I want ratties

[Palooka]

Well they have been growing on me when I read what great companion animals they are.

I love going to my dh cousins house because they are animal lovers. We had ducks in the house that are tamed today. They have raised wild animals.

But they had the most beautiful rattie with such a beautiful face. I spent a lot of the day holding her and she hung out on my shoulders.
(rats tails freak me out though)

I told my dh I want a couple.

So I know the cages are the most expensive. (and I would buy a big one so I wouldn't want to feel like I was caging an animal) What is the most expensive cost you think it would be to have one?

And no way I'm getting one from a pet store. Rescue is where I will be checking out.

[tammy88]

i couldn't do a rat darlin, but i wish you the best of luck

try craigslist...i see cages on there all the time would a ferret cage work? they are always on there around here

[DAAC3DEC]

I love pet rats, they are the best, smartest, most loving pets I have ever had, and yes I know that people look at you like you landed from Mars when you say that. At one time we had 12, (the pet store told us we had all girls, SUPRISE!) When you hand raise the babies they are the best, we ended up keeping 4 girls, we just lost the last one a month ago. Good luck with your adventure, they know when you are coming to feed them, they love treats, they learn tricks, I could go on and on.

[bumplett]

LOLOL - I swear when I first read the title, I thought it said you want rabies!

anywho..... I agree with checking craigslist for cages - also, it never hurts to ask your local shelter or humane society if they have any pet specific items for sale - We try to sell everything that we don't "need" so we can put the money in our medical fund - we often have people donate bird cages, rabbit cages, hamster cages, accessories, food, etc.... and if we don't need it, we'll sell it.

never hurts to ask.

[bumplett]

oh, and I agree, rats make wonderful pets

[madhen]

A ferret cage might not hold a rat. They can slip out of some pretty small openings. One thing you can do is make your own. Just buy galvanized wire or hardware cloth and some J-clips. If you really don't want to make yourself crazy, buy the little pliers that you use to close the clips. You can make one to size then, and in whatever configuration you like, and at about 10% of what one would cost you at the store.

Otherwise, you might want to check at feed stores for rabbit or chick hutches. The wire ones are usually 1/2" x 1/2" hardware cloth or GAW wire - plenty small enough to secure a rat.

[Greebo]

If you want Rats, come down to Dundalk. We had a nest of em behind our rental. We killed the next, but I'm sure we can find more for you...

[DAAC3DEC]

LOLOL - I swear when I first read the title, I thought it said you want rabies!

anywho..... I agree with checking craigslist for cages - also, it never hurts to ask your local shelter or humane society if they have any pet specific items for sale - We try to sell everything that we don't "need" so we can put the money in our medical fund - we often have people donate bird cages, rabbit cages, hamster cages, accessories, food, etc.... and if we don't need it, we'll sell it.

never hurts to ask.

You made me snot on myself....................rabies.

[bluedog]

I agree they make good pets-actually very clean and smart. Please know they don't live but about 2 years at most.

[Palooka]

If you want Rats, come down to Dundalk. We had a nest of em behind our rental. We killed the next, but I'm sure we can find more for you...

Um not that kind of rats. You can keep 'em.

DAA, I know what you mean about the treats. They are so cute.

[AnW819]

OMG. You are my new best friend! I use to run a rat rescue!! I adore rats. They have SUCH a bad rep!!! Any questions you have please ask me!! Martin Cages are the best. A sinch to clean and they look nice, and are perfect for little rattie feet I can post pics of my past ratties if ya want!!! Lucky was my last. She was 4 1/2 years old. Passed away an hour after DH and I got married.

I would suggest not getting a ferret cage. They are not made for rats at all. And when getting a rat from the shelter please be aware that some rats DO bite. Its rare, honestly....but a rat is in the shelter for a reason and is prolly scared so the rattie may bite. Spend some time with him/her...and if ya want...wear gloves!!!

[Palooka]

Agree about the bad rap. Getting ready to run out the door but I'm going to ask you more questions when I get back! Cool about the rescue!!!!

[bumplett]

we've had several rats turned in by irresponsible owners for no other reason that the all famous "I'm moving" - we had two REALLY sweet babies that were turned in just because the people didn't realize that pets require a bit of effort.

I totally agree with the biting (I have two hamsters that you can not touch that came from the shelter) -

www.petfinder.com

you can put in your zip code, and select "small & furry"

Petfinder only has lists of rescue/shelter pets! If you have time, you can look me up too. http://www.petfinder.com/shelterSear...GA15&preview=1

we have a goat and a farm yard pig that have decided that they love each other - no, they didn't come in together - but they became friends - I really wish they would get a home for Christmas!

[AnW819]

I very much agree with petfinder. I would go to a strictly rat rescue or a small and furry rescue. They know what they are going and will let you know if the rattie is sick, or anything...If you choose not to which is fine...just make sure that the rescue knows about rats. So many rescues get rats in and have no idea what to do with them (and then the would call me).

[AnW819]

And here is the cage website: http://martinscages.com/products/cages/rat/

I would suggest the "The Rat Cabin" R670. You have an option of galvanized which is the steel color, or powder coated (which is better for the ratties) and its black. The powder coated is ushally $10 more, but is must easier to clean, looks better, and its better for the rats.

Also---as far as food goes. I would stay away from the 'pet store' rat foods. They are not very nutritious for them.

http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html

That tells you a very healthy feed for your rats, and you can make it yourself, and you can make as much as you want! This is by far much cheaper as well. Its just some types of pasta, cereals, and dried fruits...