I need some help for my rat :) ?

Question

Well yesterday I got a 3 month old albino rat named Kaiser (pronounced Kye-Zer)

I know you are supposed to get a rat from a good breeder or trusted pet store where they are handled daily, but I didn't know the conditions until I arrived.

The entire store is very cool and clean, and the rat cage was also very clean, but there were far too many rats in that one cage for it's size. I doubt they were handled often or possibly, got exercise, or possibly were underfed. Once I got there, I didn't want to be rude, and immediately connected with this rat, therefore deciding to buy it.

It has no problem however with being handled, it in fact clings to me, cuddles in my lap, and rides around on my shoulder. However, the poor thing has almost no muscle mass or any sense of fun whatsoever.

He almost seems to resist fun of any sort.

Will he warm up to this new concept of "fun", and what types of things can i do to help him?

I tried the wheel. He crawled on, and just sort of curled into a ball and shook a little. I really really don't think he likes it. He generally isn't what you would call lethargic.

Answer 1

Males are a lot less active than female rats and are quite content hanging out with you and snuggling in for a nice long petting session.

Bird toys are great options for his cage. They provide something for him to chew and play with. They sell small wooden balls with a treat in the center that could be fun for him. My own girls seem to pretty much ignore it, but many others find it fun. Ropes are a great joy for rats to climb up and down and different levels in a cage provide more room and stimulation.

My very best suggestion to you is to go back to where you got your new rat and buy another. Rats are social animals and if you cannot manage at least four hours a day to spend with your rat, he'll need a friend. Two rats are no harder to care for than one. A single rat is a lonely rat.

Rats need constant stimulation. You can teach your rat some tricks. The best one to start with is to come when called. You can do this by calling his name then putting a Yogie or other loved treat a bit away from him and have him come to it. Gradually increase the distance from him to the treat and eventually he will get the idea. Beg is another good one to teach simply by holding the treat over his head.

Kaiser is also new so his behavior probably isn't reflecting his personality yet. He'll need some time to be comfortable with his surroundings. I wouldn't worry.

As for his weight, just provide him with a balanced diet. Check out this site: http://petinfopackets.com/rats/ratfeeding.html Home made is the best food for your rat from the list, but the others are fine provided you supply fresh fruits and veggies regularly and stay away from anything on this list: http://petinfopackets.com/rats/ratfeeding.html

Once again, please get your boy a friend (another male from the same litter). It's the best thing you can do for him.

Good luck and please email me with any other questions!!
=)

Answer 2

I had a rat for 4 years. It is the only rat that I've ever had so I can't tell you what is normal for all rats. You might check out your library since I know there are books about keeping rats as pets. You may find some useful info on the net.
My rat didn't really care for a wheel either. I think her tale got in the way. However, she really liked climbing on people. That was actually her favorite thing to do. I gave her a very tall wire cage (home made) and put a strong branch running up in it. She seemed to like climbing on it.
You may just need to give the critter things to climb on or hide in.
Your best bet is probably to do some research regarding their diets, housing requirements, and possible exercise options. I believe that they are actually friendlier and far more intelligent than hamsters (even if the tail isn't quite so cute.) Good luck.

Answer 3

I have 3 rats and their the best pets I've ever had but at first when I got them they didn't really want to interact or have any fun, I also got them from a local pet shop that doesn't care about their animals very much but when I started taking them out of their cage more they became more interactive and now their more like dogs then anything else and I also got this roll around ball from pet smart that my rats just love and you can get them in so many sizes.

Hope U have a good time with your rat
and I'm sure he will enjoy his new home he just needs some time to get used to you.

:)

Answer 4

Some rats don't like wheels. But for encouragement try dabbing Nutrical or Ferretvite on the inside.

If there's enough room for stuff for him to climb on in the cage....try maybe a ladder for a bird cage or dog rope chew (double check how the rope is treated) or rope from a hardware store could be used too, if it's thick and it cannot be sisal. Just get a bit from a rope reel and hang it from the cage or criss-cross it.

A bird gym will also entertain a rat some time.

Rats do best in pairs, will help him get excercise and have someone to cuddle with when you can't.

http://www.dapper.com.au/articles.htm#scritch

My girls like being scratched on the rump. They start popcorning and chase my hand.

Oh yea, yogurt drops and unsalted sunflower seed make great treats. :)

Answer 5

Kaiser probably just needs to get used to you & he'll be more playful when he relaxes. Some of our rats have been pretty nervous & not interested in having fun for the first few days after we'd adopted them & them they were usually fine. Since it sounds like he's already comfortable riding on your shoulder, the 2 of you have made the 1st steps in bonding. Just keep giving him lots of attention & give him a hammock & some toys.

Answer 6

i would get some food (like a raisin or piece of apple) and hide it somewhere on you and hav ur rat find it do it on a regular basis and try to do it at the same time and when u stick ur hand in there to get him if he walks up to ur hand, he likes it...the i would put a wheel or buy a rodent ball

Answer 7

If there is a few squeaking and one pinning the different that's often play. yet whilst there is squeaking, blood, and the use o tooth then it is combat. If this happens separate them as quickly as accessible.

Answer 8

Yes, he will. First you will have to bond with him and once being in a home envirment and is used to it (about 1 week) he will show his beautyful personality. But bucks (male rats) are more lazy than does (female rat). Here is a lil care sheet just for you!

Is a rat right for you?
Rats make extremely good family pets; they are very intelligent and become quite tame with regular handling. There are many different colour variations available such as white, black, agouti and chocolate. Rats are not very expensive to keep, but you should buy the largest and most interesting cage you can afford. Rats live, on average, between two and two and a half years.

Where are rats from?
Fancy rats are descendants of the brown rat, which are thought to have originated from Asia. The keeping and breeding of fancy rats became popular in the early 1900s. As a result of captive breeding there are now many different colours and coat types, such as the Rex and even Hairless!


Where should you keep a rat?
Rats need lots of exercise and stimulation, so buy the largest cage you can afford. There are many different types of rodent cages available, however it is essential that the cage you buy is designed for rats and not for smaller rodents such as hamsters. Perhaps the most suitable type of enclosure is either a large wire multi-level cage or an aquarium with a well ventilated, secure lid as rats are extremely agile and can jump up to two feet or more! The minimum size cage for one rat is 60cm x 37cm x 22cm.

You should provide your rate with an entertaining environment. Suitable items include apple tree branches, rocks, tunnels and pieces of rope. Nesting boxes suitable for birds can also be provided. The base of the cage should be covered with a layer of wood-shavings. Sawdust should not be used as it is too fine and can irritate eyes and noses, and cedar wood-shavings can cause an allergic reaction.

You can also provide your rat with paper nesting material for him to nest with. Straw is not suitable as bedding as it is too sharp and may injure your pet’s eyes and mouth.

The cage should be cleaned at least once a week with hot water and a disinfectant suitable for pets. Rats are very clean and normally do not smell. Your rat will normally use one area of his cage as a toilet; this may need cleaning daily to reduce any smell.

Breeding
Female rats are capable of breeding at an early age. She can breed from as young as 6 weeks, but should be at least 12 weeks;
Pregnancy lasts between 21-23 days;
Average litter size is 8, but can vary up to 18;
The young rats’ eyes will open between 12-15 days;
The young can be removed from their mother at 4 weeks of age.

How to handle your rat
When you first get your rat home it is best to leave him alone for the first day or two, to allow him to get used to his new home. Allow your rat to sniff your hand before you handle him, this will help him get used to your smell. Gently stroke your rat in his cage to reassure him, once the rat allows you to do this he will normally allow you to pick him up. The rat should be gently scooped up with two hands, never pick him up by his tail. Once your rat becomes tame he will enjoy coming out to play at regular intervals.

Remember your rat likes to chew, so whenever you let him out of his cage he must be supervised at all times.

Keeping your rat fit and healthy
Rats normally stay healthy throughout their lives. However, they can be prone to a number of common complaints, most of which can be avoided with correct care and attention.

Rats can be prone to breathing problems; if your rat starts sneezing and is scratching excessively and there are no signs of mites this may mean your rat is allergic to something. Cedar wood-shavings can sometimes cause allergic reactions in rats.

Your rat’s teeth are constantly growing, and if they become too long he may be unable to ear properly. Signs that your rat’s teeth may not be growing properly are weight loss and a reluctance to eat and chew. Providing your rat with treats and a mineral block will help him to keep his teeth in trim. If your pet’s teeth do become overgrown you must take him to your vet.

What do rats eat?
Rats in the wild are scavengers and will eat a wide range of foods. In captivity you should provide your rat with a varied diet. The basis of a good diet should consist of a dry rat mix containing a mixture of seeds, peanuts and biscuits. This should be supplemented with cooked egg and washed and dried vegetables such as sprouts, carrots, cress, tomatoes and apples.

Feed bowls should be sturdy earthenware bowls as they are heavy, gnaw proof and easily cleaned and disinfected. Uneaten food should be removed daily, and the food bowl thoroughly washed. Remember your rat will drink a lot compared to other rodents so make sure clean, fresh water is available at all times.

Do rats like company?
Rats can be kept singly providing that you give them lots of human contact, care and attention. However, they are probably happiest kept in pairs from a young age – but remember, mixed sexes will breed very quickly, if not neutered.