Rat FAQs
Can I feed my rat Cheese?
Nov. 29, 2009
In small amounts yes, but most rats are lactose intolerant, so it actually may not be very good for them. Please see our Rat Foods section for more information.
Can I let my rat play with my hamster?
Nov. 29, 2009
No, this is not a good idea. Pet Rats are omnivores and do have enough predatory instinct left in them to attack and eat smaller pets.
Hello, I am a new (or soon to be) rat owner. Here's my dilemma: my parents are highly reluctant to the whole thing and frankly, it's a miracle that they even said yes. That being said, the quickest, easiest route must be taking in the whole process. (Not great for ideal rat care, but there's not much I can do) I received a cage from a friend who previously had a hamster. It's about 16" tall and 14" wide by 10" deep, with two levels. So the real question is, get two rats and keep them in that cage, or get one rat? I know rats aren't supposed to be kept alone and I'm worried about the little girl. BUT, on the flipside, I don't want to put two rats together in a cage that's too small. Considering that I really can't get any other cage, what would be the best course of action? Thanks.
Jan. 19, 2010
Hi, I do understand your problem, but the cage you have listed is way too small for even one rat to live in daily. If you can't afford to buy another cage, how about building one. There are all kinds of cages that can be built. We have had members of our forum build them from scratch. You can also modify a bird cage to house rats. You can check sites like http://www.kijiji.ca and http://www.craigslist.com for rat or bird cages. You might be able to find a reasonable one or even one for free. If you join our forum, I'm sure our members would love to help you to achieve your goal of getting some ratties.
Hey there, I'm new to the rat world and am looking to buy two males but I've heard they're very aggresive and territorial. My question is do males get as attached to there owner as females do?
Feb. 6, 2010
The answer to your question is yes, males turn out to be big squishes and can love you and get attached to you just as much as a females do. If you are getting two males from the same litter, they will just need to sort out who the Alpha rat is, it doesn't necessarily mean they are aggressive.
I have male and female rats, can I let them play together?
Nov. 29, 2009
This is never a good idea unless one or both sexes are spayed/neutered. Rats can complete the mating ritual in about two seconds.
My pet rat is 8 weeks old. seems quite happy, but he is so noisy. he is constantly gabbering away, sqeeking and chirping etc, is this normal? does it mean he is happy or stressed? I really didn't think they were so vocal.
Mar. 5, 2010 by karan Turner
Although pet rats are often quiet it is not uncommon for them to be "vocal". Your pet may be trying to get your attention as a solitary rat will need a great deal more interaction than a pet rat with a companion (or more). If it is sneezing, it could be symptomatic of various issues that can range from new surrounding, to allergies, to a possible upper respiratory infection. If you are at all concerned for your pet rats well being a visit to your veterinarian would be very helpful and recommended. Please also consider joining the RatChatter.com forums to share with other fancy pet rat keepers your stories, concerns, and interests.
Should I get a Male or a Female Rat?
Nov. 29, 2009
This is personal preference. Male rats are generally more laid back and can be nice lap or shoulder rats. Female rats tend to be a little more hyper and might not stay still for long, but it just means you need to work with them more so they want to be a lap or shoulder rat.
Should I get just 1 rat?
Nov. 29, 2009
Rats are very social creatures, you should always get at least a pair of the same sex. This way when you are gone for the day, they have a buddy.
Why does my Rat move its head from side to side?
Nov. 29, 2009
Rats have very poor vision. Most pink or red eyed rats will often weave their heads from side to side to focus better.
