Ratties rat care

[adeline13]

Hi so my sister whose 5 wants a rat, and i just wanted to find out as much info on them as possible. I don't really know anything and before we do adopt one i will research but i just wanted to find out thins fro you guys. So what do i need to know about rats? thanks

 

[Starthecavy123]

I've never had a rat before but you can search for rat forums on the internet.

 

[Pawesomepet]

They should NOT be in tanks they have high ammonia content in their urine and tanks don't ventilate this out they should be in a rat cage that has multiple levels. They love ferret hammocks and need stuff to chew. Rats should be in pairs or groups if you can only get one this is not the pet for your family. They are extremely sweet and lovable.

EDIT: I absolutely agree with bpatters I've got rats there's no way a five year old would be able to take care of them (I also work at a daycare)

 

[bpatters]

The main thing you need to know is that a five-year-old is nowhere near old enough to take care of a rat, so you need to figure out who's going to do that.

 

[adeline13]

I would help her take care of it like I said I have no clue how and don't know all of the requirements and stuff

 

[Pawesomepet]

Well like I said it would need to be a them otherwise there shouldn't be any consideration of getting rats. She needs to understand that her fingers or hands shouldn't be near the cage when it's closed I can't begin to tell you how many times I've been bit they've even bit my cat once. He won't go anywhere near them now! I've got the sweetest girls however I have been bit out of fear before as well so this is something that needs to be considered.

 

[sallyvh]

I just want to forewarn you @adeline13 about the smell of rats. I believe it was you who posted about smell issues with your guinea pigs and in my opinion rats have a strong scent. My roommate has rats (2 females) in a Critter Nation cage which she keeps in her bedroom. They are relatively litter trained and she keeps their cage clean, regardless though her rooms SMELLS STRONGLY of rats. Guinea pigs do not compare at all. If your parents have issues with the pigs I think they will definitely have problems with rats.

Also not to comment or be rude but I believe you are just a teenager and you have many Guinea Pigs, can you really afford rats? Or do you have time to adequately spend with the pigs AND the rats? especially if you're going to school. You also need to the time to properly supervise your sister with them. Rats can be very squirmy and love to explore.

Not to deter you because they are awesome pets but you really need to think about it before adding more animals to your life.

 

[adeline13]

Yes I will think about it and I didn't knwo they were smelly I though they were very clean animals. I actually homeschool so I can be with my animals all day and my parents would pay for the rat or we were also thinking about forstering them.

 

[sallyvh]

They are super clean but they have a very strong natural odor! I think fostering is a good idea if you can find a rescue in your area. That way you get the ownership experience before you fully commit to purchasing your own supplies and getting rats!

 

[Agrimony]

I thought I'd love rats as pets but my roommate has one and he reeks, totally stinks even with a clean cage.

 

[Princess_Piggie]

Rats are also great escape artists. My boyfriends family used to breed them and they got out of their cage all the time. They're not a low maintenance pet either, and since you've mentioned more than once in some threads that you're a bit overwhelmed with all your pigs, maybe you should see if your sister would be interested in something a little more simple as her first pet, like a hamster? Or you could even let one of your pigs become 'hers' even though you care for them.

 

[xTayzx]

Ok, so they do not smell if their cage is cleaned regularly. Rats like to play and are very active so will crawl around up and down shoulders so she will need supervision with that rats. Get two as they are very social. Don't buy a rat off just anyone, either look for a rescue or a breeder as breeders aim at breeding safe tempered rats that do not bite. they are a very rewarding animal to own!