AboutSandra Conti-Todd Expertise NOTE:
I am sorry for any long delays in responses. I have been going through some personal issues with my life but things are looking up for me and I am getting my life back on track again and will promise to be here for all rat lovers to help guide you on proper care. Love to all of you!
To request a telephone consultation, please email sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com. in order to schedule a date and time that is feasible for both you and I. There is no time limit on weekends or after 99pm M-F or if your cell phone carrier is Verizon Wireless. There is no charge for a telephone consultation. I offer my advice free of charge since my goal is to simply keep your rats happy and healthy for as long as possible. My reward is knowing that people learning as much as they can on rat care in order to provide the best care possible. Thats all I need to know. You cant put a price tag on love:)
As one of the top experts here at allexperts for 2008, I am happy to be able to help advise others on the proper care of pet rats.
I am a rat care specialist/advisor for area vets and have 20 plus years experience working with rodents.
I can advise you on the most current treatments available to your rat for common and also complicated ailments that seem to affect domestic rats during their life time. I do telephone consults and have even had some wonderful Vets call me to compare notes/stories. I also have training in animal behavior with the main focus being the study of rodent behavior.
I also have experience with wild rats, raising one myself .
Experience My expertise
Includes the following:
1. Education on prevention of tumors, lung and heart disease and disease of the kidneys too.
2. Up to date treatments for tumors in rats,both benign or malignant tumors.
3. The most current treatments used successfully to treat lung and heart disease
4. Prevention and treatment of the mycoplasma organism that our rats are plagued with since the day they are born, among other common ailments that attack our rats, just to name a few.
My job as a rodent consultant is to educate the owner on proper care of the animal but in no way does my advice take the place of seeking professional treatment by a qualified Veterinarian.
However, I will contribute to this site by answering your questions about raising pet rats and any problems that may arise regarding their health, diet, husbandry and over all well being of the rat to **the best of my ability.**
Organizations I maintain my website, Critter City and update it often to keep up with current treatments concerning pet rat health care. Please click the link above to take you there!
Publications My own website of course, and also I have brochures on rat care that are found in various animal clinics in my area.
Education/Credentials
Mentored by highly noted exotic specialists in my area. I am a member of the ASPCA.
Awards and Honors Was honored by being chosen to be one of the top 50 experts of 2008
Past/Present Clients My past clients have been through various animal clinics and I also am mentor to new rat owners that reach me through here and my website too.
Question Hi :)
Was wondering if you could help me. I have 5 boy rats, currently 3 together, 1 newbie who's currently doing introductions with the 3, and 1 who's on his own. The one on his own Bertie, we have tried introducing him to the trio, but he just gets fluffed up and aggressive, rather then showing "who's boss". We tried introducing Bertie to the newbie Ernie, but within 5 minutes of putting Bertie in the bath tub (meet on neutral ground) he fluffed up and started aggressively biting Ernie in the side, making Ernie extremely scared. I was told to get him neutered and introduce him to 2 female babies, but I'm worried that neutering wont work, as I know he's anti social with other rats, but he's not aggressive with us, so I don't think he'd have an aggressive nature? I was wondering what you'd advice, as I'd love to be able to have all my boys together, and Bertie less lonely.
Hopefully you can help,
Katie
Answer Neutering does help....I have had to neuter two males out of all the males I have had and still have males (no girls at this time due to mammary tumors which is why I avoid females till I can get all females spayed at once)
My two males fought each other and the other males and once they were fixed they were like new rats. They still had it in them to wrestle and defend themselves, but they did not start the fights like they did before.
Neutering and putting him with females would be good but NOT female babies. Males, neutered or not, are a threat to baby rats, period.
Maybe females that are 3 or 4 months old but not much younger than that.
I have also had males live alone by their own choice,although they were not neutered at that time, they just hated other rats and were more happy alone. Contentment showed by their weight gain (they lost it when they were with other rats) bruxing, more energy and all around well adjusted once they lived alone. MOST of the time, rats do better in pairs or more *I dont recommend more than 3 to 4 intact males in the same cage no matter how big the cage is)
Anyhow, bottom line is, I would opt for the neuter by a qualified experienced vet. I am sure it would make a big difference!
