I have noticed alot of rats being rehomed/sold as "feeders" in my area on craigslist, as well as in the shelters. I know a couple of you at least have rats in addition to your beloved piggies. I was curious if your daily tasks change drastically when you have rats and piggies? I have the room, no problem, and can get all the rat supplies quite easily. I spend approx 6 hours per day on piggie care (have 6 piggies so I guess that breaks down to an hour per pig a day
) but can increase my time in my rescue as much as 4 hours to accomadate more cleaning, loving, playing, feeding, etc. I also dedicate a whole Saturday to complete cage cleaning, restocking my container of pellets, buying a weeks supply of fresh food, extra outdoor and free range time, etc.
Do you think I would be over my head by expanding?! My capacity for guinea pigs, I have decided, is about 10 right now. Rats.....maybe 5 to 10 for now.
I guess my main questions is if the routine could remain the same with rats: 2 hours of feeding/individual loves/free range/spot cleaning in the morning and 4-5 hours of the same in the evening. Maybe adding an hour to each? (I figure free time could be balls with rats, right? And a covered playpen with new and exciting things to see/do?)