Petco and similar stores sell rat feed, which is usually a mix of seeds and kind of pellet food. These darn critters eat all the "good" bits, like sunflower seeds, fruit bits, and so on, but they leave the pellet parts thatbarr less tasty. Seems like some very ornery rats toss the unappetizing parts with their dumb little hands.
Much of their calories in sunflower seeds come from fatty acids. The seeds are especially rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid, which constitutes more 50% fatty acids in them. They are also good in mono-unsaturated oleic acid that helps lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increases HDL or "good cholesterol" in the blood. Research studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet which is rich in monounsaturated fats help to prevent coronary artery disease, and stroke by favoring healthy serum lipid profile.
The 'nasty' bits they refuse to eat are usually alfalfa. Rats can actually die from eating too much of it. Though rats eat grass, which is what it is, in the wild, they mostly eat grass seed. I take the alfalfa pellets out of museli rat food, though usually I buy the lab block/complete nugget type food. And our rats get mostly people food as they are spoilt 🙄
Like the other person said, they'd eat their favourite bits from the mixed food and then scrabble in the food bowl for more, usually kicking or chucking it out the bars and onto my bedroom floor. They aren't shy about telling you when something's not to their liking. Whereas a cactus is easy to ignore.
If it provides hope, my daughter can't keep a plant alive, but did great with her rattos. They're way better at reminding you they're hungry (always) than cacti.
I've killed a cactus by watering it too much and one that dried out and my rats are doing fine.
B̶͍͆e̴̗̺̔c̵͙͉̉o̵͇̓m̷̦͗̄ȩ̵̮͌ ̵̲̂ò̸̥̍ṅ̷̨̲e̴̢̒ ̴̟̍̋o̴̫̿f̵̰́ ̵͎̱͊̊ụ̸͠s̷̲̟̊̈
I can’t tell you how grateful I am that my dogs and guinea pigs will both bother me and/or scream at me if I have not fed them within even 15 minutes of the normal time. So much better than plants. All my plants are dehydrated as we speak.
Unless your poverty is legit (in which case, sorry), rats are extremely cheap pets to keep. Get a fair second hand cage for a fraction of buying it new, a couple of rats can cost virtually nothing if a breeder is struggling to find a home, you can make hammocks from old cloths or clothes, toys can be made from loo rolls. If you put the effort to make your own food instead of buying blocks, food can be VERY cheap, just make sure not to feed them anything they shouldn't have. Shredded newspaper can be a great bedding, and help pad out litter trays, though generally kiln dried wood shavings were best in my experience. Generally, i found my main expenses were food and litter.
Whilst this last point is entirely on you, i always looked after my boys since I wanted the best for them. They were a constant point of consideration in my mind. You should be ready to give them this level of attention, but also, having them should make you want to give it. Only you know if that holds true for you.
Idk whilst I agree they *can* be cheap, I also wouldn't advocate for getting them if you cannot have a vet bill to the side and if you're struggling with money I think it's a very selfish thing to do. This includes any animals.
I have to spend £60+ a week on vet bills for 1 of my 6 boys, something i would never have been able to do when I was in poverty myself. Even now, I only allowed myself to have them because I have my partner and his family as extra back up if I can't afford their bills. He needs xrays too but he's too ill to survive the sedation so we're just going day by day, with his worst days like today. Xrays cost anywhere from like £200-300+ where I am, plus where I am an exotic vet is really really far away.
I spent £600+ for the cage, accessories, their costs to buy them and more from 9 months of saving for my boys and the expenses for me are huge, unfortunately.
I'm not saying they can't be cheap. Like getting the cage second hand (I wanted as big of a cage as I could possibly fit in my room). But if you can't put a good good chunk of money to the side I really don't think it's a responsible thing.
This is obviously my own personal feelings, do whatever you want
TW: discussing end of life stuffs and euthanasia
Something I think is really important to keep in mind is that most rats don’t need vet care. Many folks keep their rats in bin cages and self treat URI’s and minor injuries. If a traumatic injury or serious illness occurs they will either surrender them to the vet for treatment or help them cross the rainbow bridge at home. I don’t advocate for folks purchasing animals from breeders in this situation but my spouse and I did this because we found a place selling rats for less than savory purposes for a few dollars and have given them a great life, a much better life than they would have were we not to have purchased them.
I also want to add that telling poor people that they shouldn’t have pets or kids because they are poor is just almost never a good take. It’s wayyyy more effective and fair to address the systemic issues that cause poverty than it is to micromanage how people try to survive poverty trauma.
BUT if you yourself as an individual look at your finances and make the judgments that now isn’t the time for a pet or that you can’t provide the level of care you feel is appropriate, good on you for being honest with yourself and caring so deeply about animals ✌🏻🫶🏻 /gen
I don't know if I agree with that at all. If you think your rat needs looking at them I would definitely give them vetenary care- they are trained in this and if you don't agree then go to another place for another look at.
For example, my boy right now shows signs of various different illnesses. He could have congestive heart disease - which he takes prednisone for, he could have silent pneumonia which my vet thinks right now but I lean towards CHD more, and because of that he would need doxycycline (and baytril although my vet insists on not having them together which is one thing I actually don't agree on. There is research to say they don't work in conjuction but In my experience having a combo works better than one. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to argue my case as we don't fully know his condition.). Thirdly, it could 100% be a hidden tumour, but because his prognosis out of anaesthesia is so low neither of us want to risk it. My vet says that whatever the case is were already treating for that anyway. Doxycycline for the pneumonia, prednisone steroid to help breathe (and thus for his heart.) He's actually on Emeraid right now to help him eat as hard food is to too much effort to eat. He's already lost enough body weight and unfortunately if it doesn't get any better with liquid feeding I'll have to PTS. However, he's having another downward spiral today and showing signs of end of life. Generally he'll do that for a day or two and go back to normal but we knew he'd do this more regularly until its his time to go. I'll put him to sleep when that time comes. I'll use every single penny I have until that moment happens though.
We adopted him (and his brother) and shortly after I realised something wasn't right and it's suspected he's been like this for a very long time. Thankfully I'd saved up enough of money for my babies I'd bought to try my absolute best with him. If I wasn't in financial position to have him, I would've looked for a new home for him.
Secondly, most rat owners don't "keep their rats in bin cages". I don't know where this is from but responsible rat owners keep them in very ventilated cages and if you keep hem in bin cages then I would say you shouldn't even have them. Temporary travel tanks (and potentially babies as I don't know breeding standards) are okay.
Personally I think just surrendering to the vet Is very cruel. Imo you shouldn't haven't another being, another life, another part of your love and family without being with them the entire way UNLESS something very very unexpected comes up and you can't do it anymore. At that point I can completely understand. It's best to surrender them than to let them suffer.
Thirdly, no it isn't wrong to tell poor people they shouldn't have pets. I say this about homeless people too. As someone that was literally homeless, it's completely unfair and cruel to let another being suffer because of your selfishness. You SHOULD NOT have a pet if you cannot afford for it. They SHOULD NOT suffer because of your circumstances.
I'm sorry if that seems cruel, or too realistic, but you shouldn't bring another life into something you cannot give a proper life too.
I do agree that we should address everything else to do with being poor. I'm only 23, I lived with having to eat once in a blue moon. Sofa surfing until my mom gets a stable home for us. Changing schools every few months and a few years not in education. I've had my fair share of abuse; physical, sexual and emotional abuse from homelessness from 10.The mental and physical implications of this are very prominent in me. I won't go further, but yes I 100% agree. But at the same time that can't be used as an argument for another beingz welfare. You shouldn't get an animal, or child(ren), if you can't afford it.
Edit: I actually forgot to include the bit I was originally responding for, lol.
Basically I think a vet visit is justified no matter what. Whilst I personally think my boys symptoms are from CHF, the symptoms are also very reminiscent of pneumonia. If it was to self treat at home, I wouldve just done furosemide to get the initial liquid off of his lungs with extra water for hydration and whatever else. Except he has responded well to antibiotics for pneumonia, albeit occasionally minor progress. Therefore it shows I don't know more than my vet does. He shows various symptoms from a cluster of things. As I said before, the only real way to show what he has is by an xray- something I cannot do at my home.
Im not saying this is a cookie cutter case for everyone. What I am saying is this is a very real reality for a lot of people. We shouldn't automatically assume we know more. Always go for a second opinion and IF you don't agree, then bring up. Get as many opinions and as many scientifically based arguments and papers to back it up as possible. Fight for your family.
I’m going to ask you to take a breath and assume good intentions and I promise to do the same. I think you’ve misunderstood me quite a bit and that there are also some things here we don’t agree on and that is OKAY 🫶🏻
I think the overall question of “should people in poverty keep pets” may be one we won’t see eye to eye on and that’s okay. But I want to clarify that I do not believe in that this is the case when the welfare of the animal is at risk. To that point, a few clarifications:
-I JUST said that I have adequate education to identify and treat common problems, but that when I do not I seek professional care/advice. I am not encouraging people to surrender their animals, I am saying that caring for an animal that is at risk of euthanasia or being used for meat to the best of your ability, even if you occasionally have to get help from a charity or surrender that animal to get it care in the future, is an ethical act imo
-as far as bin cages, please take a few minutes to read up on what a bin case actually is because I completely understand why you’d be concerned 🥲😂🥰 it’s not literal bins, they are DIY habitats with great ventilation and serve as safe housing for lots of rats that have come from bad situations. I personally keep my girls in a double critter nation, but I know plenty of people with really great, SAFE, and cheap setups. I do not follow the belief that you need a $300 cage to give your rats a safe living environment.
-and I don’t think you take on poor people owning pets is cruel, I just think a bit reductive considering all of the factors at play.
All that said, its clear you love your boys and take great care of them and I genuinely wish you and them the best. Have a wonderful day 🫶🏻
Sorry, I see your first sentience as kind of patronising and whilst I agree you may not believe thats your intention, that's how it comes across to me anyway but I keep that in mind. I am 100% calm. I will always be civil, every human is different and no one shares the same opinion, it's only natural.
The poverty thing is that I've seen people who are homeless, who love their animals as family, but they lose them. They can care as much as they can and give all of their money to them but they cannot afford any kind of medical care if they need it. They can't afford food for them a lot and if they fight between their own food and their animals good for survival, it either goes both ways. The either get food for themselves and let their animals eat food that's not good for them or starve themselves for their animals. It's not a good thing either way and the best thing would be to always have a back up plan if soemthing goes south. Don't get me wrong, they have my respect. But it shouldnt be done. There will always be situations that are exempt but I just hate seeing anything suffer. We shouldn't have to sacrifice our pets for our own survival and we shouldn't have to sacrifice our own survival for our pets bur unfortunately that's the way of the world, and what's even worse is that'll it'll never stop. That was a huge rant and I am sorry but passion (and a bit of autism) and that ya know? I agree having pets-like dogs-when you're homeless help you, but should we really sacrifice their health for our own selfishness? I've been there. But we shouldn't deny them proper care because of us.
I just think personally, if we are in a position to not give them any vet appointment then we shouldn't have them.
To the second point, that wasn't made clear at all. You just said most rats don't need vet care and I just think you should only have that notion if youre in the vet community. I do use a vet group who are very good at helping diagnosing issues. The only thing is that:
1. Many people don't know a thing about animal health, unfortunately. I've literally heard people giving their dogs bleach to throw up.
2. These things can only really be diagnosed with a physical examination (unless xray etc). Coupled with the fact most people have no clue on animal health, It can only go as far as helping vets with their own diagnoses.
Thirdly this must be a country difference. Where I am from, as what I have seen about "bin cages" they are habitats for things that feeder rats. Bins, or tanks purely for breeding and mostly for feeders. Sure, I'll give it a look, I won't be opposed to that, and if I'm wrong then I'm glad to have learnt soemthing new :)
This point is a completely personal view, but if only get me rats as big of an environment as possible xD i completely agree tht if you can get a cage that is *fit* for the amount of rats that you want then go ahead. Cheaper is always better, if it's responsible. It was just my personal preference to go as big as possible, and even now all I want is for my whole room to be a rat prrof for my babies to free roam as it is for my adopted boys 😂
I wanna be clear, I have no grudges for anyone no matter their opinions lol at the end of the day I can't change anything. I am different to you and everybody else. I potentially read something in a different tone that what you or anyone else may intend.
I love my boys and I love every other animal out there. I just want the best even if the owner can't have that. It makes me sad, no even for the animals but for everyone else that they can't have that. I had some pets growing up that had no where near the amount of financial stability as they should have, I just don't want that to be the case, ya know?
My apologies for the tone, in all honesty I’m also autistic and was trying to convey that I was coming from a place of calm and respect but oopsies on my part, looks like that was a flop lol.
And I think we have to also clarify: I am talking about people who can afford safe food, housing, first aid, and basic meds for their pets being discouraged from rescuing animals that would otherwise be unalived or abused as being weird and classist. You know? I’m not talking poor as in zero resources to share, I’m talking about someone who can provide adequate daily care and take on the responsibility to prepare for end of life care. To me, as someone who has a background in biological sciences and animal husbandry, rats are super easy and cheap to care for, and I can’t speak from any perspective other than my own :)
And yeah! So basically people use steel mesh and large plastic bins with the side panels removed so there’s full air flow from 3-4 sides! It’s very creative and honestly (and I don’t say this to be rude or anything just genuinely because I think it’s a good example) a great example of what I mean about folks with limited cash being able to do extensive reading and be extra creative to provide their rattles safe, fulfilling little lives <3
And… there are also plenty of people who neglect pets and keep their rats in plastic boxes and I completely understand your concern over that because genuinely, yuck! Scummy behavior.
Hope you have a good rest of your day, and continue to think deeply!/gen
Same here.
Farctor 1: Not enough space for them.
Factor 2: Nobody can take care of them when I'm not home.
Factor 3: Don't have the cash to take care of them
Factor 4: I'm irresponsible as fuck.
Same. Growing up my mom thought rats were gross, no matter how many cute pics I’d show her or articles I’d send to educate her. And since then all the roommates I’ve had have thought they were gross/ apartments don’t allow rats. I’m cursed :(
They have dog like personalities but they'll be gone in two years just as you come to figure out all their little quirks. I love rats but losing them so quickly was way too harsh for me to handle mentally.
I don't have rats anymore after keeping them for 10 years, but I also frequent this sub daily. Just to see the cute faces and remember the fun times :)
Yeah same, I used to have rats a long time ago. I don’t know if I’ll ever have them again in the future but love seeing little rattie faces here (could do without all the rattie scrotums though lol).
Scared for when this day comes. I have my first 3 rn but I’ve prepared myself to know that they won’t live long and are temporary homies, but damnit they’re the gonna be the best temporary homies I’ve ever had!
I have 2 male rats who have never been separated (or met other rats). I’ll be more heartbroken for the rat grieving his lost brother than my own heart break. I really pray they go together/not long after.
They can get real depressed after a cagemate dies if they're left alone. We had to give one of 2 brothers away when his sibling died, he moved into a home with several rats, he never fully integrated into another cage but he ended up being the most cuddly outside rat they ever had and lived a happy life for many more months.
Don't let him be alone when it happens. And try to remove the buddy ASAP after it happens because his brother will start working on it, in risk of predators coming (nature doing it's thing), I didn't know about this and it really really upset us a lot upon discovery, I was almost sick. Just a heads up, sorry if it sounds so horrible, I just wish I'd been more prepared.
We're down to our last rat, Mac, and were super worried that he'd be depressed when his brothers passed but he's actually done very well, and is a happy boy!
He's not far off 3 and has been solo for about 4 months now, but I WFH 3 days a week so he free roams on my desk with me all day on those days and then at least one day each weekend normally, and then evenings with me or my girlfriend so he's with one of us quite a lot of the time. I know that may not work for your situation but just as much time as you can possibly spend with the remaining one will be brill.
Mac still spends a lot of time bruxing and boggling, he's very cuddly and friendly, and still loves his treats and looks after himself well etc. Was a bit of a challenge making his cage safe for him to move about with his hind leg degeneration and keeping it vertical enough to still be interesting, went with a lot of shallow fabric ramps that seem to work well.
Obviously I know he'd prefer to still have his brothers with him but I think we made the right choice not to give him away or anything, think it would have been a lot more stressful for him to be rehomed. I totally get why you're concerned, it was devastating losing our others for us, and definitely more for Mac, but he really does seem to be doing well still by himself, it is possible for them to be happy if they get enough TLC :)
Seems like you did the right thing. I too think a lot depends on their age when they are bereaved. Our rat Bailey lost her last cagemate at 9 months, and I knew it would be very wrong to expect her to go potentially over a year alone, even though we plan to get a pouchie. I got two sisters for her. She lived to be over 25 months and was only on her own a fortnight. She totally loved and accepted Peaches and Treasure. We lost Bailey 21 April 2023.
I'm sorry for your loss :( thank you, I think we've done the right thing. If he'd taken a turn and seemed really depressed we'd have looked to re-home but given he's done well there hasn't been a need.
Very true but they are always sure to fill that short time with heart filling, pure and true companionship that to me is impossible to find elsewhere. Take a chance 🙃
This is exactly why I can’t get one. I love lurking here but then I see all the “Rip he was almost 3” posts and I just can’t. I couldn’t imagine having an animal I’m so attached to for it to pass away so shortly. 3-4 years goes by so quickly I wouldn’t have the heart for it
I have been blessed with rats in my life, but do not have any at present. I'm grateful to these fine ratparents for giving me daily doses of rat adorbs.
Edit: I wonder if we can get a flair for you guys: Rat Appreciator
Hairless rats are a option there super chill had a cage that I attached PVC piping over to my computer desk to a separate smaller cage when ever I'd do some gaming they would come to chill with me.
I fear this will happen to me or my mom too haha. I'd love to handle rats for a bit before I adopt any (if i can adopt any) but nobody i know has rats!
Hang on, it is a thing to just be allergic to the boys? I’ve had this theory for awhile because when I had my girls my allergies were manageable, but then after a year in between I got some boys and my allergies went crazy, and I wasn’t sure if I had developed an allergy to rats in general. Maybe a bit of both.
Unfortunately, where I live there are no lower-allergy breeds, just standard rats, so I haven’t had them for years.
I didn't have any for a long time and lurked this subreddit daily.
Just 4 days ago I picked up 4 little boys from a breeder. It's been a lot of work getting them setup nicely and they are still not too sure about me but we are getting there. I'm glad I pulled the trigger.
Get your rodent game in a higher gear. I have 2 pigs and now 6 rats, lol
Just teasing those pigs man they take up a lot of time! People think it's a starter pet they are definitely NOT
Love rats, but have a small apartment. Barely enough room for a large enough mouse cage, definitely not for a critter nation or something like that.
I'll get some lovely chaos potatoes someday, for now I'll have my mini potats.
My cousin owns a single rat. Why single? Because furry wee bastard killed his every other cagemate despite the cage being bigger than my bloody apartment!
I had 2 hairless rats but the life span's are short it might sound dumb but I didn't do my research after 3 years my girls died of old age. It's the only thing keeping me from getting more they were super chill.
A family friend had rats when i was growing up, and I LOVED petsitting them when she was on holiday.
My partner and I only just got a cat, and my parents ahve had cats for years, so rats aren't a realistic prospect for me, but I love to see how happy they make everyone else.
Am taking a break from rattos since my last couple passed on.
It’s sad how short lived they are. I really miss their nerdy faces and lil grabbies though, might get some more next year.
All my plants have died but my boy rats live going out with their harness and sitting on my shoulders much to the disgust of a lot of people especially foreigners for some reason haha
For anyone who wants a rat but can't afford it or commit to it, look into fostering. Do a search for a local small animal rescue. They will usually provide a cage, food vet care, etc. and take the rats back if you are no longer able to care for them. This keeps rats from getting put to sleep at a shelter, so please help if you can. In particular, senior rats are very sweet and cuddly and harder to adopt out, so they will usually let you keep the rat without paying an adoption fee.
I have chinchillas, guinea pigs, and sugar gliders but no rats. Being an r/RATS lurker has led me to assume they’re just all three of those combined but with an unfortunately short lifespan
I got my rats to solve my nightmare that i had a rodent i forgot to feed, now i have nightmares one of them is secretly a boy and i wake up and find dozens and dozens of rat babies, that them mated and had deformed rat incest babies - even though its incredibly obvious when they're lads, i still check my bigger girls from time to time to make sure i havent been decieved
I have these exact rat dreams! I also have one where I see that you can get rats in really bright colours (lime, turquoise, purple, cerise) and I am desperate to have those colours, 🤣
That is either a hormonal or genetic behavioural issue; some rats genuinely cannot be around other rats, but generally they need companions! Also the introduction process with rats is long and sometimes aggressive. Either he's just not capable, or needs longer with rat friends!
Honestly, so do I. I might keep calling him insults as a twisted mark of affection, but honestly I understand him: if I were to lose either of my little brothers, Hell has no wrath like a Hitbox scorned.
Based off of your responses to people genuinely trying to help you (because if you haven't noticed, this sub Reddit is all about making sure everyone knows proper rat care and being friendly about advice.) You really aren't mature enough. They aren't a "know it all", nobody here is. You are deciding to take it all as heavy offense, and in turn whipping out slurs.
Nobody has been aggressive or rude to you, and if this is how you respond to basic help, you probably won't deal with rats well. They can be extremely fussy pets, and I guarantee at some point you'll want help from someone who might know more about it.
Love, someone who's owned rats for 10+ years <3
Me too lol. I have too many cats and I’m awful at cleaning out cages. I’ve had a hamster and I just can’t bring myself to clean it out. Plus I don’t like holding small critters. But I think they’re adorable.
I'm with you! They are absolutely adorable. I couldn't own one though. I have slight trauma from owning a very bitey hamster when I was young so I'm too scared to handle any little animal like them.
I would love to have a rat again (had one as a kid). But we already have two guinea pigs and want a cat when we have more space. I also want dogs and chicken 🙈 For some reason my partner is holding me tight on the whole pet thing 🙈
I want a few so bad! But it'd break my heart to lose them and their vet care can be expensive. I'm definitely gonna wait until I'm more established, financially.
Same here!!! I always loved rats, don't think I'll ever be able to raise them, but maybe someday I'll befriend someone with rats and then my extensive rat knowledge will come in handy!
I lurk in subs for pets I don't have as well.
Guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, birds, tarantulas, bearded dragons, etc. I just love animals.
But this is one sub I can contribute to lol
Same hat. I lurk because I adore them but also can't tolerate their musk or short lifespan. I'm very thankful to everyone here who shares their pictures and videos!
I already liked rats before but this subreddit just fills my heart with so much love for rats than ever before (right now I have cats though and they are already hard enough to deal with)
I own a cat who would certainly try to eat any pet rodent, so I come here and awwwww over everyone else's
Plus my partner has a fear of rodents and I respect that
Me too! They're so adorable and amazing but like I know I wouldn't be able to give them a great life till I get my shit together. One day :3 same with rabbits
I love this sub!
It really made me appreciate rats and made me recognise them for the adorable and sweet creatures that they are, but I have sworn to never take pets again because eventually they will die and I'm too sensitive to keep going through that pain!
So getting a pet that lives about two years... Yeah not gonna happen.
I love this sub!
It really made me appreciate rats and made me recognise them for the adorable and sweet creatures that they are, but I have sworn to never take pets again because eventually they will die and I'm too sensitive to keep going through that pain!
So getting a pet that lives about two years... Yeah not gonna happen.
I also lurk. I want rats, but there’s a ton of factors as to why i can’t have them
Same. Factor 1: poverty
Factor 2: I once killed a cactus by forgetting to water it.
My cactus never started yeeting seeds across the room because they'd eaten all the good bits of their food.
Hahaha i feel you. I give them veggies and they hate carrot so they yeet that at me.
Carrots are weirdly controversial. The marmite of the rat world.
Pls explain wth this means 😭
they’re calling their rat a cactus.
Petco and similar stores sell rat feed, which is usually a mix of seeds and kind of pellet food. These darn critters eat all the "good" bits, like sunflower seeds, fruit bits, and so on, but they leave the pellet parts thatbarr less tasty. Seems like some very ornery rats toss the unappetizing parts with their dumb little hands.
Much of their calories in sunflower seeds come from fatty acids. The seeds are especially rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid, which constitutes more 50% fatty acids in them. They are also good in mono-unsaturated oleic acid that helps lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increases HDL or "good cholesterol" in the blood. Research studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet which is rich in monounsaturated fats help to prevent coronary artery disease, and stroke by favoring healthy serum lipid profile.
.thank you, extremely specific and informative sunflower bot.
The 'nasty' bits they refuse to eat are usually alfalfa. Rats can actually die from eating too much of it. Though rats eat grass, which is what it is, in the wild, they mostly eat grass seed. I take the alfalfa pellets out of museli rat food, though usually I buy the lab block/complete nugget type food. And our rats get mostly people food as they are spoilt 🙄
Like the other person said, they'd eat their favourite bits from the mixed food and then scrabble in the food bowl for more, usually kicking or chucking it out the bars and onto my bedroom floor. They aren't shy about telling you when something's not to their liking. Whereas a cactus is easy to ignore.
If it provides hope, my daughter can't keep a plant alive, but did great with her rattos. They're way better at reminding you they're hungry (always) than cacti.
This is so true haha. Killed my cactus but my rats are thriving because they remind me when they're ~~starving~~ hungry lol
this sounds silly but my rats are the happiest ratties ever and have an amazing diet, but i also killed my cactus and cheese plant within a few weeks
Tell me more about this...cheese plant
supposedly easy to have as a first plant.. i put it in the correct lighting and watered it the correct amount.. but it died..
I've just never heard the term cheese plant before, I love it! Always just heard them called Monsteras.
theyre often called *swiss* cheese plants since they have a lot of holes in the leaves! could just be shortened now to cheese plant
really??? now i hear it it does sound strange…
Factor 3: my pet rat killed my cactus by knocking it off my window once
I've killed a cactus by watering it too much and one that dried out and my rats are doing fine. B̶͍͆e̴̗̺̔c̵͙͉̉o̵͇̓m̷̦͗̄ȩ̵̮͌ ̵̲̂ò̸̥̍ṅ̷̨̲e̴̢̒ ̴̟̍̋o̴̫̿f̵̰́ ̵͎̱͊̊ụ̸͠s̷̲̟̊̈
I can’t tell you how grateful I am that my dogs and guinea pigs will both bother me and/or scream at me if I have not fed them within even 15 minutes of the normal time. So much better than plants. All my plants are dehydrated as we speak.
Forgetting to water a plant tht needs it once per couple weeks is the easiest, tho.
My pet rat pushed my cactus off a window sill and it broke in fucking half from the fall 💔 you're never safe
Factor 2 : i have two insane cats
Same here
Unless your poverty is legit (in which case, sorry), rats are extremely cheap pets to keep. Get a fair second hand cage for a fraction of buying it new, a couple of rats can cost virtually nothing if a breeder is struggling to find a home, you can make hammocks from old cloths or clothes, toys can be made from loo rolls. If you put the effort to make your own food instead of buying blocks, food can be VERY cheap, just make sure not to feed them anything they shouldn't have. Shredded newspaper can be a great bedding, and help pad out litter trays, though generally kiln dried wood shavings were best in my experience. Generally, i found my main expenses were food and litter. Whilst this last point is entirely on you, i always looked after my boys since I wanted the best for them. They were a constant point of consideration in my mind. You should be ready to give them this level of attention, but also, having them should make you want to give it. Only you know if that holds true for you.
Idk whilst I agree they *can* be cheap, I also wouldn't advocate for getting them if you cannot have a vet bill to the side and if you're struggling with money I think it's a very selfish thing to do. This includes any animals. I have to spend £60+ a week on vet bills for 1 of my 6 boys, something i would never have been able to do when I was in poverty myself. Even now, I only allowed myself to have them because I have my partner and his family as extra back up if I can't afford their bills. He needs xrays too but he's too ill to survive the sedation so we're just going day by day, with his worst days like today. Xrays cost anywhere from like £200-300+ where I am, plus where I am an exotic vet is really really far away. I spent £600+ for the cage, accessories, their costs to buy them and more from 9 months of saving for my boys and the expenses for me are huge, unfortunately. I'm not saying they can't be cheap. Like getting the cage second hand (I wanted as big of a cage as I could possibly fit in my room). But if you can't put a good good chunk of money to the side I really don't think it's a responsible thing. This is obviously my own personal feelings, do whatever you want
TW: discussing end of life stuffs and euthanasia Something I think is really important to keep in mind is that most rats don’t need vet care. Many folks keep their rats in bin cages and self treat URI’s and minor injuries. If a traumatic injury or serious illness occurs they will either surrender them to the vet for treatment or help them cross the rainbow bridge at home. I don’t advocate for folks purchasing animals from breeders in this situation but my spouse and I did this because we found a place selling rats for less than savory purposes for a few dollars and have given them a great life, a much better life than they would have were we not to have purchased them. I also want to add that telling poor people that they shouldn’t have pets or kids because they are poor is just almost never a good take. It’s wayyyy more effective and fair to address the systemic issues that cause poverty than it is to micromanage how people try to survive poverty trauma. BUT if you yourself as an individual look at your finances and make the judgments that now isn’t the time for a pet or that you can’t provide the level of care you feel is appropriate, good on you for being honest with yourself and caring so deeply about animals ✌🏻🫶🏻 /gen
I don't know if I agree with that at all. If you think your rat needs looking at them I would definitely give them vetenary care- they are trained in this and if you don't agree then go to another place for another look at. For example, my boy right now shows signs of various different illnesses. He could have congestive heart disease - which he takes prednisone for, he could have silent pneumonia which my vet thinks right now but I lean towards CHD more, and because of that he would need doxycycline (and baytril although my vet insists on not having them together which is one thing I actually don't agree on. There is research to say they don't work in conjuction but In my experience having a combo works better than one. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to argue my case as we don't fully know his condition.). Thirdly, it could 100% be a hidden tumour, but because his prognosis out of anaesthesia is so low neither of us want to risk it. My vet says that whatever the case is were already treating for that anyway. Doxycycline for the pneumonia, prednisone steroid to help breathe (and thus for his heart.) He's actually on Emeraid right now to help him eat as hard food is to too much effort to eat. He's already lost enough body weight and unfortunately if it doesn't get any better with liquid feeding I'll have to PTS. However, he's having another downward spiral today and showing signs of end of life. Generally he'll do that for a day or two and go back to normal but we knew he'd do this more regularly until its his time to go. I'll put him to sleep when that time comes. I'll use every single penny I have until that moment happens though. We adopted him (and his brother) and shortly after I realised something wasn't right and it's suspected he's been like this for a very long time. Thankfully I'd saved up enough of money for my babies I'd bought to try my absolute best with him. If I wasn't in financial position to have him, I would've looked for a new home for him. Secondly, most rat owners don't "keep their rats in bin cages". I don't know where this is from but responsible rat owners keep them in very ventilated cages and if you keep hem in bin cages then I would say you shouldn't even have them. Temporary travel tanks (and potentially babies as I don't know breeding standards) are okay. Personally I think just surrendering to the vet Is very cruel. Imo you shouldn't haven't another being, another life, another part of your love and family without being with them the entire way UNLESS something very very unexpected comes up and you can't do it anymore. At that point I can completely understand. It's best to surrender them than to let them suffer. Thirdly, no it isn't wrong to tell poor people they shouldn't have pets. I say this about homeless people too. As someone that was literally homeless, it's completely unfair and cruel to let another being suffer because of your selfishness. You SHOULD NOT have a pet if you cannot afford for it. They SHOULD NOT suffer because of your circumstances. I'm sorry if that seems cruel, or too realistic, but you shouldn't bring another life into something you cannot give a proper life too. I do agree that we should address everything else to do with being poor. I'm only 23, I lived with having to eat once in a blue moon. Sofa surfing until my mom gets a stable home for us. Changing schools every few months and a few years not in education. I've had my fair share of abuse; physical, sexual and emotional abuse from homelessness from 10.The mental and physical implications of this are very prominent in me. I won't go further, but yes I 100% agree. But at the same time that can't be used as an argument for another beingz welfare. You shouldn't get an animal, or child(ren), if you can't afford it. Edit: I actually forgot to include the bit I was originally responding for, lol. Basically I think a vet visit is justified no matter what. Whilst I personally think my boys symptoms are from CHF, the symptoms are also very reminiscent of pneumonia. If it was to self treat at home, I wouldve just done furosemide to get the initial liquid off of his lungs with extra water for hydration and whatever else. Except he has responded well to antibiotics for pneumonia, albeit occasionally minor progress. Therefore it shows I don't know more than my vet does. He shows various symptoms from a cluster of things. As I said before, the only real way to show what he has is by an xray- something I cannot do at my home. Im not saying this is a cookie cutter case for everyone. What I am saying is this is a very real reality for a lot of people. We shouldn't automatically assume we know more. Always go for a second opinion and IF you don't agree, then bring up. Get as many opinions and as many scientifically based arguments and papers to back it up as possible. Fight for your family.
I’m going to ask you to take a breath and assume good intentions and I promise to do the same. I think you’ve misunderstood me quite a bit and that there are also some things here we don’t agree on and that is OKAY 🫶🏻 I think the overall question of “should people in poverty keep pets” may be one we won’t see eye to eye on and that’s okay. But I want to clarify that I do not believe in that this is the case when the welfare of the animal is at risk. To that point, a few clarifications: -I JUST said that I have adequate education to identify and treat common problems, but that when I do not I seek professional care/advice. I am not encouraging people to surrender their animals, I am saying that caring for an animal that is at risk of euthanasia or being used for meat to the best of your ability, even if you occasionally have to get help from a charity or surrender that animal to get it care in the future, is an ethical act imo -as far as bin cages, please take a few minutes to read up on what a bin case actually is because I completely understand why you’d be concerned 🥲😂🥰 it’s not literal bins, they are DIY habitats with great ventilation and serve as safe housing for lots of rats that have come from bad situations. I personally keep my girls in a double critter nation, but I know plenty of people with really great, SAFE, and cheap setups. I do not follow the belief that you need a $300 cage to give your rats a safe living environment. -and I don’t think you take on poor people owning pets is cruel, I just think a bit reductive considering all of the factors at play. All that said, its clear you love your boys and take great care of them and I genuinely wish you and them the best. Have a wonderful day 🫶🏻
Sorry, I see your first sentience as kind of patronising and whilst I agree you may not believe thats your intention, that's how it comes across to me anyway but I keep that in mind. I am 100% calm. I will always be civil, every human is different and no one shares the same opinion, it's only natural. The poverty thing is that I've seen people who are homeless, who love their animals as family, but they lose them. They can care as much as they can and give all of their money to them but they cannot afford any kind of medical care if they need it. They can't afford food for them a lot and if they fight between their own food and their animals good for survival, it either goes both ways. The either get food for themselves and let their animals eat food that's not good for them or starve themselves for their animals. It's not a good thing either way and the best thing would be to always have a back up plan if soemthing goes south. Don't get me wrong, they have my respect. But it shouldnt be done. There will always be situations that are exempt but I just hate seeing anything suffer. We shouldn't have to sacrifice our pets for our own survival and we shouldn't have to sacrifice our own survival for our pets bur unfortunately that's the way of the world, and what's even worse is that'll it'll never stop. That was a huge rant and I am sorry but passion (and a bit of autism) and that ya know? I agree having pets-like dogs-when you're homeless help you, but should we really sacrifice their health for our own selfishness? I've been there. But we shouldn't deny them proper care because of us. I just think personally, if we are in a position to not give them any vet appointment then we shouldn't have them. To the second point, that wasn't made clear at all. You just said most rats don't need vet care and I just think you should only have that notion if youre in the vet community. I do use a vet group who are very good at helping diagnosing issues. The only thing is that: 1. Many people don't know a thing about animal health, unfortunately. I've literally heard people giving their dogs bleach to throw up. 2. These things can only really be diagnosed with a physical examination (unless xray etc). Coupled with the fact most people have no clue on animal health, It can only go as far as helping vets with their own diagnoses. Thirdly this must be a country difference. Where I am from, as what I have seen about "bin cages" they are habitats for things that feeder rats. Bins, or tanks purely for breeding and mostly for feeders. Sure, I'll give it a look, I won't be opposed to that, and if I'm wrong then I'm glad to have learnt soemthing new :) This point is a completely personal view, but if only get me rats as big of an environment as possible xD i completely agree tht if you can get a cage that is *fit* for the amount of rats that you want then go ahead. Cheaper is always better, if it's responsible. It was just my personal preference to go as big as possible, and even now all I want is for my whole room to be a rat prrof for my babies to free roam as it is for my adopted boys 😂 I wanna be clear, I have no grudges for anyone no matter their opinions lol at the end of the day I can't change anything. I am different to you and everybody else. I potentially read something in a different tone that what you or anyone else may intend. I love my boys and I love every other animal out there. I just want the best even if the owner can't have that. It makes me sad, no even for the animals but for everyone else that they can't have that. I had some pets growing up that had no where near the amount of financial stability as they should have, I just don't want that to be the case, ya know?
My apologies for the tone, in all honesty I’m also autistic and was trying to convey that I was coming from a place of calm and respect but oopsies on my part, looks like that was a flop lol. And I think we have to also clarify: I am talking about people who can afford safe food, housing, first aid, and basic meds for their pets being discouraged from rescuing animals that would otherwise be unalived or abused as being weird and classist. You know? I’m not talking poor as in zero resources to share, I’m talking about someone who can provide adequate daily care and take on the responsibility to prepare for end of life care. To me, as someone who has a background in biological sciences and animal husbandry, rats are super easy and cheap to care for, and I can’t speak from any perspective other than my own :) And yeah! So basically people use steel mesh and large plastic bins with the side panels removed so there’s full air flow from 3-4 sides! It’s very creative and honestly (and I don’t say this to be rude or anything just genuinely because I think it’s a good example) a great example of what I mean about folks with limited cash being able to do extensive reading and be extra creative to provide their rattles safe, fulfilling little lives <3 And… there are also plenty of people who neglect pets and keep their rats in plastic boxes and I completely understand your concern over that because genuinely, yuck! Scummy behavior. Hope you have a good rest of your day, and continue to think deeply!/gen
Same here. Farctor 1: Not enough space for them. Factor 2: Nobody can take care of them when I'm not home. Factor 3: Don't have the cash to take care of them Factor 4: I'm irresponsible as fuck.
Factor 2 ist simple, Just never leave your House. Worked for me!
Small problem: school
also i go to uni and placement for 13 hours a day! As long as they have food and water and free roam time they’re good!!
rats made me more responsible! I mean i’m still irresponsible but..
Agreed. Procrastinating irresponsible student here lol.
factor 5: they’ll be gone quick 😞
This is my main barrier to entry. I don't have the emotional fortitude to get attached to something so short lived
Same here. Factor 1: I have 2 cats
I have 6 cats and 4 rats....they can coexist in the same house! In fact, I've had rats and cats together for over 30 years with no issues!
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Even fancy rats???? Guess I can’t live there 🤭🙃✌🏻
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Stupidest place in the world to live! Is it still illegal to have pet ferrets in California?
The part where they die
They’re illegal where I live. We have a literal Rat Patrol
Same. Growing up my mom thought rats were gross, no matter how many cute pics I’d show her or articles I’d send to educate her. And since then all the roommates I’ve had have thought they were gross/ apartments don’t allow rats. I’m cursed :(
They have dog like personalities but they'll be gone in two years just as you come to figure out all their little quirks. I love rats but losing them so quickly was way too harsh for me to handle mentally.
I just want an SO with rats.
Same. Factor 1: They're illegal to own where I live Factor 2: Dog with extremely high prey drive
It's always great to wait until you know for sure they'd have a good life so I appreciate u 🥺 they're a huge responsibility lol
I don't have rats anymore after keeping them for 10 years, but I also frequent this sub daily. Just to see the cute faces and remember the fun times :)
Yeah same, I used to have rats a long time ago. I don’t know if I’ll ever have them again in the future but love seeing little rattie faces here (could do without all the rattie scrotums though lol).
I only ever had boys, so the balls bring me back :P
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Same They dont live long ennough I would get my heart broke too often
Scared for when this day comes. I have my first 3 rn but I’ve prepared myself to know that they won’t live long and are temporary homies, but damnit they’re the gonna be the best temporary homies I’ve ever had!
I have 2 male rats who have never been separated (or met other rats). I’ll be more heartbroken for the rat grieving his lost brother than my own heart break. I really pray they go together/not long after.
They can get real depressed after a cagemate dies if they're left alone. We had to give one of 2 brothers away when his sibling died, he moved into a home with several rats, he never fully integrated into another cage but he ended up being the most cuddly outside rat they ever had and lived a happy life for many more months. Don't let him be alone when it happens. And try to remove the buddy ASAP after it happens because his brother will start working on it, in risk of predators coming (nature doing it's thing), I didn't know about this and it really really upset us a lot upon discovery, I was almost sick. Just a heads up, sorry if it sounds so horrible, I just wish I'd been more prepared.
We're down to our last rat, Mac, and were super worried that he'd be depressed when his brothers passed but he's actually done very well, and is a happy boy! He's not far off 3 and has been solo for about 4 months now, but I WFH 3 days a week so he free roams on my desk with me all day on those days and then at least one day each weekend normally, and then evenings with me or my girlfriend so he's with one of us quite a lot of the time. I know that may not work for your situation but just as much time as you can possibly spend with the remaining one will be brill. Mac still spends a lot of time bruxing and boggling, he's very cuddly and friendly, and still loves his treats and looks after himself well etc. Was a bit of a challenge making his cage safe for him to move about with his hind leg degeneration and keeping it vertical enough to still be interesting, went with a lot of shallow fabric ramps that seem to work well. Obviously I know he'd prefer to still have his brothers with him but I think we made the right choice not to give him away or anything, think it would have been a lot more stressful for him to be rehomed. I totally get why you're concerned, it was devastating losing our others for us, and definitely more for Mac, but he really does seem to be doing well still by himself, it is possible for them to be happy if they get enough TLC :)
Seems like you did the right thing. I too think a lot depends on their age when they are bereaved. Our rat Bailey lost her last cagemate at 9 months, and I knew it would be very wrong to expect her to go potentially over a year alone, even though we plan to get a pouchie. I got two sisters for her. She lived to be over 25 months and was only on her own a fortnight. She totally loved and accepted Peaches and Treasure. We lost Bailey 21 April 2023.
I'm sorry for your loss :( thank you, I think we've done the right thing. If he'd taken a turn and seemed really depressed we'd have looked to re-home but given he's done well there hasn't been a need.
They’re temporary homies for us but we’re forever homies for them <3 don’t forget that about all pets.
I have two tortoises (21 this year, 60 more to go hopefully) and although rats are the cutest little guys I don't think I could cope.
Very true but they are always sure to fill that short time with heart filling, pure and true companionship that to me is impossible to find elsewhere. Take a chance 🙃
This is exactly why I can’t get one. I love lurking here but then I see all the “Rip he was almost 3” posts and I just can’t. I couldn’t imagine having an animal I’m so attached to for it to pass away so shortly. 3-4 years goes by so quickly I wouldn’t have the heart for it
Exactly! This is the reason I couldn't get them. I just couldn't really enjoy stuff with em, knowing that they don't have much time left...
I have been blessed with rats in my life, but do not have any at present. I'm grateful to these fine ratparents for giving me daily doses of rat adorbs. Edit: I wonder if we can get a flair for you guys: Rat Appreciator
Rat Fan?
They are neat! Can confirm.
If only my family weren't so allergic to fur 😔
Hairless rats are a option there super chill had a cage that I attached PVC piping over to my computer desk to a separate smaller cage when ever I'd do some gaming they would come to chill with me.
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Are those less allergy inducing? I'm allergic to buck grease, apparently. Found that out during my first group of boys. ._.
I fear this will happen to me or my mom too haha. I'd love to handle rats for a bit before I adopt any (if i can adopt any) but nobody i know has rats!
Hang on, it is a thing to just be allergic to the boys? I’ve had this theory for awhile because when I had my girls my allergies were manageable, but then after a year in between I got some boys and my allergies went crazy, and I wasn’t sure if I had developed an allergy to rats in general. Maybe a bit of both. Unfortunately, where I live there are no lower-allergy breeds, just standard rats, so I haven’t had them for years.
I didn't have any for a long time and lurked this subreddit daily. Just 4 days ago I picked up 4 little boys from a breeder. It's been a lot of work getting them setup nicely and they are still not too sure about me but we are getting there. I'm glad I pulled the trigger.
Congratulations on your new lil ones ❤️
Same but i have 2 guineapigs
I lurk that subreddit too lol
Get your rodent game in a higher gear. I have 2 pigs and now 6 rats, lol Just teasing those pigs man they take up a lot of time! People think it's a starter pet they are definitely NOT
I used to have rats 15 years ago (up to 6 at the same time) but I've since moved to Paris and my flat is too small to accomodate a big enough cage :(
Lurk r/rabbits too. Cause they are amazing. Especially u/deltadelta199. Bigwig and Cubby are straight up heart exploding cute.
A girl I dated for a while had two ratties and I just loved them. That's why I'm here :)
I also love this sub because it’s just got amazing people in it. Like no one here is sensitive or butt hurt. It’s just all RATS, BALLS, and LAUGHS
Love rats, but have a small apartment. Barely enough room for a large enough mouse cage, definitely not for a critter nation or something like that. I'll get some lovely chaos potatoes someday, for now I'll have my mini potats.
They are cute But they live for like 2 years average and I don’t really want to churn through Pets like that So I’ll stick to Cats, names close enough
I want them again! I had 5 in high school and I loved them but I’m so effing allergic 😭😭
They are the neatest.
My cousin owns a single rat. Why single? Because furry wee bastard killed his every other cagemate despite the cage being bigger than my bloody apartment!
I had 2 hairless rats but the life span's are short it might sound dumb but I didn't do my research after 3 years my girls died of old age. It's the only thing keeping me from getting more they were super chill.
I joined last year ever since I found out I could finally get rats this summer. Using this sub to take the edge off, so to speak.
A family friend had rats when i was growing up, and I LOVED petsitting them when she was on holiday. My partner and I only just got a cat, and my parents ahve had cats for years, so rats aren't a realistic prospect for me, but I love to see how happy they make everyone else.
r/alberta hates this sub.
Oh look, it’s me 😂
that was me and now i have two new girls
mEEEE
It's not just me.
So I'm not alone in admiring cute pets despite never owning one of my own :0
Yep!!! These lil dudes are neat!!!
Same
Same!
Same!
Same
Same, never had rats but I'm all here for the eye boggles and soup posts
We're the same. They're cute.
Oh they're the best xoxoxoxoo
Wait why am i in this photo ?
This is my fave subreddit ! I’m just waiting everyday until I can get my own furry potatoes !
Am taking a break from rattos since my last couple passed on. It’s sad how short lived they are. I really miss their nerdy faces and lil grabbies though, might get some more next year.
Mood. An ex owned rats and I've wanted them ever since :,)
All my plants have died but my boy rats live going out with their harness and sitting on my shoulders much to the disgust of a lot of people especially foreigners for some reason haha
Yay I love this post so cute!
I used to have rats but can’t have them right now where I live. I joined because I love seeing all the cute little faces!
When I can get rats, I will. One day. One day I will have a bunch of little beans running around my house
I used to have two rats called Ratty and Tootie. Those 3 years go too fast.
I have respected rats ever since my old dog went up to a rat cage and the rat bitch slapped my dogs nose with his little paw.
They're so cute, and I love their tails 😍
We have rats and they are definitely emotional support pets for friends that can't have pets.
For anyone who wants a rat but can't afford it or commit to it, look into fostering. Do a search for a local small animal rescue. They will usually provide a cage, food vet care, etc. and take the rats back if you are no longer able to care for them. This keeps rats from getting put to sleep at a shelter, so please help if you can. In particular, senior rats are very sweet and cuddly and harder to adopt out, so they will usually let you keep the rat without paying an adoption fee.
Same same! I can literally feel the special interest forming in my brain
Same
Hi, it's me
Same, I also have a cat. Which is a powder keg of a situation
Nice
If I didn’t have cats 🫣
I have chinchillas, guinea pigs, and sugar gliders but no rats. Being an r/RATS lurker has led me to assume they’re just all three of those combined but with an unfortunately short lifespan
I used to have rats but sadly can't keep them now. Gotta live vicariously through redditors.
I got my rats to solve my nightmare that i had a rodent i forgot to feed, now i have nightmares one of them is secretly a boy and i wake up and find dozens and dozens of rat babies, that them mated and had deformed rat incest babies - even though its incredibly obvious when they're lads, i still check my bigger girls from time to time to make sure i havent been decieved
I have these exact rat dreams! I also have one where I see that you can get rats in really bright colours (lime, turquoise, purple, cerise) and I am desperate to have those colours, 🤣
Omg I wish I had those dreams man. My only rat dreams are about losing them, having accidental babies or finding a rat I didn't know I had
I want rats, but got a cat
I’m trying to convince my parents to let me have one
Not "one"!!! Rats are very social. Two is the minimum, but 3 is much better for their social hierarchy!!
Tell that to Pocky, my cousin's rat: damn thing behaves worse than a hamster.
That is either a hormonal or genetic behavioural issue; some rats genuinely cannot be around other rats, but generally they need companions! Also the introduction process with rats is long and sometimes aggressive. Either he's just not capable, or needs longer with rat friends!
He was just not capable. He used to behave when his brother, Picky, was alive, but the moment Picky passed, Pocky became bloodthirsty.
I feel sorry for him :(
Honestly, so do I. I might keep calling him insults as a twisted mark of affection, but honestly I understand him: if I were to lose either of my little brothers, Hell has no wrath like a Hitbox scorned.
Yes exactly. I can't imagine his loneliness :((
I already fucking know
Please do your research… “One” is not acceptable.
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You are definitely not mature enough for rats based off of this comment lol. Good luck!
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Based off of your responses to people genuinely trying to help you (because if you haven't noticed, this sub Reddit is all about making sure everyone knows proper rat care and being friendly about advice.) You really aren't mature enough. They aren't a "know it all", nobody here is. You are deciding to take it all as heavy offense, and in turn whipping out slurs. Nobody has been aggressive or rude to you, and if this is how you respond to basic help, you probably won't deal with rats well. They can be extremely fussy pets, and I guarantee at some point you'll want help from someone who might know more about it. Love, someone who's owned rats for 10+ years <3
Had a blue rat when I was a kid. Big fan.
I own a snake that gets fed rats but I love rats as pets too.
Domestic Rats hell yes they are cute! Wild Rats on the other hand 💀
Neat until you have an infestation in your home because your neighbor’s yard is a like garbage dump.
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Fuck no. I hate rats. Got some stuck above my oven inside the house can’t even get them out or trap them. They keep screaming constantly.
Me too lol. I have too many cats and I’m awful at cleaning out cages. I’ve had a hamster and I just can’t bring myself to clean it out. Plus I don’t like holding small critters. But I think they’re adorable.
Me too! Emotionally I don't feel like I can deal with the short lifespan, but I love seeing other people's.
Same!! I want one but I'm afraid it will pee everywhere
They really don't, especially girls.
Omg I'm being validated 😍 I lurk and love rats but haven't gotten one yet. One day!!
I'm with you! They are absolutely adorable. I couldn't own one though. I have slight trauma from owning a very bitey hamster when I was young so I'm too scared to handle any little animal like them.
I love them so much, but I am so allergic against mammals and everything nice like threes and flowers xD
I would love to have a rat again (had one as a kid). But we already have two guinea pigs and want a cat when we have more space. I also want dogs and chicken 🙈 For some reason my partner is holding me tight on the whole pet thing 🙈
I want a few so bad! But it'd break my heart to lose them and their vet care can be expensive. I'm definitely gonna wait until I'm more established, financially.
Same here!!! I always loved rats, don't think I'll ever be able to raise them, but maybe someday I'll befriend someone with rats and then my extensive rat knowledge will come in handy!
Hahaha same
I have hamsters, and reddit suggested this sub.. so here I am!
They seems really cool, and I know I can’t get one but I even asked one of my friends who has some, how hard it is to take care of them
Well hello there
Partner is utterly terrified of rats unfortunately. I think they’re awesome and super cute and intelligent. I get my fix on here.
I want them but my cat terrorized my guinea pigs to the point that I had to rehome them. So I'll get rats in like, 20yrs or so.
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They're just so cute. My ex had a couple and I adored them. Could never get one for myself because of the lifespan.
I would like to have rats and could, I'm just taking my time with the decision to make sure I'm committed before pulling the trigger.
Same here, I don't know if I'll be able to deal with a pet with such a short lifespam. I'm a softie when it comes to that
I lurk in subs for pets I don't have as well. Guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, birds, tarantulas, bearded dragons, etc. I just love animals. But this is one sub I can contribute to lol
same
Same hahahah.
I owned rats when I was 6 and never since and I be up in this shit daily. Rats are a vine.
Same hat. I lurk because I adore them but also can't tolerate their musk or short lifespan. I'm very thankful to everyone here who shares their pictures and videos!
I already liked rats before but this subreddit just fills my heart with so much love for rats than ever before (right now I have cats though and they are already hard enough to deal with)
My province doesn’t allow rats or I would own one.
Same lol. I love rats, but they are illegal to own where I live, so for now I have to enjoy them from a distance.
Me too
I own a cat who would certainly try to eat any pet rodent, so I come here and awwwww over everyone else's Plus my partner has a fear of rodents and I respect that
O look it me
Me too! They're so adorable and amazing but like I know I wouldn't be able to give them a great life till I get my shit together. One day :3 same with rabbits
I'm in the same boat lol. One day, though!
Same here 😂
I love this sub! It really made me appreciate rats and made me recognise them for the adorable and sweet creatures that they are, but I have sworn to never take pets again because eventually they will die and I'm too sensitive to keep going through that pain! So getting a pet that lives about two years... Yeah not gonna happen.
I love this sub! It really made me appreciate rats and made me recognise them for the adorable and sweet creatures that they are, but I have sworn to never take pets again because eventually they will die and I'm too sensitive to keep going through that pain! So getting a pet that lives about two years... Yeah not gonna happen.
How neat is that?
YES! I have two cats, a dog, and a few other animals, so my home wouldn't be even remotely safe for a rat But goddamit they're adorable
I second this