted two. I know to feed them those blocks (can't think of the name right now)
I think you mean lab blocks? Lab blocks actually aren't the best thing. I wouldn't let my rats eat them -- I have yet to find a brand that doesn't contain corn, as well as one that is low enough in protien for a rat. Rats should have below 16% protien, and I've seen some lab blocks go up to 26%! Much too high. Rats need low protien, otherwise they will get skin problems. It's much better to make your own food -- combine puffed wheat, pasta noodles, bran, soybeans, oatmeal, millet, wheat germ, bread, dog biscuits, lots of veggies; Stuff like that. I wouldn't trust the food you buy in most stores. If you feel like making their meals is time consuming, buy a low protien dog food and feed with veggies. :)

Good luck! I cant wait to see pictures. If you have any questions feel free to ask. There are a few other rat owners on PT and we can also answer your questions.