I just moved into an apartment (from parents house). I am at home very other weekend. The weekends I am gone I am visiting my boyfriend. I would like to get a small pet (rat mouse gerbil hamster). I do work and go to school during the day. I come home to an empty apartment and was thinking of getting a small pet to come home to. given my current lifestyle which type of pet should I get if any at all? Will this pet be okay to stay alone over a weekend without any attention? how many should I get, two to keep each other company durign the day and weekend. what type of cage is recommended.
I have always wanted rats but not sure if they are suited for my lifestyle. please help give me some advice to make my decision.
thanks
2007-03-21 12:18:09 · 17 answers · asked by h20grl13 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I am in a similar situation... in school and home every weekend. I am also thinking about buying a pet rat.
If you're not going to be there on the weekends or much during the day, you should buy two rats. This way they can keep each other company while you're gone. Make sure they have a big enough cage and plenty of fresh water! On the weekends that you're not at your apartment, you could ask you boyfriend to watch them (make sure they have clean water and food.)
You could also wait until the summer to buy your furry friends. This way, you'll have a bit more time to spend with them while they're getting used to you.
2007-03-21 14:21:02 · answer #1 · answered by CollegeGal2010 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a rat would be a good pet. You should get two of them so they have eachother's company while your're gone on the weekend. If you leave them on the weekend, just make sure they have enough food (if you give them extra food they'll hoard it and eat it later) and water. You could try using 2 water bottles over the weekend if one isn't enough. Also rats aren't truly nocturnal so they can fit to whatever schedule you have. Since you're gone most of the day, they'll choose that time to sleep and be awake during the evening or night. As for a cage, Super Pet My First Home is a good cage, for rats.
2007-03-21 12:28:58 · answer #2 · answered by starmist822 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two pet rats would be good they will keep each other company just make sure they have a large enough (or more than one) water bottle while you're gone. Wire cages are best for rats. Tanks don't get anough ventilation. A paper based cat litter (one that doesn't have fragrance) is a good bedding. Leave them foods that won't go bad too quickly and they are set for awhile. They will eat just about anything, but I would check out this website for good diet information.
http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html
2007-03-21 13:04:54 · answer #3 · answered by the_gurl_in_ur_liquid_dreams 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The care of all pet hamsters is fundamentally similar, but there are differences in feeding and housing needs. Dwarf hamsters are sociable and are best kept with a cagemate of the same gender to prevent loneliness, but Syrians are extremely territorial and will kill other hamsters in their cage. Chinese hamsters can be kept in pairs or groups but require a relatively large amount of cage space for them to live peaceably. Although Chinese hamsters are very placid in nature, female Chinese hamsters tend to become very aggressive towards any male cagemates when pregnant. Hamsters are nocturnal by nature and therefore unsuitable as pets for young children. Many people prefer them to rats as pets, given rats' generally unsavory popular reputation. Unlike rats, they are not particularly good at learning tricks but can be entertaining to play with and watch. They are also much smaller than guinea pigs and therefore more appropriate for homes with limited space.
In many countries, the Campbell's hamsters are more popular than the winter white, while the reverse holds for some countries in Europe. Roborovski and Chinese hamsters are somewhat more difficult to breed and keep, and are usually only available from breeders and large chain stores. They are the least common type of hamster to be kept as pets. Hamsters are popular pets all over the world, with the exception of Australia and New Zealand where their importation has been banned lest escaped pets form feral communities, interfere with the local ecology and become agricultural pests and a real problem.
2007-03-21 14:49:52 · answer #4 · answered by Brandon911 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most popular answer will be "None".
The one's that come to my mind all live behind Glass Walls.
Like,,Fish, Snake, Reptiles, etc.
You should stay away from Furry one's because they need more attention.
Possibly consider getting your fix by volunteering at a local pet shelter or grooming place.
**and you would really get over if you could convince the guy who's milkin the cow for free to watch your pet 24/7 since you spend most of your free time at his place.
2007-03-21 12:26:49 · answer #5 · answered by sivik0007 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats can be very smelly, and need cage changes quite often...however snakes on the other hand need very little attention...BUT...they eat mice and rats, depending on how fond of rats you may not want to have a snake. If you don't think you would have a problem with feeding the snake rats or mice, a Ball Python is a great starter snake. Make sure you get one that is not head shy (try touching his/her head, they should not back away). And do not feed the snake in the habitat, place them in the bath tub with the mice, and wash your hands after handling the mice/rats so the snake will not mistake your fingers for his/her food!!
2007-03-21 12:29:28 · answer #6 · answered by seaschell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a couple of young ratties. The biggest cage you can buy. A wire one is good so you can carry it around. Exercise wheel in cage is necessary as well as a slow release water tube. New on market is a hammock that can be attached they really like it. Saw dust not too fine and kitty litter not too dusty for the flooring. Become really tame and will come to you for treats. They love most people food. Learn to look after them. Helps in taking care of your diet as well as they need regular vit c and vit B. Can be brushed with soft baby brush. Be careful as can chew holes in clothes and material and chew electrical wire not good for rattie not good for you. I call mine chicken so when I call her I do not scare the neighbours and it also confuses the vet if you have to go.
2007-03-21 12:41:34 · answer #7 · answered by njss 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How about a bird? Maybe 2 love birds. Eachother is all the company they need... just clean out their cage and give them enough food for the weekend. For more information check with your local petshop... Have you considered aquatic pets as well? Maybe a turtle or couple of fish.
2007-03-21 12:27:21 · answer #8 · answered by inSane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a snake, but talk with the sales person when you are buying one. Some snakes will eat once a week and and some will eat once every 2 days and others once a month.
2007-03-21 12:43:23 · answer #9 · answered by Wolfmanscott 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont' know how you feel about them, but a snake would fit into your lifestyle.
2007-03-21 12:34:54 · answer #10 · answered by a_guy_53 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋