Looking to Adopt rats....need help with some problems.

[Peggy]

I've owned rats before, but it was years ago and now I'm in different circumstances. I've run into some small obstacles that I'm hoping you guys can help me out with.


First off, I have some housemates who aren't turned off by the idea of a rat, but by the idea of possible harm to the other animals. I have dogs, cats, a bird, a guinea pig and goldfish all living under one roof. I'm pretty sure the chances of a rat passing any disease onto another animal is slim(though correct me if I'm wrong) and have told them this, but they still need some convincing. Do you know of anyway to convince my roomies that rats aren't as harmful as they may think?

What would you suggest I feed them? When I had rats before, I usually just fed them veggies and grains and they seemed alright. But through research, their diet seems more delicate than that. Any suggested rat food brands or just mixes that you would suggest?


Finally--and this is most important-- Does anyone know of ANY good rat breeders in the Massachusetts/New Hampshire area? I'm having trouble finding a good one, and no way am I bringing home a feeder rat.

[Vanilla_Rat]

Well first off,do not get one rat...get two.Rats thrive with other rat companionship.So get either two males or two females.

As for other animals...don't worry.A rat will not pass anything on to dogs or cats or any other animal you have.They will also not pass anything on to you humans.

Here is a site with alot more info on rats.
Pet Rat Information Sheet - all you need for happy healthy pet rats

For diet,rats are omnivores and have a diet similar to ours.Veggies,fruits and grains are good,but they also need a lab block.I use Nutriblock usually.These lab blocks contain all the things a rat needs in their diet.I also make a homemade diet.Pet store foods are not good or balanced enough for a rat.You can also feed things on the side like fish,chicken or turkey (in moderation),pasta (dry or cooked),rice...etc.But the important thing is to have a lab block as the staple.

[Peggy]

Thanks for the help. Yeah, I'd already planned on getting two, maybe 3. And ypur answer to the food problem was a big help as well. Thanks again.


Now all I need is a place to get rats, haha.

[Turkeyman]

Feeder rats/petstore rats make equally great pets. You could also try adopting from a local shelter -- I'm fairly sure rats would be available for adoption in your area.

I just don't like the elitism that seems to come with breeders and those that support them. All animals need homes, regardless of their distributor.

[Sasami]

Quote: Originally Posted by Turkeyman Feeder rats/petstore rats make equally great pets. You could also try adopting from a local shelter -- I'm fairly sure rats would be available for adoption in your area. I just don't like the elitism that seems to come with breeders and those that support them. All animals need homes, regardless of their distributor.

I think they might have been wanting to go to a breeder so as not to support petstores. Not to mention that feeder rats tend to have a lot of health issues. But I do agree that checking out local shelters is always a good idea .

[Turkeyman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sasami I think they might have been wanting to go to a breeder so as not to support petstores. Not to mention that feeder rats tend to have a lot of health issues. But I do agree that checking out local shelters is always a good idea .

Yeah, that's usually the argument. I was waiting to see if that would be the response. I personally see "not supporting pet stores" as "I'm going to turn my head away and pretend this unfavorable treatment of animals isn't happening." Because usually, these people do absolutely that. Nothing. The petstore is going to keep running with or without our individual dollar. But, to each their own.

[Vanilla_Rat]

Personally it doesn't matter whether your rat comes from a pet store (altho due to bad experiances,I try not to get a rat from there),rescues,the newspaper or a breeder.They ALL can make a good pet and they ALL can develop illnesses.

I looked up some breeders and rescues in your area,but have not found any.There were a couple in New Hampshire,but their websites were down.So have a look in the local papers,people are always giving away rats there.Or check around shelters and ask.I know many shelters can put you on a waiting list too.

[Peggy]

Thanks for the help everyone. I can understand how you feel, TurkeyMan. and I wasn't implying that feeder rats are worth any less. I've just had some unfortunate experiences with feeder rats from pet stores, and wanted to play it safe this time. On three different occasions I brought home feeder rats and they died within a month. Anytime I got a rat from someone who cares for their rats as pets, they lived 3 to 5 years.

Anyway, It turns out that the owner of my local farmer's exchange breeds rats as a hobby on the side. He usually either keeps them or gives them to his grandkids. When he found out I was hunting for some good rats, he let me have two boys in his most recent litter! I met both parents, and they were very healthy and friendly, the babies were lively and in a healthy environment, and I took them home with me today. I've named one Lucifer, and the other I'm still thinking of a good name for. I hope to get some good pictures up soon.

[Vanilla_Rat]

CongRATS on your new babies!! Post some pics real soon!!

[mulder]

YYYIIIIIII can't wait for pics!! congrats!!!!