I posted a thread yesterday about my two dumbo rats. They are both lovely and still a bit nervous (one more than the other) but they walked up my arm when i put it in their cage last night which was great! Even though they chewed the sleeve of one of my favourite tops (lesson learned!).

I was just wondering if anyone had any useful tips on things like:
handling
what to put in their cage
good bedding
litter training
etc.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

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Binks and Smudge

R.I.P JETTY

I had already posted in your other thread u had made regarding bedding etc.
I posted links to bedding and hammocks.

Have u looked to see if there both female yet?

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I'm Amy I have a
German shepherd-blade.
10 male rats.
2 male mice.
1 Syrian hamster.

If you search the forum there are numerous threads with handling tips
I also echo are you 100% on sex? as your last thread made me wonder.

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I'd start handling now, to be honest. They may be a but squeaky but honestly, they will soon get used to you. Whack on a big hoody and let them rum all round you and up your sleeves, in the pocket, in the hood. Mine used to love hoodies!

They need hammocks, savic sputnik is good, savic igloo, lot's of wooden toys to chew and destry, loo roll tubes, and a box of tissues for them to shred. Jingle balls are good (only the sold plastic, any rubber will be chewed and eaten causing blockages.) Mine liked the little red dumbells from Pets at Home.

Good bedding is shredded paper, shredded jeye clothes, old tee shirts, or a pile of tissue for them to nest in. Hammocks and bunkers are popular too.

Mine litter trained themselves. I had 3 corner trays in my liberta explorer cage, with biocatlet cat litter in (paper pellets, don't use clumping). They just naturally went in there, but you could try moving some of their poop into the tray to encourage them to go there.

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They are defs female, I'm not expert on rat genitals but there was no giant testicles as people seem to be describing them so I am pleased about that.

They have a hammock but never seem to go in it, they would rather curl up in the corner after pulling the entire contents of the cage over there.

I will try picking them up. They keep opening there mouths as if they are going to bite (in a nice way) but i always move my hand just incase (maybe they are just nibbling).

Is it alright to wear gloves to begin with?

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Binks and Smudge

R.I.P JETTY

They wont get used to your hand if your wear gloves. You need to put your hand in and let them explore it, most rats will have a little nibble on your fingers/hand but they are just having a look. When picking them up dont grab from above, gently scoop them up.

They are just test biting. This is more common in pink eyes rats are they are all but blind, but black eyed rats don't have great eye sight either. They are trying to find out if you are food or not. I wouldn't use gloves as it could scare them. Instead, wash your hands before handling them to wash away any yummy smells.


As far as bedding goes, anything paper based is good. Don't use shavings as they damage the respiratory tract and can also cause liver and kidney damage. this is due to the chemicals they release.

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Cara,
Owned by Fern, Heidi, Asteroid, Bubbles & Fizz
Missing Snippet, Frost, Willow & Nix


Opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them, and some stink.

Are they blind? Mine have red eyes. Wow didn't know that but it explains a lot.

They like sniffing my hand and i ripped up one of my old t shirts to give them as bedding so hopefully they'll get used to the smell of me.

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Binks and Smudge

R.I.P JETTY

not blind, just nearly!

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Oh! I literally love them so much can't wait to get home and play with them

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Binks and Smudge

R.I.P JETTY