Rats - Updated on the cage I'm getting.

[Muddy4paws]

please dont feel under pressure to help me but if you can I would appriciate it, One of my main concerns in the cage. I want to get one that is more than enough space for one rat and by the looks of things I would get 2because I can see what you are saying and its selfish of me to only think of myself. Do you have MSN or AIM? I would appreciate your opinions on a few cages I've seen. If your busy dont worry Its really not something that needs to be done soon.

I'll have a word with my mum tonight and if she says no to 2 rats then I'll consider looking into a rescue or rehoming a single rat

[luckies4me]

Ya, that makes me happy! See my cute little ratty in my avatar? That's Dotty. Anywho, since I'm pregnant and have the flu I'm at home today and pretty bored. So if you need help I am here.

I have MSN. My name is Luckies4me

[Muddy4paws]

I've added you but you aren't showing up on my list? lol Im fortunefaded120

[buttercup132]

Tia is a single rat and she looks very happy.

I think if you can subsitute the love another rat would the you will do fine with one by itself.

[luckies4me]

I think if you can subsitute the love another rat would the you will do fine with one by itself.

That's the thing, you can't. Did you read the article I posted?

[Argranade]

Ya, that makes me happy! See my cute little ratty in my avatar? That's Dotty. Anywho, since I'm pregnant and have the flu I'm at home today and pretty bored. So if you need help I am here.

I have MSN. My name is Luckies4me

I have always LOVED your avatar lol! I dunno why but every time I see it I think of what a cute adorable avatar it is .. so far it's one of the best I have seen it's perfectly clear and the colours are great on it lol.

My avatars always turn out blurry and dull , please do post more pics of baby rats and mice on PT cause there's not enough photos these days lol of all the PT pets! the dog and cat sections are always full.

[luckies4me]

I have always LOVED your avatar lol!

Thanks!

[king2005]

If your going to rescue 2 rats, try to get them as young as you can... about the size of an adult mouse & eatting on their own. Make sure they are both females. Its kinda tricky to tell but if you know what your looking for its easy, & if the rat behaves its even easier lol

I don't know rat body parts, but luckies4me will correct my terms lol

There is a pointy flap of skin that almost looks like a penis. Ina male it is & in a female its not. A male will have a hole at the tip (cotton swabs are a great tool for this, if you think touching a rats privates is icky), move the rats belly skin around & it will either show you a tiny hole or nothing. The females hole is on the side of the flap closest to the anus. I personally find it harder to see the hole in a female, due to her muscles. but in a male there are no muscles where the hole is.

Maturing males testies should start to drop as they are decently small (I forget the age). If your holding the rat by the tail (not a great idea, they can drop their tails like snakes) the testies will hide inside their bodies. I personally find it easiest to check with a silly test. Put the rat on bars (like a barded cage) & have it so the rats head it up & its butt is down.. make him try to squeeze through the bars (with food) & his testies should show a little or a lot lol Make sure your looking at his belly, but don't get peed on lol


Also if your getting 2 rats, get them from the same littler.. it just gives you better luck that they'll get a long. Some rats don't like company or are protective towards their food & will get agressive with another rat. So do keep a close eye on them. If they don't get along, don't get upset, you did nothing wrong. Its just like how some people do & don't get along. It happeneds.. But its best to remove the problem rat.. either house her in a nother cage, or find her a new home & get a new cage mate for the other rat.

Also a little tip..
NEVER feed through the bars!! It causes the rats to learn that what goes through the bars is food & then they'll bite.. its usually just a nip & no blood, but its still no fun, esp if there are kids around.

Do you know about bad foods? & bad bedding? (thought I'd mention it so it can be answered).

I'm very strict on my rat care & I know luckies4me is aswell. I learned a lot from her, have always had healthy rats & healthy litters.