2007-03-21 19:45:24 · 5 answers · asked by toadstoolcouch 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Is the rat actually *eating* the paper? Rats do a lot of chewing but they have muscular flaps on either side of the jaw, closing off the esophagus and preventing inedible materials from actually being swallowed.
http://www.ratbehavior.org/Teeth.htm
If the paper has ink on it make sure it is printed with a soy-based ink which is safe for rats. Other inks are toxic to rats.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soy_ink
If the rat is truly eating paper, then watch his eating habits concerning the paper. Too much will cause a blockage, a little bit will pass right through him.
It may even be a medical problem if he really is eating too much paper.
From the website
http://www.ratbehavior.org/Glossary.htm
"Pica: The consumption of non-nutritive substances like clay, kaolin (a type of clay), or even bedding. Pica is the rat's response to nausea, as rats cannot vomit."
spazrats
"my life has gone to the rats"
2007-03-24 21:46:00 · answer #1 · answered by spazrats 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope! I don't think paper can hurt rats. Mice/rats chew on paper and cardboard all the time. Just make sure he doesn't get a hold of anything he can choke on.
And are you sure he's eating it? He might just be making a nest with it. I know they do that sometimes. I also had a lovebird that tore up perfectly even strips of paper and nested with them....
2007-03-22 02:50:21 · answer #2 · answered by ~SouthernBelle~ 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
be careful about the paper that they are chewing on. most papers have dyes in them that can be dangerous to the animal. also they bleach paper to make it white. if you can go to the pet store and get them a chew tube. it is coloured with food based dyes.
2007-03-22 14:59:25 · answer #3 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nah, your rat should be fine. Sometimes they're not eating it, they just like to chew on it because of the texture...
My rabbit does it.
Anyways yeah, dont worriee your rat is just being a rat =)
2007-03-22 03:58:22 · answer #4 · answered by Nick 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
well its a rat rats eat everything so i wouldnt worry i had a hamster that loved straw wrappers she would put them in her cheek pouches and use them for bedding not sure if a rat has cheek pouches but im sure it will be okay
2007-03-22 06:24:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋