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Cotton Rope Hammock
Tell me about rats, please?
I have a 36x24x24 cage. When I get some shelfs, ladders and more hammocks, I will add on the panels to make the cage 48 tall. I really want to have the best for this rat. I plan on having a digging box. I have 2 hammocks, and a braided rope that goes to the tallest hammock and a block that can be jumped on to get to the lower hammock. There is a cotton belt connecting the two hammocks, very sturdy, about 3 inches wide. I need to know how to pick out the rat. Will probably be male. What to look for for good or bad health. What else can I put in cage. Yes I will be getting two rats.
Why do you think males don't like to play? I owned a male rat and that's what he did all day, plus sleeping on his hammocks.
The cage you have sounds great for your rats, just make sure the bar spacing is less than 1" or else they will be able to get through it. Most rats love hammocks so having a few in the cage is always nice but you don't really need the stuff leading up to them as long as you have them somewhat close to the side of the cage (they'll just climb up the bars to get to them.) But of course you can keep things as they are if you like. Don't forget to put a lot of toys in the cage too. Bird and ferret toys are good. Even just empty boxes with holes cut in them are fun for ratties. And make sure you do NOT use pine or cedar bedding, it is toxic to rats.
Are you getting them from a petstore? You probably won't get very healthy, socialized rats from there. If you can get them from a breeder or shelter, then please do.
Pick the ones that are active. They probably won't be too active in the middle of the day but should perk up a bit when you stick your hand in the cage.
Pick the two that are curious about you and not too skittish. You can get a shy one if you like, it'll just take longer to get them to trust you.
Look them over very well and make sure there isn't a lot of fur missing or scabs all over them. This could mean it has mites and if one has them they all do, but you can treat them if you still wish to get them.
Listen to their breathing to make sure it sounds clear.
If it has a head tilt, it is a sign of ear infection, injury or neurological damage. Head weaving is normal, especially in pink eyed rats. They are simply trying to focus on what they are looking at.
Also watch them for a little bit to make sure they aren't scratching or sneezing a lot. This could be allergies but it could also be a sign that it is sick.
Excessive porphyrin (red stuff around the eyes and nose) is also a sign that the rat is sick.
***That cage is just fine for two males. It will be able to hold up to 8 rats (if you make it 48" tall) but if you're anything like most rat owners, GGMR(gotta get more rats) will hit you and you'll be getting more friends for them. Males are pretty active at the start of their lives but do calm down a lot as they get older but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy the extra space. Plus they get larger than the females. I have 2 rats in a FN142, soon to be 5 after introductions, which will hold up to 12 rats and they love all the room they have.
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