I am so stupid

[Amethyst_ice]

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

[racinghamster]

I`m with Amethyst on this. Rats do indeed need company and three is better than two because they suffer so much from respiratory problems you can lose one to it and have a lone ratty who will then grieve, so you need to be aware of that. You will also need a vet fund for supplies of Baytril and usually, stronger antibiotics as rats can be a labour of love where their health is concerned. You do need to have funds to help them if their breathing starts to become an issue. Tumours in female rats can also be more prevailant. Not so much in males.

Rats do make lovely pets. I kept them years ago, but they caused me so much stress over their health that I stopped keeping them and moved on to fancy mice and now hamsters again as I find hamsters far less hands on.

All I would advise is, if you feel you have the time, the funds and the mental strength to cope with respiratory problems should they arise, then go for it. I`ve just mentioned the things that can occur, but don`t always necessarily happen to all rats, but it is quite widespread so just wanted to make you aware of it.

Look on fancy_rats forum for good advice also. I used to be a member there although it changed formats not that long ago so I never got involved again.

My first rat was a male called Winston from the SPCA rescue centre and I can honestly say he was my best friend. But rats are just that.