*As someone who has had rats since November 2009, when I bought my first three rats from a rescue, that is no longer in operation. I did tons of research concerning rats, and ended up bringing home Lucy(who was over a year), Curri(Who was 6-8 months), and Melinda(6-8 months). I learned a lot from having older rats from the beginning but it isn't always a practical position for new rat owners.
-Why? Because you spend less time with them that you do a young rat. Meaning that rats have an average life span of about a 2.5 years, if you get an older rat you won't have as much time as you do a rat that is only 8 weeks old. So for me, it was really rough having to go through the benign mammary tumor that Lucy had last summer. Then having to put her to sleep a year ago this month, because she was bleeding uncontrollably from her uterus. I turned around and December hit and within 5 days Curri suddenly got extremely ill, February I had to put her to sleep for Mycoplasma. So as you can see, I have a lot of experience with rats and rat care.
Now, you may be wondering, "well, how am I supposed to know if a rat is right for me?".
Good question.
Rats are highly social, loving, curious critters.
They need stimulation, which is why you never buy just one.
1. How much time do you have to devote to your new furry friend?
-Rats require a lot of attention, and if you can't provide it all the time. You NEED to have more than one. It is actually not a good idea to have just one. Why? Because rats are so social by nature, just like humans, that they can fall prey to things like depression, anxiety, and stress from being alone too often for extended periods of time. Personally, I should spend more time with my rats, without a doubt. Everyone could use more rat time. However, I usually spend about a 1/2 hour- an hour and a 1/2 total throughout the day giving them love. This can vary from petting them, playing with them, giving them treats etc.
2. Will it bite you?
-Unlikely, unless you terrorize it or try to pet it when it is really sick. It is just like any other animal, if you treat it with love chances are it will love you in return. Yes, I have been bitten, twice, by Melinda, and both times she was sick and I didn't realize it. Which brings me to my next point.
3. Are they good with kids?
-Yes, they can be. But they must be monitored if the child is too young, just as you wouldn't leave a bird or a hamster in their care. You won't want to leave a rat either. This may also mean, that you will become the primary care giver of this pet. The same amount of etiquette needed to care for any small animal, applies in this case. Don't let them squeeze the animal, they can crush it, yes it does happen. Don't let them grab it by the tail, the tail is full of bones that can be easily broken or damaged, and the tail is one primary way that the rat maintains balance.
4. How often to do rats get sick?
-This is relative to the genetics of the rat. Some rats can have family that were previously used as lab rats and sometimes this can affect the offspring to suffer. Rats are most vulnerable for respiratory disorders, ranging from a cold to mycoplasma. However, it is something that is HIGHLY contagious between rats, and most rats carry mycoplasma whether or not it affects them in their life. It is often passed from mother to children upon birth, or from rat to rat from airborne exposure. With that being said, sometimes rats can get sick, a LOT, especially when they are older. This is something to keep in mind when finding a vet to accept exotic pets, and the cost they charge. Also, X-rays are ALWAYS a good idea, this can give you an idea as to what their lungs look like so the vet has a better idea when/if they become ill, how fast it is progressing or whether they are already a victim of mycoplasma infection.
5. Rats are difficult to diagnose at home.
-Rats are one of those animals that by the time you notice something is wrong, it may be too late. Rats are very adept at surviving, so they won't show signs of real illness unless it is getting really bad. This is why you may have a pet rat that you've taken to the doctor and suddenly, she seems all better now, then two days later she's sick worse than before. They are very tricky, I suggest you be well versed in the physical vulnerabilities of rats, and early signs of sickness.
6. Early signs of sickness.
-Discharge from eyes or nose, it can be red, yellow, clear, green etc.
It can range from being a sign of stress to a rat that is suffering from mycoplasma.
-Frequent sneezing, if a rat sneezes more than say 3-4 times a day, chances are that it has something respiratory or an allergy of some kind. Either way, a vet visit is most likely necessary.
-Extreme Change in coat, if the coat suddenly seems dull or your rat begins loosing hair, often times it begins at the base of the tail or the scruff of the neck. This is a more progressive sign that your pet is sick, either from an illness or is suffering an infestation of mites.
-Loosing function in a limb or noticing limping, or any signs of pain when using an appendage.
This can be something as simple as noticing an anxiety about using a foot, or dragging it behind them. Another progressive sign of illness.
-A choking sound, this is a sound that you will only understand when you hear it. It isn't an early sign of illness it is one of those sounds that you know, your rat can't get better. It is a choking sound, followed by a widening of the jaws, when they cannot breathe. This can happen in a week or less, rat sickness progresses incredibly fast. This is something mycoplasma causes, if you look inside their mouth you will find yellow-green mucous caked on their cheeks and farther down their throat. It is devastating to witness and for your rat.
7. Overall Cost
-Cost depends on how many rats you have, obviously the more rats you have the more money you will be expected to spend, whether it is food or vet bills. You can expect to pay for food, litter, and plastic gloves regularly. The plastic gloves I use to clean the drop trays at the bottom of the cage. Initial cost will include the above, as well as: cost of a cage, cost of buying the rats, buying a carrier for transport (to and from the vets office, to put them in when you clean the cage etc.), and a water bottle. Always get the chew proof metal ones that hang, don't get the small trays because you will be refilling water 3-4 times a day because litter gets clogged in the water from the movements of the rats.
8. Can you pick them up?
-Yes you can! Rats have an advantage over smaller rodents such as mice or hamsters, because rats LOVE to be picked up, if they aren't sick or traumatized. Exploring is very important to them and they welcome exploring your shoulders, jackets, your hair etc. They are big enough that they can be found if they run away from you, or somehow get out of their cage. Often times once a rat realizes they can sit on your shoulder comfortably, they will perch there and you can walk around the house with them.
9. Are rats intelligent?
-Yes! They love to people watch, they will follow you everywhere. They catch on quickly to when you come home, when you sleep, when they do something you don't like etc. They are quick learners, which is why rat training is rather popular.
Having a rat is an awesome experience if you are a fan of rodents and love the idea of them being as friendly and companion oriented as say a dog or a cat. Without them taking up as much space or requiring as much on the spot attention and care as a dog or a cat.
Personally, i'm a rat person.
That my fellow readers is the face of your new potential friend!
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