You bought the rats as pets right? Not as breeders, but for pets so your kids would leave the snakes alone? I think you need to set up some tougher borders there. Not to sound rude, but if the rats are supposed to be pets for the kids, there need to be some ground rules before your kids can handle them. While rats can be very timid and shy, after a few weeks they should be very comfortable with being held and played with. Just daily supervision of your kids with the rats should be enough. Also, how old are your kids? Are they responsible enough to understand when no means no? Maybe they arent ready yet by themselves, and should not be allowed near the rats until you have time to settle them in.


But again, its no fun to play with an animal and make your kids off limits. I really suggest some ground rules before your kids are allowed to play with them. My little brother and sister [8 and11] understand that they aren't allowed near my animals when i'm away. But they can take them out for an hour when I'm around and let them. They also know that these animals are fragile, and need to feel safe.

Just my opinion
Quote Originally Posted by AshleyB
we got the rats to keep them from bothering the snakes.. now we have to get fish so they leave the rats alone? what about the damage and discomfort to the fish being banged on? just asking... please dont take it as being rude it is nice to hear there are other little ones with critters