Giant Pouched Rat?

[Ross]

Has anyone heard of a Giant Pouched Rat? I was talking to a guy on the net who says he got one that had been imported by an exotic pet dealer and then been mistreated from a rescue centre in Ireland. I have heard something about them in the past but are they not meant to be wild in the Americas or something and not kept as pets?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[em]

Sounds like what you have on your hands there is a kangaroo...

Soz, just couldn't resist  

[Ross]

LOL

Nice One Em

[em]

  Seriously (for once) I have no idea what a giant pouched rat might be, but I'll be interested to see what everyone else comes up with  

[Marybelle]

I think that someone here has a pouched rat.  And I think they're african.  If you do a search for african pouched rat you may find something.  

[kmw]

I believe what you're talking about is a Gambian Giant Pouched Rat.  They are kept as pets here in the States, but are NOT recommended for people inexperienced in rat-keeping.  They get to be much larger than pet rats, can weigh up to 5-7 lbs each, and if you thought a pet rat bite hurts....  The cost is quite prohibitive - I've seen them for $200+ USD.  Debbie D has/had one - if you go to the RFC home, you may be able to find a bit more info.