What signs do I look for when picking out a ratlet? I have researched this thoroughly, but I would like advice from people who own/owned rats. Please give me your help, and thank you! :)
2007-05-03 04:08:06 · 5 answers · asked by Sunshine G 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
FYI- I know about keeping them in groups. I'm not one of those featherbrained people that buy pets on impulse. I read on them first! And it's just a myth that they bond stronger with their cagemates. They are better socialized and therefore approach you too!
2007-05-03 05:13:10 · update #1
If I were picking out a rat pup, I'd look for one that is active, has clear eyes, has no reddish discharge from the nose, is not sneezing, wheezing, or making a "chattering" noise (it's not really the rat chattering, it's the rattle of mucous in their respiratory systems and an indication of illness), and is friendly and comes to inspect hands and greet people.
2007-05-03 04:13:26 · answer #1 · answered by Pythoness 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you're looking a purchasing a rat you need to look at both their behaviour and body to check that they are ok.
Before handling them have a look at how they're behaving and moving around. If they seem quiet, are huddled up and looked fluffed up this could indicate an underlying problem, happy little baby ratlets will be running around together (unless of course they are asleep) check for any unusual movement, such as tilting of the head to one side and limping. If you see any signs of this avoid purchasing and make sure the person you're getting them off gets the rats to a vet to be checked.
When holding the little guys have a good look at their bodies - check for any lumps or bumps, bald or flaky patches, staining around the eyes or nose (porphyrin staining which is reddish brown), any unusual staining around the rear/private area, excessive sneezing or wheezing and rattling. All these things can indicate an underlying health problem so should be avoided.
Personally I advise going through breeder than through shops as you'll find a breeder will keep their animals in much better, suited conditions and will know the life history of their babies and their parents. Rats can carry problems which can be genetically carried on to their offspring - if you get a rat from a shop you have no guarantee they will know if anything could happen in the future.
And also - remember rats love the company of their own species, so unless you already have a rat/rats you are going to keep in with your new guy - i'd strongly recommend getting a pair! This wont affect how playful or friendly they are towards towards you - it just means you'll have twice the fun! And as all good rat cages are big enough for more than one rat it's not much more difficult to care for two.
Hope this helps :)
2007-05-03 11:21:55 · answer #2 · answered by motzeye 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the rat does not have rapid breathing or red discharge from the nose/eyes. Those are common signs of respiratory infection, which can be difficult for them to overcome, even with the help of prescribed medication.
Make sure they do not have abscesses on their feet (commonly known as bumblefoot). Check for mites (little red parasites). Check for any unexplained lumps.
Other than that, make sure you are able to handle the rat(s) before purchasing, to see if they are calm or skittish, friendly or a biter. Also, check for yourself, to find the gender of the rat, as there are a few times, when the pet stores mistake one or two. (Not a problem, unless you plan on getting a female, and there's a male hiding in the mix).
Watch them in the cage, to see if they bully any of the others, or if they get bullied. Try to get the ones that live peacefully with the others.
After you get your rat(s), I recommend a vet visit, just to be re-assured that your new companions are healthy.
Good luck in finding the perfect rat(s) for you!
2007-05-03 13:04:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
when you look for a rat you want to make sure that it is very active, no discharge from the nose or the eyes, eyes are clear and bright, in good weight, free of mites, and usually you can tell if it is going to be a good pet if you can pick it up at first, but if it scatters when you put your hand in there then that is a sign that it will take some time to tame. i breed rats and that is how i tell if they are going to be pets or feeders. if i put my hand in the cage and i can pick one up and hold it then that one will be a pet but if i put my hand in that cage and it runs around from me and i can't pick up then that one will go as a feeder. i don't get very many of them that don't want to be picked up but i do get some. that is how it is. but if you get one and it is a feeder rat your chances are that it will bite and it wll be harder to tame and hold. you want to get one that someone has bred and that they have as pets. look for one that is held all the time and that you can pick up with no problem. i hope this helps and good luck in finding one.
2007-05-03 12:05:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
there's nothing special to look for, they all look healthy, but you'll find out
2007-05-03 11:40:53 · answer #5 · answered by luckford2004 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋