Okay, my rat (Sugar) is 4 years old, and going on five. I know she is getting old, and she won't eat out of out hands anymore, she sleeps most of the day, and she is getting REALLY skinny. When I pick her up I can feel her ribs. I've been feeding her everyday etc. Is this a sign that she may be dying?
Okay. I am thinking about getting 2 guinea pigs ( a long hair and a short haired). I wasn't sure if I should get 2 females or 2 males? Which ones are more friendly? Which gender seems to be more relaxed?
2007-07-08 05:54:50 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
I am sorry, but that is just what they do when they get old. Your rat will probably die soon. : (
I would definitely suggest getting female guinea pigs because they are a lot more friendly then male guinea pigs, and they are also a little more relaxed, (unless they are pregnant.)
2007-07-08 07:38:20 · answer #1 · answered by Fish Dude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a rat, the normal life of a rat is 2-4 years, so your rat actually has made it far. My rat made it about 5 1/4 years, and yes, your rat is dying, I am sorry to say. Try to keep the food dish right next to her, and same with the water. I am so sorry to have to tell you the news. About the guinea pigs, either is fine, males might play a bit more though. So if you want something that plays, buy males. If you want guinea pigs that are more relaxed, buy females. Males just like to run around and hop around. Females will do it, but not as much, and are usually lazier. Hope all of my info helps you out.
2007-07-08 06:02:37 · answer #2 · answered by computermaniac78 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She might be dying.. she is really old for a rat, which is good because some people cant even get the rats to stay alive for a month. I suggest make it the best time for her, if it makes you feel more safe you can take her to the vet to see if theres anymore hope in her.
Guinea pigs are great... female grow smaller than males so if you dont want a big guinea pig (up to 1 foot) than I suggest you get a female.. male guinea pigs sometimes fight with each other so if you want to get male ones you should keep an eye on them for 2-4 days to see if they get a long or not. I cant say which one is more friendly or more relaxed because that depends on there personality. I suggest you adopt them too because the pet store ones are un healthy
Hope I helped and srry for your rat
2007-07-08 06:53:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunately Sugar is on her way to the next realm. I know it's hard but for 5 years (alot for a rat) she had a good life filled with love. I still remember my first rat Guenivierre, she was the best, lost her quite a long time ago and still think about her. My condolences to you
Always had better luck with short hair female pigs.
2007-07-08 07:44:35 · answer #4 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Male guinea pigs are very lively and active.Females are more laid back.Males are normally friendlier.
Your rat is getting old and since shes slowing down it mgiht mean she is at the end of ehr life.My 4 going on 5 year old guinea pigs ribs are easy to feel. But shes not ready to give up yet.
2007-07-08 07:23:36 · answer #5 · answered by Cavy Slave to 3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As everyone else said, 5 years is a stupendously long life for a rat. She is probably very close to the end. You need to try and keep her comfy, give her plenty of yummy soft foods and make sure her water is easily accessible. I would also remove any steep ramps or tall toys that you have in her cage. If she doesn't pass on her own, and simply continues to get worse, you should take her to the vet's office and have her humanely put to sleep.
2007-07-08 08:06:23 · answer #6 · answered by Laura M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm happy you opt to get him a pal atleast you realize what you're doing. Male guinea pigs can a hundred% stay at the same time fortuitously. it truly is in basic terms a fable that adult males constantly combat. it would of been greater proper to get 2 from the comparable clutter in spite of the incontrovertible fact that it truly is advantageous to function yet another boy... a good trick is to cause them to smell the comparable perhaps placed somewhat vanilla essence on them, then placed them in a great play pen or on the floor with an incredible form of veg in the middle and hiding residences around... they commonly are greater fascinated in the yummy veg and fruit and don't even problem approximately the different piggie. good success :)
2016-10-20 07:17:06 · answer #7 · answered by wallin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok its a great choice that you want to get two guinea pigs! they will be much happier if you do. two males will most likely fight and girls wont. guys get more territorial so girls will also be more relaxed. the long hair guinea pig's hair will need to be trimed around its eyes and bottom once in a while so ot can see and stay more clean. you will also have to brush its hair often. good luck!
2007-07-08 07:36:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry about your rat, but it's probably near the end for poor Sugar. My rat Stevie died when he was 3 years old, unexpectedly in his sleep. Stevie was truly healthy, but it was just I suppose. His cage-mate Benny lived for six years! To tell you the truth, Benny was the boring one -_-
2007-07-08 08:36:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
she might be...bring her to a vet for a final answer...
♥ Leah ♥
2007-07-08 06:02:17 · answer #10 · answered by Leah <3 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋