New Boys from the pet shop

[dragonli]

Hi all! I just recently picked up two older ratboys from the pet shop. I consider my house the "resort for unwanted or unhappy pets." Things that come to me usually are either being neglected, are dreadfully unhappy in their present spot, or someone just can't take care of them. Apparently, the rats had been at the pet shop forever and only recently has anyone tried handling them. I know that they say you shouldn't "rescue" rats, especially if this is the first time you've had them, but I couldn't see them couped up in that 10 gallon tank while I had a 55 gallon at home that was begging for someone to live there.

Ok, so I have a couple questions. It's only been a day, and I'm still introducing myself to them. They're in a quiet room with the gerbil (another neglectee) and so far seem okay. One is curious and a bit more social, but the other seems shy and skittish (and is also the "biter" according to the pet shop.) My first question is that when I put them in the new tank, I noticed an odd odor coming from them. First it smelled like stagnant water. Hours later it smelled like dog. And this morning I smell kind of a "sweet" scent. Is this normal? Do they need bathing? ARe they finally cleaning themselves after being couped up? Should a put a bowl of water in there for them to bathe with? (suggestion I read somewhere.) Should I wait until they're a bit more used to me and try to bathe them? If so, will pure castile soap with essential oils do, or should I buy a special shampoo? (I use the castile for the cat.)

And one more question, since the tank is quite large, would you suggest that I buy an exercise wheel just for rats? I know they need "out of the cage" time, but I want them to get exercise while I'm still warming up to them, especially since Musashi runs like a bandit if I happen to move.

[Jodi]

First, welcome!   On the odor, I think you probably are right that they are just getting themselves cleaned up after probably not being given the best care at the petshop. A slight "sweet" odor is perfectly normal in intact adult boys (there are lots of us who find it pleasant, in fact... I have to admit, I love smelling my rattyboys!   ). Rats don't generally need to be bathed unless they really get into something or are perhaps older/less able to clean themselves than they used to be. As long as you have them on one of the recommended litters (no pine, cedar, or scoopable cat litters, please!) and you keep their home clean, you shouldn't have a problem. If it does become necessary to bathe them, it can be done (more information on bathing can be offered here if it comes to it), but I'd at least wait until they are more relaxed and used to their new home.

On wheels, most adult rats aren't that interested in using wheels, but some do like them. Did they use a wheel at the petshop? If you do decide to get them a wheel, make sure it's a solid one, not wire. Wire wheels can damage rats' tails. We use a Wobust sized Wodent Wheel, found here: http://www.transoniq.com/  Only a couple of my boys ever use it, but they enjoy it very much.

Good for you for giving these boys a good home!   Keep us updated on their progress. Don't worry... they'll grow to love you in no time!  

[kmw]

Rat boys do have a natural scent - I've heard it described as:  musky, sandalwood, and corn chips.    It really isn't necessary to bathe them, but I know some do for various reasons:  showing, smell, skin problems, help with allergies, etc.  A shampoo for kittens or baby shampoo is ok to use.  I'd be hesitant to use something with added oils - rats have sensitive respiratory tracts.  If you're going to try this, I would wait until they trust you - nothing worse than a soapy, wet, slippery scared rat loose in the house!    

If they've only been with you for a day, then it's ok to give them time to settle in.  It takes my rats about a week or so to be comfortable in their new digs, and to start showing me their REAL personalities.  

If one rat is labeled a "biter", it is important that you understand rat body language, to avoid being bitten yourself.  Turning away and presenting a butt means leave me alone.  Fur puffing, moving sideways, and tail wagging can be signs of aggression as well.  And should be heeded.  Of course, this rat could be labeled a biter because he was rarely handled and picked up by the tail.  I'd bite too!  

You can start building trust by talking quietly, offering treats in your palm, and just paying attention to the new guys.  Here's an article to help you along:  http://www.ratfanclub.org/trust.html

As for a wheel - many rats won't use them.  If you want to try one, Wodent Wheel is a good one.  No wire wheels where tails or toes can get caught - on that is enclosed is a better bet.  And no "rat balls" - rats are much more dignified then hamsters, and most won't use them, either  

[Tara]

Hi Dragonli!  Welcome to Ratland!  

I'd like to offer another suggestion in additions to the ones you have already gotten, if I may.   A 55gal is a good sized aquarium!  You have plenty of height to add some modular plastic shelves in there so they have some levels.  Also, cardboard boxes, shoeboxes, etc., make great rat clubhouses, and a 55gal is big enough that you can put a clubhouse in it.   Check out the clubhouse idea (and a slew of other rat toy ideas) at this website: http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm#clubhouse

One last thing, I noticed that you have a gerbil.  Just wanted to make sure that you knew that gerbil diets and rat diets are much different!  If you already have them on a rat diet, that's great!  If not, let us know and we can get you pointed in the right direction!  

Welcome to rat ownership!  (Meaning: the rat owns you, not the other way around! )   We think you'll love it!

[JulesDoug]

 
This link is fantastic!! Soooo many toys to make hoorah!!! I'm gonna be busy this weekend.
Jules n Babs n Bonnie