We're getting guinea pigs. the neighbours in particular have rat encouraging habits. keeping rat numbers down is hard; all we can do is take measures on our property but for each rat rmoved, more move in from next door. will rats bother the guinea pigs or are they able to cope with them?
2007-01-11 13:03:46 · 9 answers · asked by sarah w 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Its OK, don't panic about the cold nights, I live in sydney, Australia! its 37 celsius today and I'veonly ever seen frost here a couple of time all my life. I'm not so worried about the rats eating food - we always pick this up to discourage them- but about whether they will atack the guinea pigs
2007-01-11 13:17:21 · update #1
Wild rats are very different then pet rats in that the wild wild have very strong survival instincts. They are cunning, they are adaptive, they are aggressive, they are both predator and pray, they will defend themselves tooth and claw if cornered, they are territorial, they might hang around your yard, set up a colony, if they think they can get what they need to survive. But, also for survival, they do not like confrontation and would rather withdraw if they can. And wild rats carry diseases that might (??) be passed on to your guinea pigs.
Guinea Pigs are defenseless animals. They would rather run and hide, and they will not fight back if attacked by a rat.
If there is ***nothing*** that will attract the wild rats to your guinea pigs, then your piggies should be safe. No guarantees.
Just make sure the piggie cage is rat-proof.
Since you're picking up the food, it won't be the food that is attracting them......unless there are food scrabs laying around? What about the cozy nested shelter? Can the rats gain access to the water source? These are things you need to think about, before you put the guinea pigs outside.
http://www.guineapigcages.com/catproofing.htm
Wow! Found next to nothing on this subject on the internet.
spazrats
http://spazrats.tripod.com
Rat Slave at 38
Specializing in the health and care of pet rats since 1997
(and along the way learned a lot about wild rats)
2007-01-14 16:25:00 · answer #1 · answered by spazrats 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats could be a problem, as they can fit through VERY tiny spaces. The biggest danger from rats that I can perceive, though, is that they could steal food or spread disease. They're not particularly aggressive.
What you really need to be careful about are raccoons. They are very clever and can open up most cage locks. I'd recommend using a lock with a combination or a key.
2007-01-11 13:09:51 · answer #2 · answered by Halley 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats are generally scavengers. They tend to eat what they find, not hunt and kill. I have never heard of rats attacking and killing a healthy animal, though I have heard of them killing sick or weak animals. That usually only happens when the rat population is WAY overpopulated and they cannot find enough natural food.
The rats are more likely to try and steal their food than to harm them.
If your guinea pigs are healthy adults I think they should be safe, but if they are very young, or old and sick, I'd suggest keeping them somewhere the rats can't get to them.
2007-01-11 13:14:54 · answer #3 · answered by Noner 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The rats will be attracted by your guinea pigs food and they will eventually cause trouble. Also remember that wild rats carry diseases & rabbies . I do think you should get a cage that will protect your pets.
2007-01-11 13:19:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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rats are predators but i think they will leave a guinea pig alone, particularly as he is eating the other food stuffs you are leaving out. if you get a container with a latching lid to seal the food up with, he'll go away cuz he has no food.
2016-04-05 04:11:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the guinea pigs are territorial about their food they may come into conflict with the rats and may be bitten or scratched. since you don't want your piggies injured or to contract any diseases, it's best to rat-proof your cages.
2007-01-11 13:46:01 · answer #6 · answered by susan w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wild rat will go out of there way to get some food, so yes it would be very smart to rat proof the area.
2007-01-11 13:10:36 · answer #7 · answered by answer man 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Geeezz don't put the poor little piggy outside...I sure hope you live where it's warm, They won't live in the cold, And i would say the rats will get them.....Guinea pigs are suppose to be pets inside....Their not dogs.....I don't think you will have them long if you put them outside....
2007-01-11 13:11:04 · answer #8 · answered by Happy_Wheatland 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Dear God, this sounds horrifying. I would think you would just report your neighbors to someone like Animal Control, Vector Control, Fish & Game or whatever you have where you live.
NO WAY ON EARTH would I leave a guinea pig outdoors with hungry rats...........
2007-01-11 13:10:45 · answer #9 · answered by Avon Lady 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Rat don't attack other animals, unless provoked. Even then they usually just piss themselves and run if possible. Although they may steel their food.
2007-01-11 13:13:14 · answer #10 · answered by silent*scream 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋