new pet

ErikBush97 · 10-23-13, 11:07 AM

Duma refused her rat so it looks like we have a pet rat.
I offered her two small, she bit one and Injured it. I had to euthanize it, unfortunately. But the other one is healthy and happy. He's in a 20 gallon glass enclosure, with some seeds and some nuts to eat, and a bowl of water. Newspaper bedding, with about four additional pieces of shredded newspaper. Really cool to watch him make little tunnels in there. He's already constructed a little nest and everything (never owned a rat before so this is all new to me). We're going to go pick up some actual rat food and a suspended water bottle thingy. Really seems to enjoy human interaction

Kera · 10-23-13, 02:50 PM

I love rats.

I want a rat or a mouse to keep. Cheap, but my dad doesn't like rodents._.

ErikBush97 · 10-23-13, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kera

I love rats.

I want a rat or a mouse to keep. Cheap, but my dad doesn't like rodents._.

I.haven't liked rodents but after watching this guy, he's very cute

He's like a mini puppy. Very playful and cute!

Valvaren · 10-23-13, 03:30 PM

be sure to keep up on the cleaning, with aquariums they aren't the best for ventilation so when the rats urinate it has a tendency to build up ammonia which can be very bad for there respiratory systems which are sensitive.

ErikBush97 · 10-23-13, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valvaren

be sure to keep up on the cleaning, with aquariums they aren't the best for ventilation so when the rats urinate it has a tendency to build up ammonia which can be very bad for there respiratory systems which are sensitive.

How would you spot urine on Aspen? I just bought 20 LBS of Aspen and I put some in there for him. He's loving it

DeesBalls · 10-23-13, 03:37 PM

Rats are awesome pets, so inquisitive and smart... i had 2 for a while they were awesome little guys!

Valvaren · 10-23-13, 03:41 PM

I don't keep rats, I don't know what is good substrate, I am however aware of how people warn against aquariums for them and have myself read up about why rats owners tend to recommend people into looking into rats away from tanks. Its not that they cannot be kept in glass aquariums just that they require you to be much more aware of urine and ventilation of the ammonia from said urine. Because of that rats owners tend to try and sway people to rabbit or ferret type cages, those that have solid bottoms but are wired for the rest because they have much better ventilation and there is less risk to the rats respiratory system.

They do have sensitive systems, I would look into proper rat care and substrate, always look and spot clean.

ErikBush97 · 10-23-13, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valvaren

I dstore keep rats, I don't know what is good substrate, I am however aware of how people warn against aquariums for them and have myself read up about why rats owners tend to recommend people into looking into rats away from tanks. Its not that they cannot be kept in glass aquariums just that they require you to be much more aware of urine and ventilation of the ammonia from said urine. Because of that rats owners tend to try and sway people to rabbit or ferret type cages, those that have solid bottoms but are wired for the rest because they have much better ventilation and there is less risk to the rats respiratory system.

They do have sensitive systems, I would look into proper rat care and substrate, always look and spot clean.

Thanks! Headed to the pet store to get a better cage right now

Mikoh4792 · 10-23-13, 03:48 PM

For those of you who keep rats or mice in the house, do you find that your snakes bite you more often due to their feeding response? Even if you wash your hands doesn't the scent build up?

exwizard · 10-23-13, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

For those of you who keep rats or mice in the house, do you find that your snakes bite you more often due to their feeding response? Even if you wash your hands doesn't the scent build up?

I don't keep rats as pets but I used to. That said, on more than one occasion, I will have rats left over from a feeding session and resulting refusals. I keep them in lab cages under Big Mama's tank, in the stand. I have not noticed any increases in feed response when I go to handle my snakes. In fact I really wish Big Mama would get more of a feed response but that has not happened even though she has rats living under her quite frequently. Of course, I don't handle these rats because they are not pets but are merely living on borrowed time for a week or two.

TeaNinja · 10-23-13, 05:08 PM

i bought a live rat for nigma to eat a while after i got him and he put off food for MONTHS so i ended up getting a female rat and breeding rat pups for a while. too much work and i hate euthanizing animals. nowadays i just buy frozen rats in bulk from laynelabs. i have tons of pictures of rats though :P they are cute.

exwizard · 10-24-13, 01:29 AM

Yes they are!