Re: I am so stupid
Hello,
I have been keeping rats for several years now and was thrown in the deep end...I know how tempting it is but unlike hammies, the rat breeding world has FAR more risk than hammies.
For a first time rat keeper I would DEFFINATELY get breeder rats, not only for stronger health lines but for lifelong support and advice.
As others have mentioned, rats, even breeder rats, are prone to lots of respiratory issues and tumours. So you need to be prepared for this. I did not research rats as much as I should have and it is only through building up a strong network of breeder and ratty friends I managed to cope.
Rats should never be kept alone, they are very social creatures. In terms of upkeep, they are pretty easy to maintain BUT they need lots of social time. Unlike hammies, ratties kept in a cage and got out once a week will get..mind the pun..very ratty!
The jenny cage is a good cage for a pair or trio. I would avoid the high street shops and look on ebay. I have the hamberley cage from EFC, I had a group of 6, now 5. But certainly the Jenny is a good starter cage. Amazon often has the cages cheap too. Have a look at cage set ups and ideas for toys if you do get ratties. Most toys are homemade, my ave rtty toy is a collander attached to the cage, and they ADORE hammocks.
Boys do NOT smell more than females. What it is, they scent dribble, which doesn't smell. ANY ANIMAL kept in a cage will smell, and it is dependent on room size, heating and substrate. Baby rats smell alot, but then all baby poop smells!
Rats are very clean animals. They can be taught tricks and are like little cats/dogs.
There is alot of debate about diet so be aware on that. Avoid high protiein diets after the age of 12 weeks as this can cause skin problems.
That is a VERY quick flyby to ratties, but please avoid rescues at least until if you do decide to enter rat keeping..ave some experience of the common ailments, what to look out for and taming etc. I have a breeder whom I get all my boys from now and she is always on call and breeders will always have ratties back if your circumstances change etc.
xxxx
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Feel free to ask me about rat advice too
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