Rats as pets...

[pocoyo]

I have never really thought about having rats as pets until I started reading the threads on this forum about all you beloved rat owners. I think the connotations of rats being dirty and diseased always lingers in the back of my mind when I think about them. However, from reading all the information about them, I have really warmed to the idea of keeping rats as pets.

I would be grateful if anyone could give me some information on what it is like to have pet rats. I am wanting to adopt a small animal. I like the sound of the interaction of rats. Are they very interactive with humans? Is it common or does it very much depend upon the personality? What sorts of things do they enjoy doing? Do they play? I am really interested in gaining information from people's experience of the personality side of rats. I would be grateful for any information.

[wickedrodent]

Im so glad you are looking into rats, they are really really great pets. As much as I love my guinea pigs, my preference for a small animal has changed dramatically since owning my two rats- Jasper and Jinx.

Both my boys are super friendly. They both come to the cage door anytime I go by and LOVE to come out and play. Jinx is more of a cuddler, while Jasper has different moods- Sometimes liking to cuddle, sometimes wanting to play. In general females are more active while males are more cuddly (although all babies are playful).

I would honestly describe a rat more like a tiny dog than anything else. They are very loyal. Both of my guys are being trained to ride around on my shoulder. Jinx went to the store (party factory) with my and slept in my hoodie pocket most of the time.

My favorite 'game' with them is hand wrestling. I softly pull my hand over their fur backwards and then they run away and run back full speed to jump on my hand.. They could do this forever.. its really fun.

If you have more questions- feel free to ask!

[LadyBelle]

Mine run to the cage door, but they are mainly checking to see if I have brought treats in for them. Having them run around on the floor and watching them play can be extremely relaxing. There was one time I was laying on the floor to watch tv and one of the rats came up and snuggled up to me and fell asleep against me.

Watching the personalities can also be great. I have three rats; Mister ratty who is white with red eyes, Miles who is black and white, and Reggie who is a dove colored and white. Mister Ratty is greedy and will take a treat, go hide it in the corner, and then come back for another one to see how many he can get out of you. While he is busy hiding his and trying to get more, the other rats will eat one, and then go start stealing from the corner where Mister Ratty is stashing his. He views himself as smart, getting extra, and the other two view him as room service.

One thing, especially if you get male rats, is the urine issue. The rats will urinate against the bars of the cage and it basically will spray out against the wall or anything else near the cage. Make sure anything around the cage can easily be wiped off. The urine can also make the cage itself a mess as it evaporates and leaves behind a sticky residue. This can be easily cleaned with warm water or a vinegar mix, but if you buy a cage that can open enough to fully clean, it will make it much easier. I just bought the Ferret Nation cage for my guys.

Rats can also be litter trained depending on how much you work with them, and somewhat with natural personality. For the most part everyone I've talked to that spends time with the rats and on training the rats, they have learned to use the litter for pooping. Urine is more of a spontaneous thing and marking of territory, so you can't really get them to do that just in the box, but you can try.

[wickedrodent]

One thing, especially if you get male rats, is the urine issue. The rats will urinate against the bars of the cage and it basically will spray out against the wall or anything else near the cage. Make sure anything around the cage can easily be wiped off. The urine can also make the cage itself a mess as it evaporates and leaves behind a sticky residue. This can be easily cleaned with warm water or a vinegar mix, but if you buy a cage that can open enough to fully clean, it will make it much easier. I just bought the Ferret Nation cage for my guys.

I haven't noticed this why my guys at all... Maybe they just aren't old enough yet. I do agree that the Ferret Nation is a GREAT cage, I definatly recommend it. I also recommend fleece + towels as bedding.

[YANGLiCiOUS]

Rats are really great pets!
As much as I love my dog, hammies and GPs, my rats are really the one that jumps on to me daily now.

Remember, rats need socialization so it would be good that you take them out at least for 1-2 hour(s) per day.

I love to just give them the tickle in their belly (Research show that rats laugh when tickled!) They'll slowly open up to you on this though, sometimes flipping them on their back is a tough one when they aren't that trusting you yet.

Remember the cage should be fun, as rats are smart, they need things to keep their mind going.

[LadyBelle]

I wasn't trying to discourage you from having rats, they really are wonderful pets. It's just when getting a new family member it can be really important to know the upsides and be prepared for the upkeep. Too many animals get rehomed or worse because people aren't ready for some of the unpleasant aspects.

Being such a good piggy parent you are probably more then ready for the maintenance aspect of having rats and other pets. By asking here and doing the research about rats you can go into the relationship fully prepared and have a wonderful time with your new friends. You might even find them easier then pigs to care for.

When I make the dinner salad for the pigs, I will give the same thing to the rats, just adding some protien and occasionally whole grains. While they can't share a living space, they are interested in many the same toys. When I get my new setup finished the pigs and rats will all have large, separate cages. I'm hoping they can time share a play area.

[Piggersrule]

Ratties make excellent pets, I have 12 right now and would love more. They are VERY social and do very well with several in a cage. The more you have, the more fun you have watching them. I have 7 females and one neutered male in one cage and they are a blast to watch. Of all cages pets, Ratties would have to be my favorite. When raised properly, they can be very friendly, loyal, loving and trusting and love to be handled and played with. Males tend to be more snuggly and females are much more active but not always the case. I have one female that just loves to snuggle and curl up next to me. Every rats is different when it comes to their personalities, you just have to interact with different ones to see what you like. Do keep in mind that when the time is right, adopted your rats in pairs. A single rat does not do well alone. They need the companionship of other ratties to thrive.

[pocoyo]

Thank you for all your replies. Rats certainly do sound like lovely pets :0). I am saving up for the largest version of the Ferret Nation. I went to my local RSPCA two weeks ago to donate small animal beds and had a look at the small animals while I was there. They have lots of rats. I am thinking about adopting about 4. There was some adult rats and they also have babies as one of their rats turned out to be pregnant. I was thinking about 4 babies or 2 babies and 2 adults. I'm not sure about how rats are together. Are they like guineas where they need to be introduced carefully to see if they get along or are they just happy to socialise together which ever rats they are with?

Also, what sorts of things do they like to play with? Do they play with toys etc? Like cat toys and things?

What sorts of things do they eat? Do they need veggies? What sort of daily diet do they require?

[wickedrodent]

Are they like guineas where they need to be introduced carefully to see if they get along or are they just happy to socialise together which ever rats they are with?

They should be introduced carefully, but I believe its rather easy to house them together after they are finally introduced. Unless of course you get a loner-rat. If nothing else you could section off the FN into two parts. Are you going for the 2 level or 3 level?

Also, what sorts of things do they like to play with? Do they play with toys etc? Like cat toys and things?

I have cat jingle balls and loads of places for them to hide. They like hammocks, digging box.. basically anything they can climb in/tunnel through. However, what they like the most is coming out and playing with me.

What sorts of things do they eat? Do they need veggies? What sort of daily diet do they require?

They require a lab block. Harlan or Oxbow- Regal Rat are the best two. I also suggest making a suebees grain mix. I give my rats fruits and veggies once a day (at night) when I give my pigs their 2nd of the day. Lettuce, Pepper, Carrot, and basically a little piece of whatever I have on hand.. The key is moderation. There are only a few things that are forbidden. I think another factor is nothing bigger than their head. A little piece of everything is good.

Here is suebees-- ratsrule.com - suebee's rat diet
Harlan-- Kim's Ark Rat Rescue - Food, Treats and Supplements
Regal rat-- Oxbow Pet Products
More food help-- the Rat Report

[Rattie Mom]

Everyone has had so many good suggestions and advice so far. I just wanted to chime in about rats as well. I had my ratties before my bunns and piggies. Although I adore all animals (my dog and cat included), ratties are my biggest love. I've had them as pets for over 7 years now and couldn't love them more.

Unfortunately, girl rats can mark just as much as boys. They can also pee down the side (or back) of the cage too. They also can BOTH be litter trained quite easily. Young ratties might take a bit of time to train. But just like a kitten, you pick up the stray poo and put it in their box. In no time, they get the idea. I've found that using a different kind of litter like yesterday's news that is separate from what you line the cage with, helps them get the idea. I even had a girl once that would pick up the stray poo that someone left outside the box, and put it IN the litterbox!

As for who to adopt, I think 4 ratties is great idea! Is it possible for you to adopt a mom and daughters? Or two mom's with a daughter each? I have some sister combos, brother combos, and a mom/daughter combo (I have 20 rats ). You tend to see quite a bond between them, but not to say that ones that meet later don't bond....because they will. I might just be careful to do proper intros of adults to babies. And if that's your plan...you might want to go with girls. Adult intact males, might find young baby boys a threat and it could take longer to intro them or worse.

Girls are more adventurous and playful. Boys (after they grow out of the crazy baby stage) are more laid back and calm. If you are looking for a cuddly lap rat....your probably more a "boy" rattie person. But if you want a smart, problem solver that loves your company and is always "busy"...then girls are for you. I have both and love them equally. But girls tend to be a bit more my favorites as they are so darn fun.

The FN cages are beautiful....but the bar spacing can be dangerous to babies and small females. They can get their heads caught. Babies will definitely get out. So you might consider either lining the cage, or waiting until the babies get bigger, to put them in the FN.

I can't access my photobucket pages from my work pc, but I did post a pic of one of our cages in Wickedrodent's rattie thread a while back. I have a ton of hammocks, igloos, pvc pipes, litterboxes, nest boxes etc in my cages. We line the upper levels with fleece and the bottom with aspen.

A sad couple of "downsides". Ratties are not the most healthy of animals. They are very prone to respiratory problems. So you should consider the fact there will be vet costs, as they deserve proper vet care like all other animals. Females are extremely prone to mammary tumors. So much so, that you can pretty much just plan that it will happen. However, there have been more and more proof that spaying females at 4 months, drastically reduces the likelihood of tumors later in life. And surgery for a 4 month old, is much easier than a tumor removal surgery (or 2) later in their life. We have all our females spayed now...and so far, those that have been...have not developed a tumor (my others all did). Of course, like piggies, they need to go to a knowledgeable exotic vet that has a lot of experience with their special needs.

Ratties also have way too short of life spans. Generally only 2-3 years. And when they leave you....they take your heart with them. I just lost a beautiful little old girl last night.

Wickedrodent hit the nail right on the head when she refered to ratties like tiny dogs. That's exactly how I feel...though in all honesty...they are smarter than most dogs. They know their names, come when called (well most of them), use their litterbox and are the cleanest animal I've ever seen. They are constantly bathing themselves or their pals....and they will even try and groom you too. Some will even try and get in your mouth for a little Rodentistry!

[pocoyo]

Thank you for all your replies and links.

You are convincing me more and more that I would like to adopt rats. We are in the process of moving home right now so hopefully next month I can start getting everything set up with the FN. I am hoping to get the biggest one that I can afford. Bigger is better. Do females interact with humans or just each other? I would really like a small animal who will come and sit with me for a bit and enjoy the company of humans. I love my piggies to bits but they are not lap piggies and prefer to left alone with each other as long as they have enough food hehe. They let me stroke them but are always cautious as piggies are in nature.

Will ratties climb onto ur hand once they are comfortable with you? Are they able to wander around the home or will they try to escape? The only small animal other than guinea pigs that I have had is hamsters. They were very skittish and I had to be careful that they didn't run away or jump off me. They didn't like the human contact.

I guess what I am really looking for is a small animal who is interactive with me. I love the sound of them coming up to you and snuggling in for a nap. I just can't imagine that. I also can't imagine them learning their names and how smart they are. they just sound great! They obviously have a very misinterpreted reputation.

[wickedrodent]

Will ratties climb onto ur hand once they are comfortable with you?

Defiantly! My boys would rather come out to play with my than get treats! Its odd how they are complete opposites of pigs.

Are they able to wander around the home or will they try to escape?

You could do a floor time scenario, but you would have to be there the entire time. Since rats can climb over fences and such its hard to make sure they are safe. Honestly, most rats would rather be playing with you or sleeping in your pocket than wandering around the house or playing with toys.

[Rattie Mom]

Both males and females will interact with you. Just imagine how a little dog would be around you....and that's how the rats are too. They are truly amazing little animals.

Our female rattie, Phoebe is our little favorite (shhh don't tell the others ). She was out on the bed with us while we watched tv (a regular occurance with Pheebs). She likes to burrow under the blankets and then will climb up on my chest and lay down while I give her scritches, pets and smooches. She thinks she's a little human . She likes to share a bowl of ice cream with her "daddy", and will sit in the fleece igloo we put on our bed and watch tv too. If she has to go potty, she climbs up into a cubby we have on our headboard and uses the play area litter box we have for them.

Seriously, imagine the most interactive, attentative pet you've ever had....then double it...THAT's a rat!

[pocoyo]

Wow! Oh my goodness!

My mind is set...I am definitely getting ratties! hehe

They sound amazing. I can't pass up a chance to experience animals so great!

So, my mind is made up. Just have to wait till next month until I can afford the FN and everything to set it up. Then I will go and choose the ratties. I was thinking of maybe getting 2 babies and 2 adults...but I'm not sure. Would it be better to get 4 babies? Or 4 adults?

[Rattie Mom]

Chosing adults or babies depends really. Do you have a rattie rescue in your area? If not, perhaps I could help find one. I have had both breeder and rescue ratties. Although I have a huge "sucker stamp" on my heart when I see babies born that are relatives of my own ratties......nothing warms my heart more than to save a rattie that might not have otherwise found a good home, or especially those dear little ones that had a rough start in life . Some of my most cherished ratties of all (my phoebe who I mentioned above) have been rescues.

I think what you might want to think about is letting the ratties pick YOU. If you can go to a rescue and see what they have, sit with the ratties and see who interacts with you. Perhaps you might find a lovely momma that has just weaned her babies. You could take her and three of her daughters. Or if there is a group situation with a few adults and few babies already living together, then you might take 2 of each. I like to know who is already bonded....and sometimes you'll see that too.

One thing to keep in mind too, with as short of lives as they have, if you adopt an adult, your time with her/him can be shorter. Adults are obviously harder to find homes for, so I've often adopted them over babies. But it being your first ratties, you might want to experience the joy of all those bouncing/popcorning little ones.

Ok, I could go on and on.....but maybe just go take a look...I'm sure the ones that pick you, will warm your heart either way.

[pocoyo]

Well I went to my local RSPCA about two weeks ago to donate some cozies which I had made. I asked if I could have a look at the small animals because I am interested in adopting a rabbit. When I was there I saw lots of rats and one of them had just had babies. Therefore, I am thinking that by the time I get everything ready for the ratties, the babies might be ready for re-homing.

I do think it's a good idea about letting them pick me. I will have a chat with the people at the rescue centre as they will know about their personalities and who has bonded with who.

I just can't wait! He he