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Bash Ironfist posted:So those naked rats- is there a specific name for them? Watching an old episode of bones about a dead competitive eater, and they had some naked rats eating his corpse. Of course the first thing I think is 'ooh rats!' with the next being 'hey, rat balls!' You had to be taught?
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Mar 25, 2013 00:39
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Bash Ironfist posted:So those naked rats- is there a specific name for them? They're just domestic rats with a hairless gene. There are a few genes that cause "true" hairlessness, and generally they are linked to lactation issues in females and weakened immune system, so the majority of "hairless" rats you see in the pet trade are actually extreme double rexes- rats with two copies of the rex gene, which results in offspring that range from rexes with sort-of thin hair, to almost completely hairless.
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Mar 25, 2013 13:46
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My last group of boys were all double rexes from the same litter. Only one was somewhat hairless (very patchy, light curly fur), two others had the typical rex coat, and the third had a Velveteen (more plush and downy than the rex coat) coat. The somewhat-hairless one would be less patchy in winter/cold seasons and more hairless in the summer/warm seasons. The females in the same litter were either Velveteen or patchy hairless.
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Mar 26, 2013 18:04
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Greyish Orange posted:Uh oh, one of our girls has a marble sized lump next to her throat. It doesn't seem to be hurting her or affecting her in any way. We're going to wait a week and see if there are any changes before we decide what to do. Is it likely to be a tumour? Luckily it ended up just being an absess, which still looked very nasty and open but has healed up really well pretty much on its own. We blame the baby rat who has been playing rough, and probably scratched her. Crisis averted!
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Mar 31, 2013 10:44
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^^^ Really glad to hear that! Rat picture time           Pandora is so faded now. Roans are cool. My rats are so big now.  I regularly have to remind myself that baby rats are evil pooping machines to stop myself from getting more.
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Mar 31, 2013 17:47
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I bought my little dudes the biggest Wodent wheel and all they do with it is constantly gather a bunch of bedding and fill it up
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Apr 2, 2013 18:06
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Finished up with introductions today. Had Folly, Oswald, and Moomin in the bathtub (because Gypsy is a non-issue) and they were doing alright. Folly kept jumping out (and being pushed back in), but when she stood there, looked me in the eye, and squeaked plaintively we moved them out. I think the fighting's over, but they're not really relaxed yet. Definitely the worst intro I've had to do yet.
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Apr 2, 2013 18:30
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I feel incredibly awesome and victorious because I've been able to pick up and move or hold Trixie in the last week without her squirming or freaking out. She's also more curious and sniffs or climbs over me sometimes when I have her out. It's an amazing difference from Trixie being terrified and hiding constantly.
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Apr 3, 2013 01:17
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SlipkPIe posted:I bought my little dudes the biggest Wodent wheel and all they do with it is constantly gather a bunch of bedding and fill it up "You got us a thing with holes in it. We fixed it!"
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Apr 3, 2013 04:08
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SlipkPIe posted:I bought my little dudes the biggest Wodent wheel and all they do with it is constantly gather a bunch of bedding and fill it up Probably because the Wodent Wheels are enclosed. Most of my rats have loved stuffing anything with small openings like that. I have two 12" Silent Spinners that I move around between cages, and have not had that problem with them.
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Apr 3, 2013 14:09
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I believe Mordin uses the Wodent Wheel for all his pooping. 
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Apr 3, 2013 20:53
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My rat doesn't use his wheel for anything. He is so disgusted by the thought of exercise that he won't even use it for sleeping in.
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Apr 4, 2013 17:17
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Apparently it's international rat day according to a rat group I follow on Facebook. All my rats are getting extra cuddles and yogurt.  Also Donut was in surgery for tumors and made it through okay. Vanguard and Donut are starting to get pissed off with Cubone even visiting them, though. I am really considering another rat so Cubone won't be by herself since the other two girls are very upset at her, I guess because they're getting older. Biscuit is still doing okay despite hating other rats.
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Apr 4, 2013 20:29
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New Rat! Semi hairless something something. She is about 5/6 weeks old, keeping her separate from our other girls for now. So cute and loves exploring already, you can really tell the difference between crazy rat lady rats, and ones bought from the big pet shops.
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Apr 5, 2013 13:55
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^^^ Semi hairless? Do you mean double rex?  Invalid Octopus posted:Finished up with introductions today. Had Folly, Oswald, and Moomin in the bathtub (because Gypsy is a non-issue) and they were doing alright. Folly kept jumping out (and being pushed back in), but when she stood there, looked me in the eye, and squeaked plaintively we moved them out. I think the fighting's over, but they're not really relaxed yet. Definitely the worst intro I've had to do yet. How's it all going with the mixed group now? pics pics pics
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Apr 5, 2013 14:00
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Fraction posted:^^^ Semi hairless? Do you mean double rex? I guess that's why she is called Rex  (I forgot what she was when I posted the picture!)
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Apr 5, 2013 18:20
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Fraction posted:^^^ Semi hairless? Do you mean double rex? Why won't my rats be friends Theyve generally all cooled down but they aren't buddies yet. I'll post some pics tonight . I've been bugging my breeder -- she has a couple dumbos ready to pop and I have first pick. So I'll be getting some girls in a month and change!
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Apr 5, 2013 18:39
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I hear you guys like rat pictures . I think things have turned a corner! Moomin was powergrooming Folly and she was being pretty chill about it. She's been hanging out near the boys lately but they hadn't warmed up to her yet, I think they're all mostly alright now.         
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Apr 5, 2013 20:23
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Does anyone have experience moving with rats? I'm moving from Montana to Nevada in a month and hoping to do it all in one trip with the rats in my car. I decided to keep them because two of them are close to two years old, and the younger one is missing part of his tail so I'm not sure who else would want old or mangled rats. Plus, I'm not sure how I'd smuggle them into a hotel. Reactions, thoughts, ideas, tips, things to avoid? 
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Apr 8, 2013 00:22
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dustbin posted:Does anyone have experience moving with rats? Bring them in the car, they'll spend most of the time sleeping. Make sure they have food and water at regular intervals. You could smuggle them into a less-observed motel pretty easily, just make sure you don't leave them there alone when housekeeping could find them.
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Apr 8, 2013 00:29
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dustbin posted:Does anyone have experience moving with rats? All my rats have traveled with me on buses, trains and in cars. They give zero fucks. If you have a small travel cage they're used to that would be cozy and they'll sleep the entire time. If you have to use their regular cage just give them blankets to bury themselves in and they'll sleep the entire time  Stop to talk to them and give treats once or twice if you like - usually when I open up their carrier they just look at me and wonder why I interrupted their naps. For smuggling - travel carrier(s). I take my boys in carriers the size of picnic baskets, and when I take them on public transport I put the carriers inside supermarket cloth bags so people don't see them and freak out, or crowd around wanting to hold them (you never know which will happen). I bet you could easily get them into a motel. They don't mind staying in the carrier for a night. Big Bug Hug fucked around with this message at 00:41 on Apr 8, 2013 |
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Apr 8, 2013 00:37
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daggerdragon posted:Bring them in the car, they'll spend most of the time sleeping. Make sure they have food and water at regular intervals. You could smuggle them into a less-observed motel pretty easily, just make sure you don't leave them there alone when housekeeping could find them. I have a Martins Cage that's kind of bulky. Would you recommend trying to get that in there, or to use a smaller cage for the hotel stay?
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Apr 8, 2013 00:37
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Careful with plastic carriers. I once had a rat chew her way out in a single night.
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Apr 8, 2013 01:19
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Not The Platypus posted:Careful with plastic carriers. I once had a rat chew her way out in a single night. Oh yeah good point. My rats are lazy. They wouldn't chew their way out of a paper bag. Results may vary!
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Apr 8, 2013 02:39
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Always wanted a couple of rats for pets, but it always seems the world is against it. Here in Korea there are no breeders and my landlord would probably freak. Before that my dog's prey drive was too strong. Before that I was a punk kid living with a "Rat? Hell no." Mom. When I worked at a pet store when parents were looking for a pet for their kids I always steered them towards rats. Alas for me it's not meant to be.
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Apr 8, 2013 06:53
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Not The Platypus posted:Careful with plastic carriers. I once had a rat chew her way out in a single night. Could be worse. Mine chewed out of one of those soft fabric w/plastic mesh ones in a matter of seconds. I immediately took it back to Petsmart and got a refund. I can't believe they market the soft ones for small animals.
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Apr 8, 2013 20:07
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My breeder expected to have babies by Friday and still none! I get first pick (after her) so I am excited to see . Momma rat must be huge by now.
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Apr 8, 2013 20:38
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IO, please stop getting more rats. You're making me jealoussss 
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Apr 8, 2013 21:25
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Hey ratgoons! I need some help! My girlfriend has two pet rats and a kitten, she also has been having a rough time lately, a ton of stresses and some depression. Suffice it that the kitten recieves more play-time and attention of late because he has the freedom to pester her. She's been a little neglectful of her rats this year, because of the above, she feeds them an amazing diet, checks in on their health, provides them with toys, etc. But she has been a little lax in cleaning the cage, and very lax in socialization, occassionally putting her hand in to pet them or passing treats through the bar.**** Now we live together, and I want to help her, I know she loves the rats and doesn't want to give them to another home, I know she can bring herself to offer them attention. She just needs help, and I want to help her. So thats why I'm asking you guys, I have to be there for the rats for a little! One of the rats is bigger than the other! is this an issue? a sign of one taking the food from the other? It used to be the smaller rat would constantly steal food from the one that's now bigger. The smaller rat is a little more friendly with contact, I'm not surprised, she's been my girlfriend's favourite to take out because when we first got her, she was a scared and terrified baby who would cling to my girlfriend for protection. The other one is more independent, less afraid, but also tends to be more scared of being touched! She can be a little bite-y, though she's apologetic, I think. On the occassions she has bit me as I reach into her py fiersonal space, she either stops immediately after contact, or if she breaks the skin licks my fingers. The smaller one just comes up to lick, and can be taken out easier. The big one runs away and if you take her out, she'll cling to the cage a lot. She seems scared to be taken out. Once out, she's very exploratory and will climb all over you and check everything out. Making it awful to type this because I have her out and she is trying to see what my fingers are doing. Still, if I try to pick her up she freaks out, but no problem climbing over me. Is there a way I can help socialize her to be handled easier and less bitey? What are some ways I can actually play with the rats when they are out? or show them my good intentions? Petting softly, gentle scratching, what else? Is there a way to engage in play? I know they love rolling around this wooden cylinder cage thing with a bell in it, in their cage. and they have brightly colored wooden chew toys they keep hiding. Cleanliness! There's a disgusting yellow oily gunk on some parts of their cage they frequent. What is it, how do I clean it. Should we litter train them? when they are out they will poop anywhere, is this a bad sign? or just them being rats? Oh god the small one bleeds out of her face! She seems stressed a lot  and more often than seems healthy has a red discharge around her eyes and nose. It's probably porphyrin, but why is she so stressed? Dirty cage? Presence of the kitten? Being cooped up? She's pretty healthy otherwise, but had some health issues when she was younger.Speaking of health issues, I'm worried we may have traumatized the big one, when she was younger, she had a bad abcess and some diarreah, we had to pick her up and prod her a ton, to deal with cleaning that. She hated it so much, and I'm worried that she is still pretty scared, even though she's so exploratory The kitten! The small rat absolutely freezes up anywhere the kitten is near, She's freaking out right? What's a good way to handle that? THe kitten likes to watch them, seems curious, but doesn't seem that predatory. The big one, she gives no fucks. As I type this, the kitten keeps coming over and jumping up on the chair to check the rat out, just fascinated, but not wiggling his butt to pounce or showing any of the body language of pouncing on his toys. The big one just went over to explore him, sniffing his face and his paws (he pulled his paws away when the rat got close!) She tried to groom him and the cat freaked the gently caress out. Is this good progress for socializing the cat witht he big one? How should I socialize the small one and the cat? For note, I'm pretty sure the rat was grooming the cat, not attacking. It was a very gentle and soft biting and raing of fur, like they do with each other, not really snapping to draw blood. Still, the cat keeps returning to stare at them. As long as he's not being predatory, is that bad? The kitten's only six months and is a rambunctious little gently caress. Help me be a good boon for the rats and socialize them! I'm sorry for my ignorance and idiocacy!
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Apr 8, 2013 21:34
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Fraction posted:IO, please stop getting more rats. You're making me jealoussss You have more rats than me! I am just making things even. Except I'll have more cute baby rats Quantumfate posted:1. One of the rats is bigger than the other! is this an issue? a sign of one taking the food from the other? Okay, I think I trimmed all the questions out of that 1. Not necessarily! If they both seem otherwise healthy, I wouldn't worry about it. Some rats are just bigger than others. 2. Take her out! Hold her! Put on a sweatshirt, put her in the pocket, and just hang out for a while. More handling = more comfortable. Also, your girlfriend probably shouldn't be passing food through the bars, that can encourage nipping first and asking questions later. 3. Some rats like to play with hands or whatever. I generally just take mine out on the couch and they run around on it/me. 4. Sounds like pee residue. I clean up with Nature's Miracle, you can get it at pet stores. I really like having my rats litter trained, but it's personal preference. Pooping outside of the cage as adults is uncommon – it might be because they aren't litter trained (someone else who doesn't have litter trained rats can weigh in on this), or because they're not handled much, or just because they've been out for a long time! If they're pooping in the first 15 minutes of being out, though, I'd expect it's because they're nervous. 5. It's porphyrin. I don't know how dirty your cage is, but that might be a factor. The kitten being around is probably a major cause. It's just generally a sign of stress/sickness, but not a sickness in and of itself. 6. Yes, she's freaking out. No, the cat "not being predatory" isn't good enough – he still smells like a predator. Someone more experienced than me will have to give you advice here, though.
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Apr 8, 2013 22:08
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The out of cage pooping is probably from fear. If you let them out often they'll probably get over that. Litter training is great and will help keep the cage clean. They'll still pee everywhere because rats like their own pee. But it might help them not poop outside the cage too. If they're scared of the cat, I would put the cat in another room during rat play time. Now, while you're trying to socialize them and they're still scared, isn't the time to introduce them to the cat. For what its worth though, the toe nipping is what my rats do to my cat, they take great joy in making the cat run away. They also groom his face and ears until he freaks out and runs off  Rats and cats can get along (SUPERVISED) but as I said, if they're frightened of the kitten don't put them together.Its nice that you're helping the little guys if you interact with them more they will warm up to you. The best way I've found for new/shy rats is to put them in your shirt/hoodie and let them run around on you. Or sit on the sofa under a blanket and let them play in there. They feel safe and get to know you as a safe place. Give 'em lots of treats. When they come to your hands you can scratch them or tickle, the best place is the back of the neck. They associate it with friendly grooming you'll get to know what they like individually.
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Apr 9, 2013 01:15
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I have a minor problem, one of our rats escaped and is now somewhere in the kitchen, or the living room. We've tried to catch her, but so far she's eluded us and we've lost her completely. I am sure I am not the first to have a rat get free and run wild, is there a particular method to use to coax her back out or to catch her?
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Apr 10, 2013 23:19
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You can try to use treats. Generally they'll come back to the cage once they get hungry. It's only a significant problem if you have cats or dogs in the house that might go after the rat if you're not there. If that is the case, you could consider getting one of the humane rat traps from the store to catch him.
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Apr 10, 2013 23:34
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If she's not too timid, sometimes crinkling a treat bag will draw them out. Be very wary of the laundry room (if applicable), because dryer tubes are a direct line to freedom/death.
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Apr 10, 2013 23:45
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If its convenient you could try leaving the cage on the floor with the door open and hope she comes back to eat/sleep.
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Apr 10, 2013 23:56
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Tried using treats first, sadly that did not work she'd take them and then run off. I'd already left for work before we knew she got out, my wife was late trying to catch her. I came back in around 2:20 this afternoon and tried to coax her out with food, and failed. We were able to corner her behind a couch but she slipped away into the kitchen. There's an old vent line that leads nowhere that she may have gotten into but I doubt it, we simply cannot find her now and have no idea where she is. The cage was left open while we were both out for the day, but now the second rat is home again and we cannot leave the cage open now.
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Apr 11, 2013 00:07
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Get a trap, set a trap, hope for the best. It was irritating enough trying to catch one of my rats when she decided to hide behind the sofa. I had to get my dog to help me.
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Apr 11, 2013 08:32
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Also, if you have another cage to put any other rats you have into, put her open cage near wherever she spends most of her time hiding. Worked for me when I had a rat that refused to come back to me after playtime. She smelled her litter and went "home" Good luck!
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Apr 11, 2013 19:13
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Apr 11, 2013 21:32
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Now that Clare's learned she can climb out of the cage when I have the door or top open, I'm more worried about her escaping and flat-ratting herself somewhere that's hard to get, like the closet in the room the cage is in. She's also associated me with outside time, and will run around the cage and chew on the bars when she hears my voice sometimes. I need to build a rat play area and clean up some room so they can run around without fear of them escaping.
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Apr 12, 2013 02:54
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