I could not help myself

[Gliderider]

Well as some of you know we have 3 pet Ball Pythons. We usually feed frozen but we ran out of rats for are older Ball Jabba. So son and hubby went to the pet store and bought a young LIVE Rat. I don't like when they feed live and stay away from the snake room. Well Jabba decided he was not hungry. SO little Rat is placed in a tote and left till snake decides he is hungry. Softy me had to make sure Rat had food and water. I should have left that up to hubby and son. Because we now have a pet baby Rat.:o:o

Its young pretty blue gray with a white blaze. I hope to find out its sex today. If I can hold the little booger. You see it was breed to be a feeder so its not use to pet life. I put it for now in an old hamster cage but have my Guinea pig cage I can use once it gets bigger. I could use tips to help tame the little one down so I can hold it. So far it has not tried to bit even when I moved it to the new cage but is scared. Does seem to be less spooky since I have feed it a few times. I bought rat food and also offer fruits, veggies, rice chex cereal, cheese, a chocolate chip, small piece of cooked chicken, wheat thin crackers and a graham cracker. Little thing has ate everything I have offered. Any info on caring for a pet rat will be appreciated. :)

[Deserae1114]

I worked in a pet shop for about 5 years... the best way to help u determine if it is a boy or a girl.... male rats drag a "purse" behind them ;) its pretty obvious. females don't have purses. (although when u pick up the boys they can hide their purses) watch him run around in the cage a bit.

Feeder rats are hard to tame. I never had much luck unless i was there when the rat had the babies and handled them from birth on up. You might be able to win him over with food. They love fruits and veggies. Any crackers or cereals that don't have a lot of salt. Even pop corn without a lot of butter or salt.

[Gliderider]

Thanks Deserae. I think it is a male but not totally for sure its really young and small. I found some pics online for sexing rats. It has calmed down a lot in one day. Its ok if its not ever a big cuddle pet, I just need it tame enough so I can move it from cage to cage for cleaning an such.

[cowgirlup@idaho]

Handle it, everyday. Be careful :innocent:

[oursarge]

Good luck with your new baby. Sounds very cute.

[natisha]

Carry him in your shirt or a pocket. It will feel more secure & you can pet it easier.
Purina dog chow (dry) is a very balanced diet for a rat plus they need to gnaw. Bones work well too.

[Gliderider]

Its a BOY !! He was resting in his cage an wala he was letting it all hang out. ;) Now to give him a name. :) I had chicken for lunch, I gave the little fellow a chicken bone. I can see how easy it is for these little guys to get obese. I find myself wanting to give him treats every time I eat plus his meals. DH has promised to help me tame him as I am a little timid at handling him. He is fast and wylie. Grady has a new favorite past time. He always loved to watch are Guinea pig Aslan till she passed away a short time ago. Now he watches the little Rat. I was planing on rescuing another piggie but I guess I rescued a rat from being snake food instead. Just might have to get him a buddy Rat. I read they do best in same sex pairs.


Hmm I didn't know they could have dog food. I got plenty of that around but no Purina. I buy Diamond brand from TSC. Wonder if it would work too ?

[natisha]

Purina makes Rat Chow too or they did years ago

[TheRedHayflinger]

When I had a rat, and always for my mice, I've made up my own feed.
here's a pretty good site for rat food and what they can and cannot eat.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Homemade-Rat-Diets

[Gliderider]

Thanks Red for that interesting site. Little Rat is doing good. He comes to my hand now when I reach in to his cage. He also will take treats from my hand. I named him Elwood.

[FredRock]

http://dianephotos.deviantart.com/journal/33310287/

It wasn't written by me, but the writer seems to be very knowledgable.