Possibly getting a Rat.

[Desert Arabian]

Originally posted by Kfamr
- Would it be necessary to get another rat to house with him, even if he's been housed alone?

- How much are vet appointments and such, and do they get any kind of expensive shots? Is a vet necessary? (Need to know because i'm not sure if the pup's vets do small animals too)

- Would it be okay to switch foods if i'm not happy with what they're feeding him?
( I'd like to feed them/him?: http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html )
- What things do you think are necessary to keep in and out of their envornment?

- Is it okay if rats are around dogs? (of course with supervision)

- How much does bedding/toys/food/everything cost you? (those with lots of rats, what do you think it would cost for 1 or 2?)

- How long do rats generally live for?

- ANYTHING else you think I should know.

No, do not get him a partner since he has lived alone for such a long time. The rats would most likely fight a lot and they wouldn't be able to be properly introduced.

Vet appointments at my vet office is $37 for the visit $15 for basic meds, $80 for x-rays, and they quoted $500 for tumor removal. Vet is not necessary unless the rat becomes ill or injured.

Yes, you can switch foods, you have to do it gradually so they get used to the new food and do not upset them.

Keep all plants out of there reach, just about all household plants are deadly to rats, keep electrical cords out of their reach, place heavy/tipable objects out of their reach so they do not fall on the rat.

Yes, a dog can be around a rat, you just have to make sure to keep an extremely sharp eye on them, one chomp and the rat could die- obviously.

Last year we spent a little over $2,000 on the rats. I can't remember the exact cost, I would have to look in Mircosoft Money, but I am at school. I spoil my rats extremely rotten...all that money was spent on suebee's mix, treats, new cages, toys, vet bills, etc. Keep in mind I have 7 ratties, so your 1 rattie would not run you nowhere near as much...hopefully!

Rats generally don't live over 3 years old. There are some cases where rats live longer, tho I have never personally heard of it. If you look around Rats Rule most ratties pass away when they are 2 years to 21/2 years old, once in a while you'll hear of a 3 year old. My oldest rattie passed away at 2 years 1 month old.

You would be a great rattie mother, Kay! I really hope you can get a little rodent friend!!



Just wanted to add for info:

My rats are housed in a 4 story bookshelf I turned into a cage. I use rabbit pellets for bedding right now. They have many hide houses made by Super Pet. They also have a PVC tube and 2 super pet tubes. They also have two wooden houses/huts. They also have a wooden perch and a Comfy Perch. I am still in the process of putting a hammock in the cage. They get a scoop of Suebee's mix everyday and they have 32 oz. of water available for them everyday. They also have a cage up at the cottage which is very small it is made by Havahart. Their outdoor cage is a large rabbit hutch made by Ware. My ratties LOVE to eat: mealworms, duck, goose, venison, squirrel, beef, cooked/dry noodles, gerber baby food, bananas, cucumbers, strawberries, peas, grapes, catelope (sp), watermelon, carrots, horse treats, jumbones, nylabones, iams dog biscuits, etc.