Hey guys, I have a few questions about rats since I might be taking one home from my animal care class over the winter break/
1. Do they escape easily out of cages?
2. Since I have 6 guinea pigs, would it be best to keep the rat in a different room. Since it might have to be quarinteened(sp?)
3. How long should I take him out for a day? He lives by himself so it's not like he has a buddy to play with.
4. I have a small gate that I use for my guniea pigs, now would that really work for Rats since they climb alot.
Thanks guys in advance :).
2007-01-30 14:53:36 · 5 answers · asked by Dog Lover 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Mommycalebs(sp?) No worries they don't use pine bedding they use carefresh for the ratties. Thanks for the help you guys, keep them coming!
2007-01-31 14:34:12 · update #1
CongRATulations on choosing this experience :) You might just find yourself falling in love with the little guy.
1. Unlike gerbils and hamsters I have found my rats to be rather content in their cages. BUT, if there is a bar spacing that is too wide, a hole they can make bigger, or a very determined escape artist, they will get out.
2. Yes it would be best to keep the rats and the GPs separate, in separate rooms.
3. Your house guest will appreciate as much time as you can allow him to be out of his cage interacting with you, but a minimum of 2 hours a day will suffice.
4. No, this gate will not keep in the rat. They can climb anything, including vaseline-greased table legs. I've tried it and they still out-smart me.
You're welcome.
spazrats
http://spazrats.tripod.com
Rat Slave at 38
Specializing/Educating others in the care of pet rats since 1997
2007-02-01 05:10:24 · answer #1 · answered by spazrats 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. No, not really. But it all depends on the type of cage. The cage I use has an entire panel on the top that opens and closes. It latches in two places to keep it firmly in place. I've never had an escape incident. :D
2. I think it would be a good idea to keep the distanced but in a whole different room might not be needed. I've never had any problems with my rat being near to other animals. But for the first few days it would be a good idea to keep them seperated.
3. My rat comes out whenever I've got time to watch her. I would say for at least an hour. They love interaction, and I'd say the longer the better. TV time is a good time to hang with rats.
4. I don't think a gate would keep a rat in, they can climb surfaces that are nearly flat.
2007-01-30 23:10:16 · answer #2 · answered by ljn331 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1. Sort of. You need to be sure that there is a secure lid on the cage. If they can get the lid off then they will escape.
2. As long as they aren't in the same cages and you practice good hand washing then every body should be OK.
3. As much as you have time for. It depends on how tame you want the rat. The more it is handled the tamer it will be.
4. Not a good idea to let the rat run loose. Rats are faster than guinea pigs and can fit through smaller holes than you would expect. If they can get their head through the opening then their body will go since they have collapsible rib cages. If you let your rat run around you are going to be looking for him shortly.
2007-01-30 23:43:28 · answer #3 · answered by T 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a single rat needs lots of attention. you may wind up taking it all over the house with you. it will need to be with you atleast a couple of hours a day. some rats can open their cages lock and others never do. i would keep him away from the guinea pigs at all times as they might see him as a threat and possibly food. the gate probably wont keep the rat in. i have a gate that we use to keep my year and a half old son in and my rat goes right over it. i hope your class isn't using pine or cedar bedding as it gives off phenols which are toxic to rodents.
2007-01-31 18:34:29 · answer #4 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, I commend you for voluntarily taking a rat into your home. Second, I would not let a rat out of a cage.
2007-01-30 23:02:07 · answer #5 · answered by beygrl 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋