4 weeks too young?

[Urbanratgirl]

okay I found an agouti yesterday from a good pet store where they love and handle the rats well...except she is only 4 weeks old! She is the tiniest thing I have ever seen, more like a mouse than a rat..when I held her for the first time she licked me..she is so sweet.
Did I get her too young? she is eating well, and is snuggling with me already, I introduced her to the big girls last night, they sniffed at her but where more interested in playing out and about I don't think they consider her a real rat yet. I am not sure about putting her in the main cage as she is so tiny I am terrified they'll squish her. I woke up really early this morning as I was scared she'd be lonely.
how old do you think she should be when I put her in the main cage, I thought I'd let them have playtime for a while yet, and see how we go?
the other thing is can I be certain she definitely a girl? she has no signs of those fluffy things underneath but is it too early to be 100% I definitely don't want litters

[Lone Star Rats]

I'd wait to introduce her to the big cage until you feel it's right.. they may accept her just fine as small as she is, but if your gut says no, don't risk it.  Rats are normally weaned by mom between 3-4 weeks, so she should do just fine on her own.

FYI, before anyone starts bashing her for not quarantining for three weeks, remember she's in the UK!

[Urbanratgirl]

FYI, before anyone starts bashing her for not quarantining for three weeks, remember she's in the UK!

actually Australia but thanks for the support!
Should I have kept her away? and do you think she's definitely a girl yet??

[SR&P]

well the boys have testicles. im not sure when  they drop & the boys have a penis too. im a bad source! lol! but go to the faq at wererat.net & they have links w/ pictures.

[Lone Star Rats]

D'oh!  Ok, then OZ.. that's actually better

Really all I saw was that you weren't american

[Urbanratgirl]

Well to prevent looking like a dumb Aussie, I did my own research after I posted this: I read a few times that yes 4 weeks is okay as they are weaned, and that you should know their sex by 3 weeks....I just woke up this morning and posted this in anxious motherly state for my newest addition hoping I'd done the right thing.
I still am open to advice about the topic though..wait till you see her she's an absolute cutey!

[BabyBlue]

Personally I think 4 weeks is little on the young side, but like LSR said they are weaned around 3-4 weeks so it is ok. I just don't like to see them being sold so young...

[Toadmier]

First and foremost, congrats on your new little addition!   Second of all, I got my two girls when they were only 4 weeks old, but I rescued them from being a friend's snakefood, didn't buy them, and they were totally fine. The only problem I had was that at that age, they could escape out of anything with wire!   So they spent their first month with me in an aquarium, until I plumped them up.   By 4 weeks, I think *most* little boyses are quite obvious, but there are always those late bloomers, so I would personally keep her separated for a little while longer, if nothing more, it gives you more time to have her all to yourself!   Best Wishes!

[LittlePixie]

D'oh!  Ok, then OZ.. that's actually better

*whacks LSR on the head* Would you learn your flags, girl?!

Urbanratgirl, everyone here already knows Aussies aren't dumb... they've met ME.

[Urbanratgirl]

Oh my god you'll never believe this but not only do I discover I have the most lovable, placid little new addition, already eats from hand. snuggles all day long ..gets on well with my girls.......but to my absolute horror and seemingly overnight as I examined it's butt so carefully when I bought it..I think it's turning into a boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot bear to take him/ her back I just know he/she is going to be an amazing adult rat both in looks and personality.......I am so scared I will have to chop him so he can play with my girls.......

[Katy M]

Just something I noticed: Instead of waiting to do intro's with my baby boys until tehy were old enough to be a threat, I started doing intro's at 2.5 weeks, where the male was not threatened. Malakai is normally a very aggressive rat, but he didn't even do dominance snaps. I guess his parental instinct took over, so he started taking care of them.

At 4 weeks, it'sm prolly better to wait. Butincase someone else wants to test this theary of mine too, I thought I'd say it.

[Urbanratgirl]

Just something I noticed: Instead of waiting to do intro's with my baby boys until tehy were old enough to be a threat, I started doing intro's at 2.5 weeks, where the male was not threatened..

I have found during their playtime the girls preety much ignore the baby, except for a few well placed sniffs they carry on as if it isn't there..I thing they haven't view the baby as a rat yet...
I guess in light of the current events I'm glad he/she is separated!
We'll see