Fancy Rats Forum

Due to the number of people who have expressed a desire to see this forum remain in place, the admin team has decided to keep it open over the coming year. This will be a trial period, and if we can't raise the funds necessary to pay for hosting, then it will have to close for good next April. Pleas...

So sorry to read this, but it's fortunate you were able to help her go comfortably.

Have these changes happened at the same time? It could be that the squeaky one has injured the base of his tail and the other is frustrated by wanting to play when he doesn't due to being in pain. Does he react when you are handling him? If it is an injury it's likely to heal up within a few days, a...

Sorry to hear she's behaving like that. Girls can be so much more complex than boys. It may just be a stage she's going through, or it could mean she'd benefit from a spay - is her behaviour cyclical at all? If she came from a breeder, talk to them about it in case it's something they've seen before.

I think putting 2 or 3 young girls (intros would normally be at about 8 weeks) in with 3 large adult bucks could be a bit much for them, that's why I think adult girls might be better. See how the boys are about 6 weeks or more after the neuters, if they are very chilled then good sized doe kittens ...

Poor Maurice (although maybe he winds the others up somehow?).
If you do get them all neutered then adding a couple of adult rescue girls would probably work out best.

The jenny access is way too awkward, you'd need to put a big door into the front. I think the build quality is also pretty rubbish these days. The freddy max is okay for 4, but still pretty minimal in terms of space. The chichi2 is essentially the same cage, but marketed for chinchillas and has diff...

I think it's a really good idea to get Runa a friend of a similar age. You'll see, that the girls will become friends and the big rat will help her. And it will give you a chance to see the beauty of the pack. Because rats are most wonderful when there are more of them together... I think you've go...

I agree - this is just rats being rats, but training may be a good way to focus Gunther's interest. I would also suggest that adding a couple more rats fairly soon would be good for the balance of the group (one more if you can still get a sibling). Rats do best in a group of 3 or more anyway, but g...

Rats can get an upset tummy if they aren't used to a food and are given a lot at once. As for the farting - mine live in a rat room, so I wouldn't be able to tell, lol.

Sorry I've rather neglected the forum for a week or two... Most breeders handle very confidently, and as long as they are picked up in a comfortable way, then they will feel secure. One problem pet homes can find is they are too tentative around rats and that can unnerve kittens who are used to just...

Rats will quickly get used to a busy location, and that's great for their confidence, you don't want them to be tucked away. They don't need quiet so they can sleep - they nap rather than sleep anyway, and they will adapt to your routine, so if you're busiest in the middle of the day that's when the...

Vets fees will vary a lot - some have got higher overheads, some try to charge for unnecessary extras like a night in hospital and/or histology. I pay around 120 - 150 these days for a lump removal, but if the rat is relatively young, it can be worth having her spayed at the same time. The sooner th...

Yes, most rats love it - but as with all treats, give sparingly.

It is a good way to help a poorly rat regain some weight though.

I take it you got him neutered okay then? A second litter tray would be a good idea anyway - I like to provide one high up next to the main bed, and another on the floor, the high one gets most use. Maybe choose one of a different style in case the doe recognises it as still her bed. The sputnik is ...