Adopted four female rats today..

[Kymberli]

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.

[llovelace]

They'd make acceptable breeders

[Jessica Loesch]

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!!!

[Jessica Loesch]

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

[Kymberli]

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.

[Michelle.C]

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.

[Jessica Loesch]

awesome. and x2 on the colors!!!

[Kymberli]

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.

[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....

[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.