Which small critter for me?

[Blackrose]

Also have you heard of Richardson Ground Squierls?

I've heard them mentioned once, but nothing really after that. What are they?

Oh there's also small birds lol, you can buy hand fed finches in beautiful colours, they'll follow you around and can live from 5 to 10 years old depending on the breed and how well it's taken care of, not loud and easy to afford, they just need a small cage, a few toys, seeds and water. If you want you can pair 2 together.

I was wanting a mammal, but I'll keep that in mind if I ever decide that I want a birdie that isn't as high maitenence as a Tiel. I love how the finches look - and they sound like the birds off of the short film before "Monsters' Inc." LOL


Thank you for the links Suki. Rats sound awsome.

[Christmas_Hamster]

If your thinking rats may I suggest the website www.goosemoose.com I need to go and wasn't able to read the whole topic so I am sorry if this has already been posted.

[Blackrose]

I think I've finally decided on what I want to get, unless something just really pops out at me or I stumble across something new. Rats.

Thank you all for your help and if anyone has anything else to add, still feel free to!

[Hellow]

Here is an great article about care for rats: http://ratguide.com/care/

[Blackrose]

I talked to some STO owners on the internet the other day and they gave me some advice about them, and also a breeder's name and a petstore's name that sells them, so I'm not going to completely rule them out yet.

I think I'm going to stop by the petstore and see the STOs, just to get a feel for them.

I know for a fact that my mom wouldn't allow me to own a Rattie while I'm still living here, it may be where I buy an STO while I'm still here, and then when I move out and get my own place I'll buy some Ratties.

I don't know though. I'm going to do a little bit more digging around with both and see what I'll decide.

[Suki Wingy]

Good choice. Every time I come on here and see someone who's researching throughly about which animal is best for them I get really happy. I am so sick of the usually irrisponsible pet owners that when someone responsible comes around I just have to smile.

[Blackrose]

I know for a fact that my mom wouldn't allow me to own a Rattie while I'm still living here,

I stand corrected. I brought up the idea to her and she just gave me a look. It was the same look when I said, "On Saturday I'm getting a second Ferret." (Which turned out to be Dameon.) It means she isn't happy with it, but she'll go along with it.

I was thinking the other day about the STOs, and the only problem that I would have with them is they need a humid climate (around 75-80%) or they get all sorts of health problems. Generally not a problem, but it would be housed in my room and over the winter it is so cold (and in the summer it is so hot. ). I would be scared I wouldn't be able to keep the humidity level for them right, and I don't have a place to plug in a humidifier. I'd have to have the cage on my desk and that means the ferrets would be apt to climb it and terrify the thing.

So because of that, Ratties are now taking the #1 position. I spent some time with Freddie and Bonnie last night and they aren't faring well. Freddie has major bald patches on him and isn't as active, and Bonnie is having trouble walking. I'm predicting by the end of the year they won't be around any longer.

Christmas Ratties, anyone?

Now, I have a question. Rats need to eat a certain diet (Lab Blocks? Is that right?). Where can I buy that at? I looked at Petsmart, but they just had the seed mixes. I read somewhere that Ratties could also eat a high quality dog food (the example given was Senior Innova) and I do have access to that.
And I'd be planning on getting two Ratties. Can someone give me a rough outline of the expense needed to "start them up" and then the general amount in upkeep?

Thanks so much!