Pet Rat Emergency!!!!
- Thread starter sethw
- Start date
imurnamine
Active Member
Well... Most rodents are nocturnal, so sleeping all day is normal. Maybe the rat doesn't like being held. If it wasn't a hand-fed baby, then it probably won't like being picked up. Call the store that you bought it from with inquiries.
sepulatian
Moderator
Originally Posted by Phixer
Im sure it will be fine, did you know that rats have no bladder control and piss constantly. :hilarious
Oh my goodness, they do not silly
I used to breed rats to feed to my snake and I used to play with them all the time I never got peed on. They don't like being handled durring the day, wait untill night when he is active then try picking him up
Im sure it will be fine, did you know that rats have no bladder control and piss constantly. :hilarious
Oh my goodness, they do not silly
phixer
Active Member
Originally Posted by sepulatian
Oh my goodness, they do not silly
I used to breed rats to feed to my snake and I used to play with them all the time I never got peed on. They don't like being handled durring the day, wait untill night when he is active then try picking him up
"The word Rodent means 'To Gnaw'; they have to do this to keep their teeth short, as they do not stop growing.
They can gnaw through electric cables, which could spark and set fire to flammable material, they urinate and lay droppings very often (a mouse can produce as many as 80 droppings each day), as they have no control over their bladder or bowels. They will use most materials for nesting i.e. shredding dish clothes, boxes, plastic packets, loft insulation etc."
Did you also know that mice and rats are nearly blind, Rats and mice use their whiskers to help them navigate along walls because of their bad eyesight. This is why mouse traps are most effective when placed against a wall.
http://www.nfdc.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4218
Oh my goodness, they do not silly
"The word Rodent means 'To Gnaw'; they have to do this to keep their teeth short, as they do not stop growing.
They can gnaw through electric cables, which could spark and set fire to flammable material, they urinate and lay droppings very often (a mouse can produce as many as 80 droppings each day), as they have no control over their bladder or bowels. They will use most materials for nesting i.e. shredding dish clothes, boxes, plastic packets, loft insulation etc."
Did you also know that mice and rats are nearly blind, Rats and mice use their whiskers to help them navigate along walls because of their bad eyesight. This is why mouse traps are most effective when placed against a wall.
http://www.nfdc.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4218
sepulatian
Moderator
I stand corrected
I still never got peed on though :hilarious
crazyzeus1
Member
I would take it to your vet if you're worried about it's health...especially if it's not eating. Not a good sign. Better yet, call your vet, explain the situation & they'll tell you if you should come in or not.
I had a rat for 2 1/2 years & she was the coolest rodent-pet I've owned! Never ONCE bit anyone, handled daily by a classroom full of first graders, & smart as a whip. But she was always looking for food, and never had "pain" when held, even if she was sleeping.
So...it sounds like something is wrong. I wouldn't let it just go...have it checked out.
I had a rat for 2 1/2 years & she was the coolest rodent-pet I've owned! Never ONCE bit anyone, handled daily by a classroom full of first graders, & smart as a whip. But she was always looking for food, and never had "pain" when held, even if she was sleeping.
So...it sounds like something is wrong. I wouldn't let it just go...have it checked out.
crazyzeus1
Member
Originally Posted by Phixer
"The word Rodent means 'To Gnaw'; they have to do this to keep their teeth short, as they do not stop growing.
They can gnaw through electric cables, which could spark and set fire to flammable material, they urinate and lay droppings very often (a mouse can produce as many as 80 droppings each day), as they have no control over their bladder or bowels. They will use most materials for nesting i.e. shredding dish clothes, boxes, plastic packets, loft insulation etc."
Did you also know that mice and rats are nearly blind, Rats and mice use their whiskers to help them navigate along walls because of their bad eyesight. This is why mouse traps are most effective when placed against a wall.
http://www.nfdc.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4218
Hmmmmm....my experience would say diff. about they urinating/pooping thing. When I first got my rat, she would pee/poo anywhere. But after being handled often (she was the class pet when I taught 1st grade...she was 2 1/2 before she died!), she NEVER went to the bathroom while out. She would crawl all over the student's desks, and I would handle her many times during the day, and she would even just hang out at my teacher's desk if I were doing work. I'd give her something to munch on like a carrot top & she'd just hang out. So I don't know...science may be right, but my experience is different!
"The word Rodent means 'To Gnaw'; they have to do this to keep their teeth short, as they do not stop growing.
They can gnaw through electric cables, which could spark and set fire to flammable material, they urinate and lay droppings very often (a mouse can produce as many as 80 droppings each day), as they have no control over their bladder or bowels. They will use most materials for nesting i.e. shredding dish clothes, boxes, plastic packets, loft insulation etc."
Did you also know that mice and rats are nearly blind, Rats and mice use their whiskers to help them navigate along walls because of their bad eyesight. This is why mouse traps are most effective when placed against a wall.
http://www.nfdc.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4218
Hmmmmm....my experience would say diff. about they urinating/pooping thing. When I first got my rat, she would pee/poo anywhere. But after being handled often (she was the class pet when I taught 1st grade...she was 2 1/2 before she died!), she NEVER went to the bathroom while out. She would crawl all over the student's desks, and I would handle her many times during the day, and she would even just hang out at my teacher's desk if I were doing work. I'd give her something to munch on like a carrot top & she'd just hang out. So I don't know...science may be right, but my experience is different!
seannmelly
Active Member
Originally Posted by Mimzy
if you really think he's in pain when you pick him up, I strongly suggest you take him to your vet.
taken a rat to the vet now thats funny and a waste of money!
if you really think he's in pain when you pick him up, I strongly suggest you take him to your vet.
taken a rat to the vet now thats funny and a waste of money!
pohtr
Member
Maybe it's just an adjustment problem. He doesn't like the change in food and isn't used to being held. Does he cry just when you go to pick him up? Or while you're handling him? Maybe he needs a very gently touch.
I've had both mice and rats and they're wonderful. Not in the pantry, though. Um, I mean not wonderful in the pantry, not that I haven't had them in the pantry...
I've had both mice and rats and they're wonderful. Not in the pantry, though. Um, I mean not wonderful in the pantry, not that I haven't had them in the pantry...
phixer
Active Member
Originally Posted by crazyzeus1
Hmmmmm....my experience would say diff. about they urinating/pooping thing. When I first got my rat, she would pee/poo anywhere. But after being handled often (she was the class pet when I taught 1st grade...she was 2 1/2 before she died!), she NEVER went to the bathroom while out. She would crawl all over the student's desks, and I would handle her many times during the day, and she would even just hang out at my teacher's desk if I were doing work. I'd give her something to munch on like a carrot top & she'd just hang out. So I don't know...science may be right, but my experience is different!
Its because of this reason that most rodents cannot be housebroken. Although the incontinence trait is hardly a reason not to keep one as a pet, they are neat animals, however it's well documented and any small animal Vet can confirm it. Same for Guinea pigs, Hamsters and Gerbils.
Ever wonder why rodent crap is often found near food? i.e drawers, cabinets its because when the rodent is eating they are also going. Lots of P also. Most likely the reason your pet rat didnt go all over everyone in the class is because it wasnt eating while being handled. Next time the rat is being handled feed her and watch, you might want to wear gloves.
Most dogs and cats will instinctively not excrete where they eat or sleep unless they cant help it. This is because in the wild, dogs are taught by thier mothers not to go where they sleep or eat. Same for cats. Sounds like your rat is very considerate rat, the rest will have to wear diapers. :hilarious
http://schools.4j.lane.edu/jefferson...20facts-4.html
Hmmmmm....my experience would say diff. about they urinating/pooping thing. When I first got my rat, she would pee/poo anywhere. But after being handled often (she was the class pet when I taught 1st grade...she was 2 1/2 before she died!), she NEVER went to the bathroom while out. She would crawl all over the student's desks, and I would handle her many times during the day, and she would even just hang out at my teacher's desk if I were doing work. I'd give her something to munch on like a carrot top & she'd just hang out. So I don't know...science may be right, but my experience is different!
Its because of this reason that most rodents cannot be housebroken. Although the incontinence trait is hardly a reason not to keep one as a pet, they are neat animals, however it's well documented and any small animal Vet can confirm it. Same for Guinea pigs, Hamsters and Gerbils.
Ever wonder why rodent crap is often found near food? i.e drawers, cabinets its because when the rodent is eating they are also going. Lots of P also. Most likely the reason your pet rat didnt go all over everyone in the class is because it wasnt eating while being handled. Next time the rat is being handled feed her and watch, you might want to wear gloves.
Most dogs and cats will instinctively not excrete where they eat or sleep unless they cant help it. This is because in the wild, dogs are taught by thier mothers not to go where they sleep or eat. Same for cats. Sounds like your rat is very considerate rat, the rest will have to wear diapers. :hilarious
http://schools.4j.lane.edu/jefferson...20facts-4.html
crazyzeus1
Member
Originally Posted by Phixer
Its because of this reason that most rodents cannot be housebroken. Although the incontinence trait is hardly a reason not to keep one as a pet, they are neat animals, however it's well documented and any small animal Vet can confirm it. Same for Guinea pigs, Hamsters and Gerbils.
Ever wonder why rodent crap is often found near food? i.e drawers, cabinets its because when the rodent is eating they are also going. Lots of P also. Most likely the reason your pet rat didnt go all over everyone in the class is because it wasnt eating while being handled. Next time the rat is being handled feed her and watch, you might want to wear gloves.
Most dogs and cats will instinctively not excrete where they eat or sleep unless they cant help it. This is because in the wild, dogs are taught by thier mothers not to go where they sleep or eat. Same for cats. Sounds like your rat is very considerate rat, the rest will have to wear diapers. :hilarious
http://schools.4j.lane.edu/jefferson...20facts-4.html
That's so interesting! Thanks for the info
My husband thinks I'm nuts b/c I said the only type of rodent-pet I will allow for our kids is a rat. He says, what about a cute hamster? No WAY, they bite so much! A mouse? No thanks, they bite. A rat? YOU BET!
Its because of this reason that most rodents cannot be housebroken. Although the incontinence trait is hardly a reason not to keep one as a pet, they are neat animals, however it's well documented and any small animal Vet can confirm it. Same for Guinea pigs, Hamsters and Gerbils.
Ever wonder why rodent crap is often found near food? i.e drawers, cabinets its because when the rodent is eating they are also going. Lots of P also. Most likely the reason your pet rat didnt go all over everyone in the class is because it wasnt eating while being handled. Next time the rat is being handled feed her and watch, you might want to wear gloves.
Most dogs and cats will instinctively not excrete where they eat or sleep unless they cant help it. This is because in the wild, dogs are taught by thier mothers not to go where they sleep or eat. Same for cats. Sounds like your rat is very considerate rat, the rest will have to wear diapers. :hilarious
http://schools.4j.lane.edu/jefferson...20facts-4.html
That's so interesting! Thanks for the info
My husband thinks I'm nuts b/c I said the only type of rodent-pet I will allow for our kids is a rat. He says, what about a cute hamster? No WAY, they bite so much! A mouse? No thanks, they bite. A rat? YOU BET!
seannmelly
Active Member
Originally Posted by enyates
........it is as foolish as taking a fish to the vet!!!! but people do it ... or as foolish as spending the ammount of money we all do in THIS hobby!!!!
peeps take fish to the vet? mabye but you cant compare a 100 dollars fish to a 4 dollar rat feed the rat to a snake, go get a new 1
........it is as foolish as taking a fish to the vet!!!! but people do it ... or as foolish as spending the ammount of money we all do in THIS hobby!!!!
peeps take fish to the vet? mabye but you cant compare a 100 dollars fish to a 4 dollar rat feed the rat to a snake, go get a new 1