Adopted four female rats today..

I'd been looking to add a couple rats to my menagerie and thought it would be best to adopt them instead of purchasing from a breeder. So, I found a couple who bought their kids four 7 month old female rats before realizing the wife was allergic. Obviously they were most concerned about finding a loving home in which they wouldn't be snake food. I could never understand how anyone could do that to someone's pet.

Anyway, obviously they're nothing special but it would be nice to know what their color and coats would be called. I assume they're dumbos? I'm new to this, lol. The only rodents I've owned were guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice. This is my introduction into the rat world! And I've already been bit, pooped on, and peed on.. what a welcoming.

I apologize for the cell phone pictures, my camera's battery is dead. And excuse the dirty cage, this was right after I brought them home. I immediately took them out and scrubbed every inch of the entire four level cage including the hideaway, food bowls and water bottle then put fresh Aspen bedding down. Poor things were living in the worst smelling filth.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...IMAG0254-1.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...3/IMAG0261.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...3/IMAG0264.jpg

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They'd make acceptable breeders

look like regular norways to me?

I'm new to the rat world too!!! I'm getting my second female on Thursday can't wait!!!

Question... if you adopt said rats for non snake food, but plan on breeding them to make snake food, is that still okay? lol

I honestly see no issue with that, Jessica. But at this moment I don't plan on breeding. It's a possibility but I'm certainly not going to consider it until I'm completely prepared to handle the responsibility of pregnant rats and babies. The breeder I purchase my feeders from charges me $4.50 for three small rats and two pinkies (TOTAL) so I'll continue to give him my business. :)

I see Agouti and a Black Hooded. None of them are dumbos. Cute rats though! Out of all of the "fancy" type colors/coats I keep, Agouti is my favorite. :)

:) awesome. and x2 on the colors!!!

Yes! I was hoping they were in fact Agouti but I wasn't going to say anything until someone else confirmed it. Back when I started looking through the different types Agouti was my favorite. Hopefully eventually I can expand on the variety but I'm quite pleased considering I got these adorable girls, their cage, and their food free of charge. Now I have some fun little rats to keep me entertained lol.

Correct me if im worng, But Ive been told and read wheels for rats are not good. Something with their size and stress on the back when running. Any truth to this?


Welcome to the other addiction to reptile keeping. Rats....

Hehehehe, I just made my "dream rat". He's a rex, dumbo agouti. He's got a small flaw (English Marked), but other than that, he's perfect! :)

To me, Agouti Rats always seemed to have more personality, but maybe it's just me pulling favorites.

Anyway, lovely ladies! I'm sure you will enjoy them. Rats make such rewarding pets, even if you do decide to breed them to produce feeders. Neither are exclusive.

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Correct me if im worng, But Ive been told and read wheels for rats are not good. Something with their size and stress on the back when running. Any truth to this?


Welcome to the other addiction to reptile keeping. Rats....

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If someone has an answer to this, I'd love to know as soon as possible! I did try to take it off while cleaning because even if they did use it, it's way too small for them and I'm sure they get enough exercise climbing and jumping from level to level. I was unable to take it off because the previous owners stripped the screw and tightened it so much I have no clue how I'd get it off. :hmm: But if there's a risk of them being injured I'll figure out a way to remove it or immobilize it.

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

Hehehehe, I just made my "dream rat". He's a rex, dumbo agouti. He's got a small flaw (English Marked), but other than that, he's perfect! :)

To me, Agouti Rats always seemed to have more personality, but maybe it's just me pulling favorites.

Anyway, lovely ladies! I'm sure you will enjoy them. Rats make such rewarding pets, even if you do decide to breed them to produce feeders. Neither are exclusive.

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Oh, I'd love to see a picture if that'd be possible! I absolutely love Rexes and would die to have one! Maybe I'll find myself a male Rex for these ladies. ;) Unfortunately the closest breeder of rats that I know of is about seven hours away. The rat breeder I know of down the street from me only breeds standard black hooded for food purposes. If I breed for feeding, I want cute varieties.
You may have a point there about the Agoutis having more personality. The Black Hoodeds have refused to come out of hiding but the two Agouti have been exploring all night. :P

I like hairless rats. Not sure why.

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Correct me if im worng, But Ive been told and read wheels for rats are not good. Something with their size and stress on the back when running. Any truth to this?


Welcome to the other addiction to reptile keeping. Rats....

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Technically, proper sized wheels are fine for rats. The wheel appearing in that photo is a little too small though. Overuse of wheels that are too small can cause "wheelie tail" and other spine issues. Although, Most rats aren't really impressed by wheels, so it's usually not much of an issue (unless they are bored). :)

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

Technically, proper sized wheels are fine for rats. The wheel appearing in that photo is a little too small though. Overuse of wheels that are too small can cause "wheelie tail" and other spine issues. Although, Most rats aren't really impressed by wheels, so it's usually not much of an issue (unless they are bored). :)

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I will try again this week to remove it because like I said above and you just stated, it definitely is too small. I just don't want to stress them out more right now. They've been quite skiddish since arrival, which I was told is unlike them so I'll be letting them calm down for a couple days other than giving the occasional treats. So far they only use the wheel to hide under and climb on top of.

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Originally Posted by Kymberli

I will try again this week to remove it because like I said above and you just stated, it definitely is too small. I just don't want to stress them out more right now. They've been quite skiddish since arrival, which I was told is unlike them so I'll be letting them calm down for a couple days other than giving the occasional treats. So far they only use the wheel to hide under and climb on top of.

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Grab a couple of cardboard boxes (Popcorn, Soda boxes, etc.) and toss them in for the rats to hide in. If you have the extra money, buy a couple of igloos and ferret tunnels. This will give them things to hide in to feel secure.

By the way, cat, bird, rabbit, ferret, etc. toys are perfect for rats. Many times I can find the cat toys (feather, jiggle balls, crinkle balls) for less than 50 cents. The rats seem to adore them and they are disposable so when you do a complete cage clean, you can toss them.

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

Grab a couple of cardboard boxes (Popcorn, Soda boxes, etc.) and toss them in for the rats to hide in. If you have the extra money, buy a couple of igloos and ferret tunnels. This will give them things to hide in to feel secure.

By the way, cat, bird, rabbit, ferret, etc. toys are perfect for rats. Many times I can find the cat toys (feather, jiggle balls, crinkle balls) for less than 50 cents. The rats seem to adore them and they are disposable so when you do a complete cage clean, you can toss them.

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I'll toss a few more hides in there since their cage is so large, they do however have a huge igloo already in there. All four fit in there with extra space but they all cuddle up in one pile. Rather cute, I must say. The toy idea is great though! I just wasn't sure what material would be bad for the considering they typically chew anything you give them to bits. Also, I've seen people mention feeding table scraps to rats, such as chicken. I actually have a lot of fresh chicken scraps that I typically feed to my dogs but can give them. They're off of a whole chicken, so my question is are chicken bones bad for them or can those be given as chew treats as well?

I heard you can but don't take my word for it :)

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Originally Posted by Kymberli

I'll toss a few more hides in there since their cage is so large, they do however have a huge igloo already in there. All four fit in there with extra space but they all cuddle up in one pile. Rather cute, I must say. The toy idea is great though! I just wasn't sure what material would be bad for the considering they typically chew anything you give them to bits. Also, I've seen people mention feeding table scraps to rats, such as chicken. I actually have a lot of fresh chicken scraps that I typically feed to my dogs but can give them. They're off of a whole chicken, so my question is are chicken bones bad for them or can those be given as chew treats as well?

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If you have all of those hides in the cage, you can toss the wheel. It won't do anything to stress them out.

Table scraps are an excellent idea, but keep in mind there are certain things you should not feed them. I'll list a few off the top of my head, but you can do a search for a "do not feed list".

Chocolate
Onions
Fats (Including chicken and beef)
Peanut Butter (they can choke)
Carbonated Beverages
Apple Seeds
Raw Peanuts and Beans
Blue Cheese (contains toxic molds)
Poppy Seeds
Raw Artichoke, Raw Red Cabbage, Raw Sweet Potato
Brussel Sprouts
Green Bananas
Bitter Almonds

However, chicken bones are excellent. They give them something to chew on as well as being nutritious. Most fruits and veggies are safe too, but always remove the seeds. The only thing off the top of my head that is bad is Iceberg Lettuce and it's bad for everything.

I also make my rats a treat mix usually containing the following; Kashi Brand cereal, Total cereals, Puffed Millet, Puffed Rice, Puffed Wheat, Veggie Noodles, various nuts (I generally avoid peanuts), Rolled Oats, Cheerios, Grape Nut cereal, granola, and pretty much any other kind of grain that goes on sale that is healthy. I will also toss in a bag of mixed human grade seeds as well as a bag of high quality large parrot seed and a bit of high quality (low protein) senior/healthy weight dog food. I prefer Solid Gold Holistique Blendz.

This is on top of their lab block, of course. But honestly, if you are looking for a lower budget, just look for things on sale and remember, variety is key.

I greatly appreciate that! Thank you! Along with the list you've given me, I'll do more research on the does and dont's of table scarps. Works out nicely with the chicken though. The dogs can get the leftover meat and the rats can have the bones that I typically am forced to just throw away. :) I'll also attempt to remove the wheel just to provide them with more space since they don't need or use it, but it's going to be a difficult task. As I said before, the previous owners tightened it onto the cage ridiculously tight and stripped the screw that holds it together. :hmm: Extra fun work for me.

I'm quite curious.. I'm not sure if it's just due to the thirty minute bumpy car ride home or the new surroundings, but they are quite skiddish and all but one of the Agouti refuse to come out of the igloo. I'm desperately hoping they become more comfortable and bond with me. Right now the only space I have for their huge cage is right next to my bed (which is simply a mattress on the ground due to the recent move from out of state), is it possible that being right next to me like this will help them become used to me quicker? I'll of course be handling them very often, but as of yet they are terrified of me and struggle to run back to their cage.
Thank you for your tremendous amount of help, Michelle!

I think they are gorgeous, not crazy about the hooded, but still cute. Thanks for giving them a good home!

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Originally Posted by Kymberli

I greatly appreciate that! Thank you! Along with the list you've given me, I'll do more research on the does and dont's of table scarps. Works out nicely with the chicken though. The dogs can get the leftover meat and the rats can have the bones that I typically am forced to just throw away. :) I'll also attempt to remove the wheel just to provide them with more space since they don't need or use it, but it's going to be a difficult task. As I said before, the previous owners tightened it onto the cage ridiculously tight and stripped the screw that holds it together. :hmm: Extra fun work for me.

I'm quite curious.. I'm not sure if it's just due to the thirty minute bumpy car ride home or the new surroundings, but they are quite skiddish and all but one of the Agouti refuse to come out of the igloo. I'm desperately hoping they become more comfortable and bond with me. Right now the only space I have for their huge cage is right next to my bed (which is simply a mattress on the ground due to the recent move from out of state), is it possible that being right next to me like this will help them become used to me quicker? I'll of course be handling them very often, but as of yet they are terrified of me and struggle to run back to their cage.
Thank you for your tremendous amount of help, Michelle!

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I don't recall reading how long you've had them (sorry, half asleep), but give them a few days to settle in. They need time to adjust, even the most social rats will be shy for a few days.

Usually, when I'm trying to bond with new rats, I'll take a stool or whatever will put me at eye level and just set my hands on the bottom of the cage and let them come to me. Of course this is while handing them irresistible "nomnoms". It seems to do the trick most of the time. Even still, it can take weeks to win their trust. Just don't force them to do anything and you'll get there faster than you think.

When I win their trust enough for them to let me touch them, I play the "get the rats butt game". It seems to make them super happy, they jump around and chase your hand. I just make soft, happy noises and sorta just gently scratch above their tails. Once they start jumping around (like they've had too much coffee), you can move your hand around the cage like you are running from them (yes, your hand has become a rat) and they will chase. Eventually, they might even roll over on their back and let you get the rat bellies. It's hard to describe though, but the most important part is talking to them in a sweet/playful tone.

I usually get to the stage where they are wanting to play by using various toys. Especially the cat feather toys that are on the strings. Wild rats have a taste for birds and the feathers tickle, so it's an instant attention getter. Then just move the feather toy around their cage and make them chase it. Most will sucker into it and catch on that you are playing.

What i give my rats they seem to LOVE is pizza crusts, Peas, and Cheerios. And if i have spare hard boiled eggs ill toss them in with females that just had a litter.

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

I don't recall reading how long you've had them (sorry, half asleep), but give them a few days to settle in. They need time to adjust, even the most social rats will be shy for a few days.

Usually, when I'm trying to bond with new rats, I'll take a stool or whatever will put me at eye level and just set my hands on the bottom of the cage and let them come to me. Of course this is while handing them irresistible "nomnoms". It seems to do the trick most of the time. Even still, it can take weeks to win their trust. Just don't force them to do anything and you'll get there faster than you think.

When I win their trust enough for them to let me touch them, I play the "get the rats butt game". It seems to make them super happy, they jump around and chase your hand. I just make soft, happy noises and sorta just gently scratch above their tails. Once they start jumping around (like they've had too much coffee), you can move your hand around the cage like you are running from them (yes, your hand has become a rat) and they will chase. Eventually, they might even roll over on their back and let you get the rat bellies. It's hard to describe though, but the most important part is talking to them in a sweet/playful tone.

I usually get to the stage where they are wanting to play by using various toys. Especially the cat feather toys that are on the strings. Wild rats have a taste for birds and the feathers tickle, so it's an instant attention getter. Then just move the feather toy around their cage and make them chase it. Most will sucker into it and catch on that you are playing.

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Great suggestions! I'll definitely try those once they've had more time to settle in. I just brought them home yesterday afternoon, so they're still quite shy. But wow.. once the lights were turned off last night they sounded like they were having a party in their cage. Even though they have ramps going from each level to the next inside this cage, I've noticed they enjoy jumping over them. I swear it sounds like they're doing "cannonballs" from each level to the one below. Nearly gave me a heart attack each time I started drifting off to sleep, lol.

I do hope they eventually are as playful as you've described. That is just too cute. I would absolutely love to have rats that did that. :)