Help with conversion from Mice to Rats

[indygunnerguy]

I was in the same predicament over year ago but 'nothing' seemed to work in the conversion of mice to rats until I started using 'dirty mouse bedding' and tough love. At least w/ dirty mouse bedding, you don't have to worry about wasting a new mouse each time. Just a thought....Good luck!

Just how long do I hold out? He has refused 3 rat pups in a row and it's starting to stress me out!

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[ckuhn003]

Just how long do I hold out? He has refused 3 rat pups in a row and it's starting to stress me out!

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That's the million dollar question that you'll get a lot of differing opinions. A lot of it has to do w/ how often you are offering (space it out so your not creating stress by offering it too soon), trying all the tricks (hair dryer, scenting, feeding at night, etc..) and then making sure your BP is not showing a significant weight loss. They can go a long way w/o eating. I was pretty frustrated and almost gave up on the rat idea but I kept at it and finally converted mine. It was an amazing feeling Good luck....

[CNorris]

A couple things that jumped out to me in your post. Sounds like you only waiting two nights to offer again which is a little to soon to offer again. Rule of thumb is to wait another week but in your case it worked so kudos to you.

That's what I've heard and that's what I've done in the past. However, when I tried the scented rat a few days back, I did a lot to get the scent of mouse in the enclosure. I even rubbed the mouse around the area where she normally feeds. I could tell the the BP was eager to eat as she spent 2 days ready to pounce. I had already been having some reservations about using warm water to warm up the pup, so once I heard of the hairdryer trick, I decided to take the risk.