| Archive for scabies.myfreeforum.org Southern California Arachnid, Bug, Invertebrate, Entomological Society |
| AGTrauger |
My 2 newest additionsThese 2 rats (1 male and 1 female) came courtesy of the Caseys. They usually play nice but sometimes get a little rough ending with 1 squeeking so I've been breaking them up. Is this usual behavior for m/f house mates? I am unable to post pictures from my phone so I will do so on Monday. Thanks so much Sean and Denise
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| Matt Kogler |
Yes, its totally normal. Don't break them up, let them do what they're doing (playing), this is part of their learning how to play and socialize.. Sometimes the males can be a little rough, but its normal... Matt |
| AGTrauger |
Some picsHere are a few pics of these cuties in their new home. The grey headed rat is the male if I remember correctly from Sean telling me ... I haven't looked closely to be sure ::lol::.THIRSTY BOY: 
INQUISITIVE GIRL: 
SNUGGLING AT NIGHT: 
Now I need to figure out names for them. Also thanks Matt for the answer on their behavior
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| Celeste |
Awww! Awfully cute!
If they are two males, they would definitely fight when they got older -- are you sure you have a male and a female? |
| AGTrauger |
Glad you like them and yes 1 is male and 1 female. FYI I got some Animal Planet approved bedding with natural lavender (for eliminating odors) that I love the smell of but everytime they push off with their hind legs to spring at each other they kick the stuff all over the floors  So in case you ever thought this might be a nice beddng to use just be aware of this. When I run out I think I'll look for an alternative so I don't need to sweep up everyday. Maybe some kind of wood shavings 
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| Celeste |
You *could* use an aquarium with a screen top instead... |
| TheJackal |
I miss having rats, had a white little girl named tiny for the longest time... |
| rosenkrieger |
Cute rats. I've got a pair of males (father/son) and they play alot like how you described. It's normal and don't worry about any minor scratches. Rats heal up really fast. And I know what you mean about the care fresh bedding. I've got my rat cage at the head of my bed and I have to brush carefresh off my bed every night. ::lol:: |
| Karen |
Yes, I concur! Normal behavior! ;-)
I love rats too and have had all males... Some get along great forever while others you have to separate. Good luck with them and by the way, you can get creative with their housing as well. Years ago, I saw something online called the rat grotto which was a bookcase converted into a rat cage. It was so inspiring i decided to make one myself using an ikea bookcase with an added on screen door front. 
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| WBurke17 |
Wow you pamper your pets dont you Karen!! |
| ftorres |
Hello All,
I told you guys, I was not kidding about KAren's pets. 
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| AGTrauger |
Wow that looks like a rat's paradise
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| Celeste |
That's the cutest rat playground I've ever seen! How creative!
Was it tough to clean? |
| Karen |
Yes, the grotto is high maintenance!!! I had to spot clean on a daily basis, mainly the vinyl flooring. I also had to sew up several sets of hammocks and floor mats as rats love to chew! This way I could always replace while the other is in the wash. Now, with my 14 year old son, our two dogs, and critters..., I had to retire the cage as it is a lot of work.
Here is a link to the original Grotto page that inspired me and I am sure, many others..... http://www.dapper.com.au/grotto.htm |
| balam |
wow, way cool on that enclosure. aren't they lucky pets
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| ftorres |
Hello All,
I could see Steven building his own version of the Grotto for his ratties Karen thanks for showing this pics, they are great francisco |