Expert: Sandra Todd - 6/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am in the Bay Area. It would be around San Jose or Morgan Hill. thanks soooo... much for looking. It is a big help because I have no time with school, homework, volley ball, dance, playing with rats while doing homework, and sleep which I don't get much of. Well anyway, I appreciate it! Also I want a rescue, not a breeder! my friends looked online, thought they were cute, and ordered them which bugs me. They didn't see  their personality! And I feel good when I get it from rescues! My cage is a ferret cage available to see if you go to http://www.petco.com/product/15487/Super-Pet-Multi-Floor-Ferret-Home.aspx

ANSWER: http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm

You can find a list of exotic vets at the site above. This site has the names of the only real board certified exotic vets in the world. If your vets name isnt on there, that means he or she is NOT a real exotic vet and did not have the proper education to earn this title.


As for a rescue, I will have to look better but you can always try to google RAT RESCUES IN CALIFORNIA and it may pop up tons of info for you.

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QUESTION: For my previous question I told you the cage I have but  not the queston. Will the cage be big enough?

ANSWER: Yes thats a great cage!!  It would fit several rats at once although I only suggest 3 or 4 males at once unless they are neutered just to avoid any aggression issues. As long as the cage is roomy though usually everyone is happy!  

It does seem as if small rats could fit through the bars though, but its hard to tell. If that is the case you can fix that using hardware cloth.

Check out my website about how to make a cage BABY PROOF if need be.

Here is the URL

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/gettingstarted.htm

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QUESTION: I am planning on rescuing a hairless rat in two weeks who will work well with my other rats. But before I get her, I have some questions. First, I was wondering how you would introduce a somewhat shy calm hairless rat to two haired rats(one calm and fat and the other hyper and explorative dumbo eared). They are all female and love other rats' company. I am afraid the dumbo eared may get a little aggressive over their gianormous cage. She is not known for it or anything but when I had rattie play dates sometimes her and one of the other rats would have a wrestle that was usually the other rat who will always stand up for herself and can get very protective. Also, if I should take her to the vet for a check-up before putting them together? Lastly, I wanted some tips on hairless rat care. If you have any concerns please tell me! Thanks a ton!

Answer
I am not sure where this message was..it must have gotten lost!

Ok so anyhow....letseeee...do not forget to quarantine for 3 weeks:
http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/thequarantinepage.htm

You can take her to the vet, not a must if she is healthy and you do the quarantine first. I would bring a stool sample in though to be on the safe side.

If the dumbo is not usually aggressive all should be well. If she seems to be territorial with the ratties during play dates it is because she is not used to the rat.  You need to get them used to each other before throwing them together. Rats are not trusting of anything they are unsure of.    
For the new rat, put her cage next to the other rats cage for a few days so they can smell each other and know each other is there before letting them meet.
This means they are aware of each other before they get in full contact with each other.  Some wrestling and lots of sniffing is normal but biting, hissing, standing up and circling each other is something to watch for. This means a fight is ready to break out so beware!!

As for hairless rat care: Hairless rats lack a thymus gland which means they may have a weaker immune system than her furred cousins.  They  also should have a bit more proteins and fats per week then the furred rats need.  Too high of protein can cause kidney disease so you should not exceed 23 percent protein. '''

If I missed anything please feel free to tell me....

hope this helps!