OK rat queston???

[Hellix2494]

I got 5 free rats recently. 4 males and one female that was nursing 6 pups.

two days ago the pups started opening their eyes. It now apears that all their eyes are open and they are kind of moseying around the tank.

My question is how long should I keep them with the mother? I have no idea how old they are? How long after they open their eyes should you separate them from the mother?? I guess that is the question I need answered.

[Freakie_frog]

Till you see them start eating grown up food

[Hellix2494]

ok i tossed a hot dogg in there and a couple of them looked like they were trying to chew on it.

[West Coast Jungle]

ok i tossed a hot dogg in there and a couple of them looked like they were trying to chew on it.

Are you feeding them hot dogs?

[Hellix2494]

its the only thing i had laying around the house. the mom and the other rats seem to like them as well as leftover pizza.

I need to find a place to get some rat food that insn't $10 for 5#'s.

[Patrick Long]

rat food is expensive!

but hot dogs and pizza will not make good food for your snakes!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

According to your description those pups are about 2 weeks, 1 to 2 more week and you will be able to wean them from their mom.

ok i tossed a hot dogg in there and a couple of them looked like they were trying to chew on it.

Keep in mind that whatever goes in the rat’s belly will end up in your snake’s belly.

You want to feed healthy food to your rats.

Quality Rat food can be found in feed stores near you, a 50 lbs bag should cost you around $20 and will last a long way if you only have few rats.

[Hellix2494]

ahh yes that makes sense. I will have to look for a local feed store then.

[Hellix2494]

Now when you put the food in the cage do you jsut use a ceramic bowl? or something else?

I just bought a 5lb bat of Forti-diet from the local pet shop and in like 2 min she had it all out of the bowl and scatered aross the tank??

[littleindiangirl]

I don't like the Kaytee products.

But for the scattered food issue, you will have to only give them enough to finish in a day, after a few times you'll find out how much they can finish in a day. Rats will stash their food regardless of what you do, it's just what they do.

If you want less waste, you can use lab blocks in a hopper made of 1/2 inch hardware cloth. No waste and the rats have food 24/7.