Interested in ratties in the near future

[WEAVER]

I really hope that I am posting this in the right spot.  I could not find a place for introductions, so I am guessing they go here.  If not please do forgive me and feel free to move it if necessary 

Let me begin by introducing myself.  I do not have any rats at the moment, but I have been keeping an eye on Petfinder faithfully for the last few months hoping to find a pair or trio in need of a forever home.  So far I have had no success, but I keep hoping.  In the meanwhile I have been lurking on here for quite sometime and checking the classifieds trying to learn about their care and as much as I can about them.  I decided today that I should go ahead and sign up and be part of the "action" instead of sitting in the shadows.

I am very pro-rescue and actually very active in the guinea pig community and with their rescues.  I currently care for 15 piggies of my own, all rescues, many with medical conditions or they are seniors who sat in rescues for a while looking for a home.  I have a soft spot for the ones that no one wants, or the ones on dealth row.  I am not a rescue, really more like a sanctuary or senior citizen retirement home for the piggies who are in need    I have had guinea pigs my entire life, but have really became VERY involved with trying to help educate others on their care, and rescue work for the past three years. 

I have several questions about rats that I was hoping you could help clarifiy for me.  One being are rats litter trained by nature, or do you have to train them?  I noticed many of you have traiditional bedding, while others use fleece with a litter pan.  I was not sure if they actually use the litter pan or if they go potty all over the cage and you just clean up after them and wash their fleece? 

Another question that I have is I would like to purchase a Ferret nation cage because I like how the doors open wide and allow easy access to the inside of the cage, but how can I babyproof the cage if I find younger rats?  I think I read somewhere on here that young rats, or smaller rats can escape through the bars...right?

I love the fleece bedding, and use it currently for all of my pigs.  I was wondering if the rats chew their bedding and how do you attach it to the levels to keep it put so it does not slide as they go up and down the ramps?

Is their a major difference between males and females?  I am open to both, I was just wondering as a first time rattie caregiver if one is easier than the other to care for, or the difference in any in their personalities.

Sorry for so many questions.  I know it is a lot, but I just want to make sure I fully understand what is going to be required to give them the best care possible.  I look forward to hearing from all of you and hearing your thoughts and comments.  Thank you for your time.

[Kristy R]

First off Welcome!  I'm still new around here too, but I wanted to throw in my 2 sense

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I have several questions about rats that I was hoping you could help clarifiy for me.  One being are rats litter trained by nature, or do you have to train them?  I noticed many of you have traiditional bedding, while others use fleece with a litter pan.  I was not sure if they actually use the litter pan or if they go potty all over the cage and you just clean up after them and wash their fleece?  Actually you train them yourself.  They say you can use clickers.  Treats work super well.  The way I litter trained my ratties?  I kept a little cage on their favorite couch that had their cage bedding in it.  They knew that smelled like them so they poop in there.  I actually had no idea I did it until one day I saw them doing it! lol.  But it's all up to the rattie for the most part.  Some do, some don't.  The fleece liners I know you should clean/change often and do daily spot cleanings.  But a lot of people around here do the fleece method and enjoy it!  Some day I will too!

Another question that I have is I would like to purchase a Ferret nation cage because I like how the doors open wide and allow easy access to the inside of the cage, but how can I babyproof the cage if I find younger rats?  I think I read somewhere on here that young rats, or smaller rats can escape through the bars...right? Not too sure about this one.  I'm sure someone else can help you out though Tons of smart people around here!

I love the fleece bedding, and use it currently for all of my pigs.  I was wondering if the rats chew their bedding and how do you attach it to the levels to keep it put so it does not slide as they go up and down the ramps? Yes some rats will chew btw.    And some burrow.  Some people use those binder clippies.  Umm I'm not sure about what others use though.  Guys?

Is their a major difference between males and females?  I am open to both, I was just wondering as a first time rattie caregiver if one is easier than the other to care for, or the difference in any in their personalities. The sex is up to you   They're both fun.  Females are known for having more problems with tumors (I'm pretty sure), but of course you could get a female who has no problems   Females are also known to be much more full of energy for most of their life and males more low key, though I have males I'd say their always active lol.  You should pick by interactions and what your heart tells you of course!

Sorry for so many questions.  I know it is a lot, but I just want to make sure I fully understand what is going to be required to give them the best care possible.  I look forward to hearing from all of you and hearing your thoughts and comments.  Thank you for your time.
GOOD LUCK!  I hope I helped some and didn't lead you astray at all 

[Ratsndogs]

For the litter training, what I did was just put a pan in the cage with Yesterday's News cat litter in it.  Then I put in some of the poop in the pan.  Over the course of 3 weeks, I would clean up the poop in the cage as soon as I saw it, and put some in the pan.  Eventually, my rat started using the pan to poop in.  But, she does still pee in her nest, but I never find poop in it.  I use towels for lining the cage floor, so she may peeing on them, but I can't tell as the color of the towel is somewhat dark.  I just pick out the nest every couple of days and give her more toilet paper to replace it with.  The towel gets switched out every 3 - 4 days.

[Ratlovingkippy06]

I have several questions about rats that I was hoping you could help clarifiy for me.  One being are rats litter trained by nature, or do you have to train them?  I noticed many of you have traiditional bedding, while others use fleece with a litter pan.  I was not sure if they actually use the litter pan or if they go potty all over the cage and you just clean up after them and wash their fleece? 
no they use the box, most take to it very fast. They are just as smart as dogs.
Another question that I have is I would like to purchase a Ferret nation cage because I like how the doors open wide and allow easy access to the inside of the cage, but how can I babyproof the cage if I find younger rats?  I think I read somewhere on here that young rats, or smaller rats can escape through the bars...right?   there is a section at the top of the home/cages section on how to put wire on a FN

I love the fleece bedding, and use it currently for all of my pigs.  I was wondering if the rats chew their bedding and how do you attach it to the levels to keep it put so it does not slide as they go up and down the ramps?

Is their a major difference between males and females?  I am open to both, I was just wondering as a first time rattie caregiver if one is easier than the other to care for, or the difference in any in their personalities.

Sorry for so many questions.  I know it is a lot, but I just want to make sure I fully understand what is going to be required to give them the best care possible.  I look forward to hearing from all of you and hearing your thoughts and comments.  Thank you for your time.

[hairless_love]

Welcome to the forum!  I think piggies are way cute, but have none of my own. That's really great that you are willing to give the ones that need it a great home! Have you checked the Adoption Center area of the forum for rats in your area? Also, if you feel comfortable telling us your location, we could try to help you find a rescue near you.

When it comes to litter training, every rat is different. Some rats will instinctively poop in a certain corner, so then you just put the litter box in that spot. Some rats just catch on to the idea of litter training easily. Others take more patience. The easiest way to do it if you want to use fleece, is to put the litter box(es) in the cage, and put things like water bottles, food dishes, hidey holes in other corners. Then, if they don't make it into the litter box, put it in there for them. If they seem to like a different corner than where you put the box, you may have to do some rearranging.


I've heard of people using hardwear cloth to cover up the bars so smaller rats can't escape. If you visit the Home Squeak Home section of the forum, you'll probably find some good ideas.

Some rats will chew up their bedding. I'm not sure what a Ferret Nation cage is like, but in my cage, the part with the bars sits on top of the floors of the cage levels, so I just put the fleece down on the floor and then put the cage on top of it to hold it in place. Usually as long as there isn't any loose ends that are easy to chew on, my rats don't bother the fleece. USUALLY....  This is another thing that you can look in the Home Squeak Home section for. Lots of people here have Ferret Nations and love them.

Generally when it comes to males and females, males tend to be more snuggly and lazy, and females more hyperactive. Every rat is different though, and some bend the rules. The biggest thing you'll want to consider when choosing a gender, is that it is best to get females spayed, because they wont get mammary tumors.

And don't be sorry for asking questions...that's what this forum is for!  Besides, it's a lot better to ask questions BEFORE getting your rats, then to do everything wrong and have to make a post about how to save your sick ratties. 

Good luck with your search!

[WEAVER]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and answering my questions.  They seem a little like a guinea pig with the potty training thing, and while I guess that is ok, I really was hoping for "clean" rats.  Trust me when I say that fifteen piggies pooping everywhere is a lot of clean up and lots of laundry and I was hoping that the rats would be a little less time consuming with their upkeep.  Maybe I mistaken...?

I really do like the ferret nation cages mainly because the rats seem like they are easier to see, and the doors open all of the way up.  I am afraid of having an escape artist though.  There is a cage from fosters and smith that is very simuliar, but half the price and I was wondering if any of you knew anything about it, or the distance inbetween the actual bars on the cage.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6067+10431+16581&pcatid=16581

I am reading and searching around on the forum to continue learning.  There is tons of wonderful advice!  I also must admit that I am a picture freak and LOVE seeing the pictures of everyone's adorable ratties   I take pictures of my piggies all of the time!

I have been looking in the classifieds on here for a while, but have had no luck.  I live right outside of Huntsville, Alabama and would not mind driving up to two hours to be able to adopt. 

[wickedrodent]

Hey Weaver; good to see you on here. Not sure if you remember me, but I was a member of GPC. 

The Fiesty Ferret cage looks similar to the FN but I have seen a lot of people who are very disappointed once they get it. I do not have first hand experience with it, but I believe it is 1/2 in bar spacing. I think only one door on each level opens, unlike the FN. I do have 3 FN cages which are amazing!

Compared to piggies, rats are cake (cleaning wise). I spot clean daily with my two boys and only have to completly clean every other week. More ratties than that and you would probably have to do it completly once a week. Then again, my boys aren't potty trained and just potty on the fleece.

[WEAVER]

Hi there!!  Nice to see a familiar face sort of speak    I do really like the look and function of the FN.  I have been looking through the FN thread in the cage section of the forum and some people have some completely amazing cages.  You know I am all about having the fun looking cage

I am looking forward to having a cage with no hay everywhere.  That alone has to keep a cage cleaner and smelling nicer longer.  How old does a rat have to be to be ok in a FN cage?  If I was to get females (which is what I am leaning towards) do I have to worry about them gettin out?  On the thread with the cages it seems like lots of you have the cage without having to put the screen over the bars.  Is a FN going to be huge with only a few ratties?  I was thinking maybe I should get the smaller version instead of the double stacked one.

[hairless_love]

Compared to piggies, rats are cake (cleaning wise). I spot clean daily with my two boys and only have to completly clean every other week. More ratties than that and you would probably have to do it completly once a week. Then again, my boys aren't potty trained and just potty on the fleece.

Ditto. Piggies poop like ten times more than rats I swear...ha ha ha!  Rats really aren't bad. I too spot clean daily...pick up stray poops and wipe down the shelves, and then do a big cleaning once a week. That's with 6 rats btw.

If I remember right...I think girls can slip thru FN bars no matter how old they are. I'm trying to remember how old my boys are when they can be in my big cage without getting out...I'm thinking 4-6 months? Just know that if their heads will fit thru the bars...the rest of their body will follow!

And if I were you, I would go ahead and splurge for the bigger cage. You never know when GGMR will hit ((Gotta get more rats!)) or a ratty or two is is desparate need of a home. It's good to have extra space.  I believe in the FN you can also block off the levels, so you don't have to let your rats have access to both levels if you don't want to.

[wickedrodent]

I believe in the FN you can also block off the levels, so you don't have to let your rats have access to both levels if you don't want to.

Sure can! If you got 2 extra shelves you could probably even block it off into 4 separate cages for a temporary situation. 

I too spot clean daily...pick up stray poops and wipe down the shelves, and then do a big cleaning once a week. That's with 6 rats btw.

Oh, thats good to know. I am going to be up to 6 ratties soon and was wondering if once a week would be good enough for a entire clean.

If I remember right...I think girls can slip thru FN bars no matter how old they are. I'm trying to remember how old my boys are when they can be in my big cage without getting out...I'm thinking 4-6 months? Just know that if their heads will fit thru the bars...the rest of their body will follow!

Some girls can't fit through the bars.. and remember, its not the age; its the weight. My boys are on the small size and just recently stopped fitting through regular bars. They are about 8-9 months. Some wont fit after 2-3 months. It all depends.

If nothing else, you could get the FN + another, smaller cage that they can be in at night and when you are away. That way you will be there if they get through the bars during the day and you will also have a travel/q-tine cage for accidents/vet/new rats.