Rats or degus? Rats it is!

[Emma]

I've just been mentally re-designing my room to fit a large rat/degu cage in.....and I'm pretty sure that it would fit :)



When I was working at my local rescue about 6 weeks ago I completely fell for an elderly ratty called Charlie Brown, if he's still there in a fortnight when I'm back from my holiday I'll be taking him home, but if he's not (and there's a good chance he won't be, as he really was an elderly chappie :( ) I have a choice to make....should I get rats or degus?



I have space enough for a cage large enough for 2 or 3 of either, and more to the point can afford one at the moment too (it's student loan time!). There will be plenty at the rescue so availability isn't a problem.



Rats & degus are very different......what do people think about them?



(I don't anticipate any problems between the hamsters and rats/degus.....already had to move the boys' cages up to higher shelves as Phoebe could climb up to them when she was having out-time).

[ailsa]

Rats are easier to keep than degus. Degus cannot tolerate sugar so they have a strict diet. They are more vocal than other rodents though and are quite fun to listen to.



ailsa

[Emma]

I know about degu's dietary requirements....I'm not sure it makes them that difficult to keep though.



I'm just looking to muse really - I pretty much know the different pros and cons of each husbandry-wise just wondered what people thought of rats/degus behaviour wise and as pets, as I've never kept either myself although have obviously worked with both at rescues & vets. At the moment I'm landing more on the side of rats as they're a more "interactive" pet (and probably bucks as they're bigger cuddlebums!) but then degus are attractive for other reasons....being less smelly for instance (IME) and as they're less handleable pets (although I would try to tame any) they'd perhaps need less time from me. Their chirpiness is a plus for me too.



Do you keep degus ailsa?

[ailsa]

It doesn't really make them difficult to keep, as such, you just have to be more careful in what you feed them, whereas rats can eat almost anything.



No, I don't have any degus but I've considered them recently. I do have rats though :) They are great pets, I'd recommend them to anyone. If you want one that will sit on you and snuggle in then definately bucks. They wont smell (badly) if you spot clean daily and wash the whole cage thoroughly once a week.



ailsa

[Emma]

Well....I kinda got carried away! I knew I was after rats really I think I just got distracted slightly by degus last night.



I'll soon be taking home these two boys http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/community/v ... hp?t=27601 (http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/community/viewtopic.php?t=27601) (I was the second person, will be having the black and one of the champagnes).



I'm very excited! Won't be taking them home till after I get back from the lakes, but might be going to visit them this week sometime.



If any of you ratty folk out there have any tips for a first-time ratty mum, all are welcome!



(Phoebe just got extra cuddles tonight, and some chicken as a treat - just so she knows she's still loved even though there will be new arrivals!)

[babyboos]

Aw that is so great Emma - your first rats :oops: . I think those wee guys have got a great life in front of them with you. Well done to you for taking on the responsibility.

[nooboo]

sounds great I hear they will make very loving pets, congratulations, I hope we will get to see some nice pictures of them once they are settled in

[ailsa]

That's great Emma. I fell in love with the black husky too, he's soo cute. Good luck with them.



ailsa

[babyboos]

In regards to the possibly brain dmaged Champagne boy will you need to give him need any special housing/treatment? That black is a lovely pattern. Have you got names thought out yet?

[Emma]

I've been given some more background on him. I think it's likely to be cerebellar hypoplasia - something we're more familiar with in kittens whose mothers were infected with panleucopenia. If that's the case then the balance problems should be the extent of it, in cats there is no decreased life expectancy and the animals are usually very very friendly & cuddly. I'll know better when I've visited him, but it should just be a case of being extra careful about how the cage is furnished and making things a bit easier for him.



Names......I'm thinking Dexter (black) & George (champagne) at the moment.....what do you think? Not going to decide until I've met them!

[babyboos]

I like George and Dexter always reminds me of "Press Gang" (Dexter Fletcher) are you too young to remember that?

[Emma]

I remember Dexter Fletcher.....I've always had "Dexter" pegged as a pet name and I think that's where I got it from!!! George seems to go nicely and I've always liked that name. "Milo" is another possibility.

[babyboos]

Yes another good strong male rodent name :wink:

[pophammy]

They are lovely. I believe rats are very inteligent and lots of fun too. How about Moet and Chandan!!!!! Well one is a champagne rat! Brut and Cuvee. Bollinger and Mumms oh I could go on forever. Spot the champagne fan (Pophammy senior that is!!) Good luck with them. They are lucky boys

[babyboos]

Love the stuff too but closest I get nowadays is Cava usually :oops:





I like Chandon actually for a name and ... Dom ! Doesn't it sound butch :roll: