I am currently fostering three rats...two are heading to their homes this week, and I have found a girl who would like the third. However, she says she wants the rat because she had to sell her sugar glider. I asked why, and her reason was that she didn't have time to pay enough attention to it. now, rats need lots of attention, especially when they are single like this one will be, so is it a good idea to let her have the rat? she says that sugar gliders need way more attention than rats and can die of lonliness...but I'm hesitant to believe that they need that much more time than rats do. lonely rats are unhappy rats. she's a nice person, but I guess my question basically is: do sugar gliders take a lot more time and attention than rats? Thanks!
I don't think that you should let her have the rat. Most likely she was just tired of the sugar gilder and wants a new pet. What is going to happen when she gets tired of the rat? I don't think that people who give away pets just to get something different are very good pet owners. Pets are for life, if you can't take care of a pet you have for some reason and you need to rehome it, thats fine. If its just because your tired of it, then you don't deserve another pet. Know what I mean? As for the attention question, I haven't had either of them so I can't help you there.
Hi, I have read and heard that sugar gilders are very demanding in terms of care and attention. However, as you pointed out, a single rat (I'm presuming it can't be with other rats for some reason?!) will certainly need a lot of attention, as they thrive with company.
I too would be very wary of giving a pet to someone who has given away an animal. At the end of the day, the information on sugar gliders is out there for people to access, so why didn't she do her research before she got a 'glider as a pet?
All animals need time and attention. I would *personally* not give her the single rat, if she's insistent about rehoming rats, then she should get a pair at least who will not crave her attention so much as a single rat will do. That said, they need to free range every day!
i personally wouldn't let her adopt your foster rat- because it sounds as if she is regarding her pets as toys. i could be wrong, but i'd hold off on giving her the rat b/c she said she has already given a pet away cause she didnt have "time" for it.
Also- it sounds as if you have provided a nice life for the rat while fostering it- i think it will be best for your own peace of mind to give her to someone who will appreciate her life.
however- if you do have to give the rat to her- i would at least make sure she adopts two - so if she neglects them they'll still have eachother.
I know sugergliders are demanding in their needs, and yes they can't be housed alone. Although their demands (from what I've read and thought about) are solely their diets. The attention factor isn't that much differen then it would be for rats. Not in my opinion anyway. If I were you I'd tell the girl this and also tell her that the rat needs a friend and can't be housed alone, therefore she has to find another rat and see if they get along before you'll let her have it.
I would not give her that rat!Think of the rat...if she got rid of her sugar glider, she is probably going to eventually tire of the rat.Yes, sugar gliders need alot of attention, but so do rats!They need alot of attention and even the rats I have together always crave my attention.I would not let her have the rat...
Yea I meant to add that. If you tell her she'll have to get the rat a friend, she might not want it them. I would make her take a rat quiz...LOL
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