The rest of our critters *pics*

[Garter_Gertie]

'Ster... Today is the yesterday of which you spoke...

SPILL!!!

I saw "Fancy Rats" today, $10/each. Would I be better getting a male or a female? And just how much attention do they need to be happy as a singlette? Can they get along with cats? Or, can cats get along with them?

How big is the hole I'm digging for myself here?

[crzy_kevo]

That's actually the b/f's snake...yeah, he's into Redwall. I had to have the really girly, petite ball with an extra girly name

i used to watch the cartoon series when i was younger but wasn't asmodeus a garter?

[count dewclaw]

Actually Asmodeus was a viper

[Topaz]

'Ster... Today is the yesterday of which you spoke...

SPILL!!!

I saw "Fancy Rats" today, $10/each. Would I be better getting a male or a female? And just how much attention do they need to be happy as a singlette? Can they get along with cats? Or, can cats get along with them?

How big is the hole I'm digging for myself here?

I'd never, ever, recommend anyone get a single rat to live by itself. It can be very torturous for such a social animal to be kept alone. However, if you absolutely have to have only one, the ideal minimum time for human interaction is at least 4 hours per day...that includes playing, "grooming," cuddling, etc.

the Rat Report

Some cats/dogs get along with rats, many don't. We have one dog that thinks they're her puppies, and another that sees them as squeaky toys. Better safe than sorry, keep the cats away from the rats.

More info here: rattyrat.com
goosemoose.com
ratfanclub.org

And "fancy" rats are no different than "feeder" rats aside from color and markings. They have no different health problems or behavior problems. Our best, most friendly and lovable rats were "feeders"

[Lori P]

I agree.... Gertie, get two. Rats just really need each other. And how fun to watch them interact! :-)

[Garter_Gertie]

Well, if I do, think I'll get one o'those $350 plastic - what's that stuff called? Oh! Plexiglass! - herp cages. No cat's gonna fall through the roof o'one o'those.

Two males? Or two females?

Wes, Mr. Mouser, loves to quietly sit and watch the four Boys. Sly likes to get on top on the wire tank lids and try and get in... Wes would prolly love the rats, as would Mayo. Pickles and Sly would comsider them interactive squeaky toys...

[Topaz]

Well, if I do, think I'll get one o'those $350 plastic - what's that stuff called? Oh! Plexiglass! - herp cages. No cat's gonna fall through the roof o'one o'those.

Two males? Or two females?

Wes, Mr. Mouser, loves to quietly sit and watch the four Boys. Sly likes to get on top on the wire tank lids and try and get in... Wes would prolly love the rats, as would Mayo. Pickles and Sly would comsider them interactive squeaky toys...

Make sure your rats have a wire cage. Poor ventilation can be the cause of many health problems. They may only be $10 in the store, but rats are not cheap pets. I have thousands of dollars invested in my clan due to surgeries, URIs, UTIs, viruses, etc. Rats are prone to many illnesses.

Males, once they hit 4 months to a year old, are more laid back, hang out on your shoulder/lap type pets. While many females like to be cuddled, they're always on the go and more playful. Females are also more prone to mammary tumors. 70% of all nonspayed female rats get them. They're easy to have removed from a vet, but can be costly in the long run (they often come back, but not always.) I usually recommend males for first time owners. Also, that way you're guaranteed no oops litters thanks to pet stores not keeping males and females apart.

Rat Guide

ETA: martinscages.com
Ratty Corner Cage Calculator

[Garter_Gertie]

I think it's gonna a be a LONG time for me and traz. Thank you all for the initial info. For their sake I need to have less on my plate with Puggies and Kitties.

I'm glad I asked before going off the deep end.

Though, I think I'll name them Ben and Michael!

[Topaz]

I think it's gonna a be a LONG time for me and traz. Thank you all for the initial info. For their sake I need to have less on my plate with Puggies and Kitties.

I'm glad I asked before going off the deep end.

Though, I think I'll name them Ben and Michael!

Yeah, rats take up an enormous amount of time and space, regardless of what they may seem at first. I hate to think of how many rats we've gotten from people who realized just how much effort goes into these pets.


I got a couple more pictures to share. We went to look at a local pet store (one of which I will not name, as it's conditions are far less than desirable for all the animals in their "care.") I had been wanting a syrian hamster since I was 16, and since they're in such high demand, they're rarely available via rescue (when one becomes available it's usually quickly snatched up.) So we were looking at pet stores. I've been to 5 so far, all of which had prety hamsters but none that I really "fell" for if you know what I mean. There were a few that didn't bite, but I just didn't feel anything for it. We finally came to this raunchy pet store and they had 3 adult syrians in separate tanks, and a tank with about 5 "panda bear" hamsters. Goldens are my faves, so I looked at the two golden adults...they both tried to kill me. The babies weren't any differnt. The last one to look at was the male "black bear." I wanted a male, but had no interest in all black hamsters. Well, I figured I'd take a look at him anyways. I put my hand in and pet him, and he jumped a little, turned to sniff me, then just sat there. The employee said a family came in and just handed him to them and said they were tired of him. So, I picked him up and he just melted in my hands....he came home with me.

This is Agent Jay (I thought with those ears he looked sorta like Will Smith from MIB.)


He is such a sweetheart and actually looks for attention.

While I was cuddling this guy and deciding if he was meant to be mine or not, the b/f wanted to play with the dozens of baby dwarf hamsters that were on sale (for 3 bucks each, no less.) None would let him hold them except one little girl winter white that leaped into his palm. She came home as well!

This is Ambrosia.


I wanted to get her a friend since this species is usually fairly social, but we decided not to give the store any more of our money. And aside from that, the b/f said, "I just bought a hamster...what's wrong with me!?" lol

[Topaz]

Also wanted to share this pic of an ASFR baby girl. She's turned into quite the little biter.