7 replies to this topic

[MushuTheHamster]

Hello everyone!

I just got two rats! I haven't named them yet (if you want to know their names, I'll put the on my profile page once I do) but they are the sweetest! I took them in from previous owners who could no longer care for them. They are in a Petsmart started kit cage (https://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/starter-kits/all-living-things-rat-starter-kit-20599.html). The owners took out the wheel, hammock, food bowl, chew toy, food and bedding. They replaced the bowls, took out the ladder things, replaced the food with Oxbow adult rat food, and put about two toys in the cage ( ). When I got them I added many toys and other things to the cage to make it more enjoyable. I have a few general questions and I hope you can help answer them.

 

1. Is the cage too small? I'd be happy to replace it if you all think it is. The dimensions on the website are 17.5" L x 28" W x 31.5" H

 

2. They sick their tails out of the cage a lot.. is that a bad thing?

 

3. How do I know the play fights are to violent? 

 

4. One of the rats makes small squeaky noises at night. It almost sounds like she's in pain, but I can't tell. They last for only a quick second and I have no idea what it means. (after I post this I'll do a bit of research just to make sure.)

 

5. Is Oxbow Adult Rat Food a good food for them? I did a lot of research for my hamsters food and I found Oxbow not to be very reliable. What do you all feed you rats? What can I do to make their diet better?

 

6. Do you any general advice for me? Anything at all helps!!

 

They are about 1 year according to the previous owners, and they are both females.

 

Thank you all so much!!

I hope you have an amazing day!!!

 

-MushuTheHamster47 

[GerbilMom2018]

I don't have rats, but have done quite a bit of research. A Martins G-340 is supposed to be a good cage (linked below)....this one looks a bit small to me. I know it says guinea pigs, but that one specifically is recommended on several pages I've seen. As long as they're not too small, even the bar spacing should be good.

http://www.martinscages.com/guineapigs.html

 

Oxbow adult rat food is good....avoid the young rat food though. The bags look similar so you have to watch when buying it.

 

Maybe sticking their tails out because of the cage size?

 

I'm told that they really enjoy lots of hammocks and space pods.

[MushuTheHamster]

I don't have rats, but have done quite a bit of research. A Martins G-340 is supposed to be a good cage (linked below)....this one looks a bit small to me. I know it says guinea pigs, but that one specifically is recommended on several pages I've seen. As long as they're not too small, even the bar spacing should be good.

http://www.martinscages.com/guineapigs.html

 

Oxbow adult rat food is good....avoid the young rat food though. The bags look similar so you have to watch when buying it.

 

Maybe sticking their tails out because of the cage size?

 

I'm told that they really enjoy lots of hammocks and space pods.

 

Thank you so very much! I will definitely look into that cage! I clicked on the link, but it is not working currently. I think it's because my internet isn't working right now, but I will try to fix that in a bit. I have a hammock and a space pod in their, plus a bunch of ropes, hides, and baskets. 

 

Thank you a bunch!

I will look into all of that as I go.

 

Have a great day,

MushuTheHamster47

[Robin~]

Congrats!

I agree, the cage you have now is pretty small for a pair of rats. The Martins’ Cages are good, but if you want something bigger a CritterNation/FerretNation also works well. Height is also important—I almost would be hesitant to recommend a 16” tall cage for a rat as I feel 17” is short for my climbing-loving mice. Vertical space is very valuable to rats.

The Oxbow Adult Rat food is really good, actually! Unlike their other foods, this food is based off brown rice and is very appealing to my girls (again, the young rat/mouse version is ). I would strongly recommend staying on it.

I can’t say too much about behavior as I don’t own rats (yet), but the general rule of thumb for social animals is if there’s no blood there’s no need for separation. Squabbles will happen, it’s just part of having a roommate. A larger cage can give them more space away from each other if they choose.

As for the noises, could you post a video? Rats are very prone to URIs and you’re bound to get a case or two in your rats’ lives, so this may be the case, but it could also be something social.

I’ve used this forum in my research; it’s quite good. AFRMA also has some good articles.
https://www.ratshackforum.com/

[MushuTheHamster]

Congrats!

I agree, the cage you have now is pretty small for a pair of rats. The Martins’ Cages are good, but if you want something bigger a CritterNation/FerretNation also works well. Height is also important—I almost would be hesitant to recommend a 16” tall cage for a rat as I feel 17” is short for my climbing-loving mice. Vertical space is very valuable to rats.

The Oxbow Adult Rat food is really good, actually! Unlike their other foods, this food is based off brown rice and is very appealing to my girls (again, the young rat/mouse version is ). I would strongly recommend staying on it.

I can’t say too much about behavior as I don’t own rats (yet), but the general rule of thumb for social animals is if there’s no blood there’s no need for separation. Squabbles will happen, it’s just part of having a roommate. A larger cage can give them more space away from each other if they choose.

As for the noises, could you post a video? Rats are very prone to URIs and you’re bound to get a case or two in your rats’ lives, so this may be the case, but it could also be something social.

I’ve used this forum in my research; it’s quite good. AFRMA also has some good articles.
https://www.ratshackforum.com/

 

Thank you so much!!! I will look into getting them a new cage tomorrow. 

I didn't think they needed separated, so that's good news I'll add a video of their squeaks tomorrow, I've been pretty busy lately. I did do a bit of research and I seems they just make that noise when they play. I think they will be fine!  

I'm a new rats... what's a URI? Haha, I have no idea. I think the squeaks are just social though, so all is good for now.

Thanks for the link! Will be looking over that. 

 

Thanks again,

Have an amazing day,

-MushuTheHamster47

[MushuTheHamster]

Oh and thank you both for the food recommendations!! I'm glad that it worked out! I will definitely keep it.

-MushuTheHamster47

[Robin~]

A URI is an upper respiratory infection. It’s often accompanied by “gurgly” breathing, sneezing, and labored breathing. It’s generally treated by using an antibiotic like Baytril. It can also descend into pneumonia given enough time.
The cause isn’t exactly known to my knowledge. Most people just say it sort of happens randomly but I’m personally not one to believe that...

[MushuTheHamster]

A URI is an upper respiratory infection. It’s often accompanied by “gurgly” breathing, sneezing, and labored breathing. It’s generally treated by using an antibiotic like Baytril. It can also descend into pneumonia given enough time.
The cause isn’t exactly known to my knowledge. Most people just say it sort of happens randomly but I’m personally not one to believe that...

I'm pretty sure my rats do not have this. They haven't really had any signs of sickness (besides the occasional sneeze) so I think their fine .

 

Sorry I haven't gotten a video of the squeaks! Over the past 4 nights they've only made the certain noise once, and I wasn't able to catch it on camera. 

 

Thanks again so much,

MushuTheHamster47