Need rattie advice...

[moosmom]

I rescued a one-eyed "feeder" rat from my job a few weeks ago, so I'm kinda new at being a rattie mama. His name is Winkie. He was supposed to be a snake's dinner until I stepped in. He's now at my apt in an aquarium and is the most wonderful little boy. I take him out alot and hang with him. He cuddles under my shirt and goes to sleep, popping his head out every now and then. I've been feeding him the normal rattie food, along with stuff (Kaytee brand) that looks like trail mix for rodents, chew sticks, apples and carrots (he went crazy over the carrots).

What I'd like to know is, what else can I give him as a treat?? He has pretty large *ahem* testicles and I was wondering if he can be neutered to prevent any kind of testicular cancer.

I absolutely love this little guy. He's gentle, doesn't bite and my cats seem to be afraid of him, except for MooShoo, who goes nose to nose with him.

Any advice you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[Muddy4paws]

I'm getting a rat soon! I know there is something about oranges. It said not to give them to male rats because its got something bad for them? I'm sure Chilli can reply more on that!

I've read they like peas pasta dried or cooked wholemeal bread basically table scraps!

This website has helped me alot with my research
http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/home/

[IRescue452]

My girlfriend feeds hers normal people food because processed rodent pellets are really bad for their health, worse than dog kibble is to dogs. I don't know what they can't have, but I know she won't give hers peanuts.

[Chilli]

Glad to hear the little guy is getting alot of yummy treats. =D
Some of the things my guys & girls go crazy over is:
Watermelon, Cantelope, Green Beans, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Spinach, Peas, Corn, Bell Peppers, Peaches, Blueberries, Strawberries.. and you can't forget bananas(but make sure they aren't green bananas, as thats not great for them.) Really, rats can eat a wide variety.
Do gradually introduce Winkie to new foods, as too much can be hard on his stomach. You may have to experiment with foods to see which he prefers... as with my rats, some of them might not touch something while the other rats will love it!
Things to stay away from are: Too much peanut butter. It can get stuck to the roof of their mouth and they may choke to death.

And about the orange issue mentioned above, its said to only be the orange rinds, and that some male rats have no problems with it. I wouldn't take any chances, though. The reason it only affects male rats, I believe, is because the males have a naturally occuring protein, and a certain chemical the orange rinds puts into the male rats body makes protein build up in the kidneys, normally resulting in kidney cancer. (Don't quote me on that! I may have gotten it mixes up with another fact. )

Also, yes, you can get a rat neutered. I wouldn't do it, though. I have 6 male rats and have researched it before. Males don't have as high of a chance to get tumors as female rats do, and if they do get tumors, its not testicular tumors. The only help you'd pretty much be doing by getting him neutered would be a better temperment, a nicer looking coat, & less territorial markings(resulting in less of an odor). Since Winkie already seems to have a nice temperment, and the fact that a good coat comes from a good diet and the odor comes from infrequent cleanings or an unsuitable litter, I still advise against getting him neutered.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

[Miss Z]

^ Covered extremely well!

Put in my shorter terms (unfortunately not as much time to type long stuff that much at the moment) stuff that you wouldn't eat yourself, your rat won't either. That basically covers rinds, peelings, too much fats, excessively salty foods and food you think may have gone a little past its date. I'm pretty sure citrus is generally a no-no, and peanuts and sunflower seeds can be given in small amounts, not too many as they are high in fat and can also lead to oily skin and fur. Tia really likes milk or yoghurt, served in a coca-cola bottlecap

Donna, you MUST take a picture of MooShoo and Winkie touching noses, that is too cute to miss!

[Kfamr]

One thing that I noticed no one mentioned is getting an actual cage with levels. I was always told that it is a no-no to keep rodents in aquariums.
I year or so ago I posted a thread asking to know everything about Rattie care because I was thinking of getting one... everyone suggested a wire cage with atleast 2 levels.


Also, many rat owners rave over the Suebee diet... here's a link to a "recipe"

http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html