Pics of Matisse, my pouched rattie

[HappyDancer]

wow he is big...and very very cute

[Fubie]

omg, I'm so glad I've found this, the first time I've heard of a pouched african rat, I thought it wasn't really a rat at all, because I thought "Pouch, marsupial" but anyway I'm really interested in them when I figured it out, so there's a difference between the gambien and your rat?
How did you get him?
He's gorgeous! Who wouldn't want a giant rat running around their house? <3 I think I heard the ban being lifted on these animals (they being blamed for monkey pox =\ it was a very small amount of them, I heard)
And I know florida has had owners of these animals (Florida's grumbling about released or escaped giant rats destroying wild life ect ect blah blah the important thing is they haven't done anything about that yet and there isn't any significant damage to prove their grumblings)
Anyway I'd like to hear from you!

[koalarunt]

I HAVE to have one! where did you get him? Are they expensive?

[dragonmaster]

What a neat little guy. It looks like you get along very well. I like the video of him running on his hind legs too.

[pinkie1205]

Hers an article on the african rat. I don't think I"d ever have the time or space or patience to own one. But to each their own

http://www.rmca.org/Articles/giant.htm

[DorkyChantelle]

Wow, what a cool looking little guy! I've never heard of them until today. He's very interesting to look at...certainly not something you see every day Thanks for sharing.

[the_real_bum]

your darn lucky to had the chance to own a pouched rat

[the_real_bum]

Hold your horses on the Fl situation. The state is in horrible shape with wild life. Domestic snakes(pythons to be exact are killing gators dogs cats ectra,while dying in the process of eating the gators.There have been problumes off and on with killer bee swarms also. Gators are becomeing overpopulated due to the limited hunting season and over crowded areas. If you know more about the ban on gambians let me know because I will do what ever it takes to get my hands on one haha.

[SwC]

Regarding the Florida and federal ban. Prairie dogs also fall into this category as they were included in the ban when some idiot dealing with exotics exposed an infected African Rat to numerous captive PD's that ended up in various Pet Stores. This is where the Monkey pox fiasco started. There has been no further incident of Monkey Pox infections since the initial outbreak in 2003. Be surprised how many of us have been fighting this ban over and over. The cdc blames it on the FDA and vice versa as they overall have the control to recommend the lifting of the ban. Many states absolutely forbid you to even own some of these animals but fortunately Florida allows you to own them "if" they were already in your possession or for rescue purposes. You are permitted to transport them to the vets for care and back or for rescue but it is limited to that. Unfortunately it is a few irresponsible exotic pet owners that make it even harder for those of us that do have animals such as these as part of our family. When they figure out it takes more care and time then they anticipated or the animal gets too big or bothersome they dump it somewhere rather than contacting an appropriate rescue group. All my PD's have been brought to me by animal control due to being "found" running loose but fortunately for me I love giving these little ones a safe and secure home. They have added alot of excitement and love in this household and my family would be heartbroken without them. I love the vids of your little guy and it's just great to see the "bond" you have with him! Most people dont have a clue what kind of bonds and love can develope with these animals and only relate that type of bond to thier cats or dogs. He is beautiful!

[the_real_bum]

i heard it was the prarie dog who infected the rats haha

[SwC]

Nope other way around lol. Monkey pox is a strain of Orthopoxvirus that comes from Africa. It is not native to US soil or mammals in the United States. Lol not trying to hijack the thread here

[Skratikans]

GORGEOUS RAT!!!!!!!

how did you aquire the big guy?
can you show pics of his cage and setup?

thanks

[evil_vegan]

So they are illegal here in the US? Is that right?
I have been looking for a breeder for about 2 months now..guess that would explain why I haven't found one.
My SO was worried when he found out how large and destructive they are- so basically I'd have to sneak one in anyway!

[Fubie]

Quote: Originally Posted by the_real_bum i heard it was the prarie dog who infected the rats haha

Yeah me too XD I didn't want to say anything since it seemed baised, but then again doesn't make much sense since pds live in the u.s and the u.s can't be infected with a disease it already has.

[Fubie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Skratikans GORGEOUS RAT!!!!!!! how did you aquire the big guy? can you show pics of his cage and setup? thanks

Well Dragontamer hasn't been seen around here lately =\ but if I remember correctly it shows in the inside of his cage, looks something like a ferret cage.