Rats, anyone?

[Chajara]

I'm currently living with my sister, and I sleep in the basement. It's cold in the winter, and cold and damp in the summer. So. I'm thinking of getting a rat (A female and I believe I shall name her Bix for anyone who's curious) and I'm wondering if that might affect her health any. I've had 3 rats before (Baxter, Archemedes, and Dechallan) but they were in warm dry areas. I figure I can put a heating pad or one of those rocks that heat up for reptiles in her cage to keep her warm, but what about the dampness? Any advice would be much appreciated. I might even reward you with pictures if and when I buy a cage and get the rat.

 

[Celtic Camel]

Hi Chajara,
I don't think you'll have much problem with a rat in that sort of area... just be sure to keep a close eye on her... sometimes they can catch a cold, but with lots of good food, cuddles and love, she should be ok!
I currently have 3 adult rats, Gomez (my albino boy); FizzGig (Fawn & white Female) and Sproket (black & white female)... Sprok has 5 babies on New Years - so they are now 11 days old... 5 albino, 1 black & white...so cute!
In the past, I've had 4(?) other rats... they all have such different personalities. They are just awesome...
Hope you plans for Bix work out. I'm sure you'll be a great guardian for her!
Love & prayers,
Lisa

 

[Ataradrac]

I used to have rats. They are social critters, and do much better in pairs or groups than on their own (just be sure to get all the same gender!!) That way they'll cuddle up and keep each other warm when you're not around.

The damp might be a problem, though. Rats are prone to bacterial infections of their respiratory passages. Perhaps you could get a small dehumidifier and run it in the same room when it's damp?

 

[Chajara]

Yeah, my sister's got a dehumidifier... but it's extremely loud and could only be run during the day when no one's trying to sleep. Still, that may work. Thanks guys

 

[Dawn Marie]

Ooh. Well, I hope you can get a nice, pretty rat. I want one (or two) as well... I don't think my mother would like the idea though. Sigh.

 

[jess anderson]

I want a rat!! I don't understand why people hate domestic rats. I think they're gorgeous!

 

[lsrichey]

We have two fancy hooded female rats, named Lucy and Ethel. I was petrified of them at first but now I think they are cute and sweet.

 

[Chajara]

Yeah, they make great pets. I still remember how I used to walk into my room and yell "Baxter!" and she'd leap up and come to the front of the cage to see what I'd brought her. I gave her table scraps, things like leftover peas and corn, and especially baked potatoes. She always loved baked potatoes. I miss my Baxter.

 

[•Amadeus•]

Nothing wrong with pet rats. I had 3 hamsters. I like them a little better, I think.

 

[Gumdrop71]

Rats make wonderful pets. Unfortunately, I am extremely allergic to them =0( Not their bedding the rat itself =(

 

[Eagle_Wings]

The only thing I would say is don't use a heat rock or heating pad inside the cage...rats are chewers and it's only a matter of time before she would electrocute herself. If you think it will be too cold for her you can get a heat lamp instead. They make ones that have a clamp and then you can clamp it to the outside of the cage...that way she can't reach the cord or the bulb. Other then that, as long as you keep her cage clean on a regular basis she should be okay, even with the dampness.