i got a new rat two and a half months ago. I got him a very large cage, like a rat mansion! I got Oreo (rat) on of those habitrail pens and put it next to his cage and opened the cage door. Oreo stands on the cage ladder going to the pen, but all he does is sniff the air and go back in his cage. Is he lonely or depessed? Should i get him a playmate? What should I do? I my rat dieing?
PLEASE HELP ME! Is Oreo going to be okay?
2007-11-15 07:36:53 · 6 answers · asked by ♥ 2 in Pets ➔ Rodents
He's fine. He's just uncertain of the area outside of his cage. The cage is ''safety'', and exploring outside of it can be scary. Give him time. Place treats around the play pen to intrigue him.
My male rat (100% healthy and I've owned him for a year) will not explore outside of his cage, except for the perimeter of it. He must be able to touch his cage at all times. When I take him outside, he must be within reach of me at all time, otherwise he gets scared.
It's perfectly normal. My females will explore anything and anywhere and would probably get lost if I didn't keep an eye on them, but my male wants to stay close to what he knows is safe.
2007-11-15 07:43:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe Oreo just hasn't been in the mood to explore the pen. As long as he seems healthy (is eating, drinking & active, isn't sneezing, isn't making sounds when he breathes, isn't lethargic or losing weight & doesn't have reddish discharge around his eyes or nose), he should be ok-- if you're in doubt, have a vet check him out.
If he's healthy, a friend is a great idea-- rats really do get lonely & even depressed when they live alone. Just be sure that the new rat is also male & quarentine him for several weeks before doing careful & gradual introductions. From your description, that mansion is big enough for 2.
2007-11-15 15:50:55 · answer #2 · answered by Catkin 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I highly suggest you get him a male playmate or two (not female for obvious reasons). Rats are very social animals and can become depressed if they don't have anyone to play with. Your cage does sound large enough to be able to house a couple rats. Also, like another reviewer said, he may not want to explore outside of his cage. My rats love to, but all rats are different. Just get him a friend and see if that changes anything. I'm quite sure that it will :)
2007-11-15 17:05:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes he will need a friend. I have 3 and they all love each other to bits. do it very soon y he is young. also look on some sites about introducing new rats....as I will be here ages explaining the best way to do it.
2007-11-15 19:13:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him some time, he`s just adjusting to the new cage, surroundings, etc...In a couple weeks I bet he`ll be running all over.
2007-11-15 15:42:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are social creatures, they need others. They need lot-o-loving from you too.
2007-11-16 00:39:40 · answer #6 · answered by dude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋