What Does It Mean When a Rat Licks or Grooms You?

April 25, 2018 Administrator Leave a comment

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Does it just mean I taste good?

Do I just smell terrible?

Does my rat think I’m a poorly, lost child who needs some direction in life?

Does this have anything to do with the boggling and bruxing that my rat does?!

What is this about?!

Rats are known for licking their owners; some a bit more obsessively than others. They may lick you at odd times. They might only do it once in a blue moon. In any case, it seems a bit odd; especially since dogs are the “lickers” of the animal world.

Move over, Fido. Templeton the Dumbo Rat is taking your title! Read more

Rat Behavior

When Can Baby Rats be Weaned and Leave Their Mother for New Homes?

January 7, 2018 Administrator

So you have a litter of baby rats, and you just don’t know what to do with them. Most importantly, you don’t know when to take them from the mother rat, wean them, and take over their care. The female rat will eventually become slightly annoyed by her babies, so be sure that she has a place to “escape” to; a place that the babies cannot get to. A high hammock is a good option. You will see her begin to get antsy when the babies begin running around, between 2 and 3 weeks old. So when exactly can you free the doe from her maternity cage, and let the kits fend without their momma? Read more

What Is a Rat Feeder Breeder?

October 1, 2016 Administrator

Buying rats can be the best experience in the world; however, it’s all based upon the breeder that you obtain the animals from. A proper breeder will offer healthy, happy animals who will bond wonderfully to their new owners, with exceptional personalities that are not prone to aggression. On the flip side, poor quality breeders like feeder breeders could turn your rat owning experience into one of your worst nightmares. Read more

Rat News

A Breeder Sold Me Sick Injured Animals: What Do I Do?

August 13, 2016 Administrator

A Breeder Sold Me Sick Injured Animals: What Do I Do?

this is a guinea pig, but it is exactly the same as rat bumble foot. Very gross, very painful, and very difficult for a rat to go through.

Rat breeders and rescuers make it possible for owners and prospective owners to find ratties to adopt and love. However, not all breeders are created equal. Some breeders are poor quality “feeder breeders.” These breeders do not take care of their animals as they should, significantly increasing the risk of a sickly animal. If you have purchased a sick or injured rat from a poor quality breeder, there are several steps that you can take. Read more

Do Female Rats Have Periods or Menstrual Cycles?

January 23, 2016 Administrator

Sometimes, female rats may bleed from the vulva. Some people might assume that this is a rat in heat, or estrus. Others might assume that female rats have periods or menstrual cycles. However, the truth is there is something going wrong in there! A female rat should never bleed if she is healthy; unless she has recently given birth or is in the process of giving birth.

Can My Pet Rat and My Dog Play Together?

December 20, 2015 Administrator

For the most part, many rat owners have additional pets in the home other than their rats. Once rats become accustomed to roaming the house the owner may find that they are trapping their other pets behind closed doors to ensure the rat’s safety. This may cause a bit of trouble in the home among the other pets, leading rat owners to wonder whether or not their different pet species are compatible playmates. Read more

10 Ways to Find a Good Local Rat Breeder or Rescue

September 19, 2015 Administrator

10 Ways to Find a Good Local Rat Breeder or Rescue

Finding a good breeder is the best way to find healthy, happy animals. Rats should not be obtained from poor sources, such as feeder breeders, commercial farms, or pet stores. These sources don’t put health or disposition as main priorities; they are only looking for profits. Pet rats make wonderful pets, but the wrong animals can become a complete nightmare if they turn out to be highly aggressive! Read more

How Many Babies Can a Rat Have?

September 14, 2015 Administrator

How Many Babies Can a Rat Have?

Having a litter of rats can be a very exciting experience; but very nerve wrecking for the first time ratty grandparent who doesn’t know what size litter to expect. Raising baby rats can be rather taxing on the humans, just as it is with mom. We are responsible for socializing them as they grow, while also feeding them, cleaning up after them, and finding them new homes. The bigger the litter is, the more babies there are to take care of. Can you handle it? Read more