Feeder Turned Pet...

This is the second time I've been stuck with a rat pup after a failed feeding attempt. The first one got eaten the next day and I cried like a softie. I've decided to go ahead and keep this one, probably will get him a friend tomorrow. I've been doing some reading on rats. I plan on turning my 20 GAL tall tank into a house with multiple levels. I'm going to pick up the Tractor's Supply swine feed tomorrow. Does he look big enough to eat solid food? He's about 30 grams, eyes opened, can walk around. He hasn't shown much interest in the food when I've been home. What color is he? A blue? He seems pretty friendly. Makes the chattering noise when I hold him, and kisses my hand.

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Awe how precious... The one problem I'd have with feeding live rats like those is the poor things being killed, although a part of me enjoys it when a snake eats. Do you have a thread about your rat breeding setup? I'm interested in possibly doing some light breeding, or at least want some good info on it

He's awfully small. You might need to do a milk supplement. I'm sure one of the rat experts will pop on to give better advice than I have.

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Originally Posted by pastelballs

Awe how precious... The one problem I'd have with feeding live rats like those is the poor things being killed, although a part of me enjoys it when a snake eats. Do you have a thread about your rat breeding setup? I'm interested in possibly doing some light breeding, or at least want some good info on it

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I haven't started breeding my own yet. I only have 10 ball presently, so no point yet. When I start breeding my balls I'll start breeding rats. This is actually my first pet rat, so I'm looking for info here myself.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

He's awfully small. You might need to do a milk supplement. I'm sure one of the rat experts will pop on to give better advice than I have.

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I believe I still have some kitten milk supplement....I would have to look. He licked some cheese, but I haven't seen him eat.

He looks either three weeks or just about, you could probably buy some Oxbow or some other kind of lab block and soak it in warm kitten formula.

ETA:
If you're gonna keep him or her as an actual pet, it would be best to get them a companion of the same sex, as they do much better with a pal. Are you sure of the gender?

Pretty little blue! That's what it looks like to me, at least - I'm no expert. I do love blue on just about anything, though.

He looks about the size of mine when I wean them. Soak the lab block in either kitten or human formula and eventually make it drier. He or she should be ok.

The breeder wanted to keep females, so she was checking their genders before giving them to me. Hopefully my other rat breeder will have some pretty males a little older than him. He's cuddled up against my neck right now :oops:. I still haven't decided on a name yet, not sure what theme I want to go with.

This is how it starts. I ended up with a feeder turned pet... And now I'm drawing pictures on their butts with sharpie to tell them apart.