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I want to get a rat...

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Chickerdoodle13

Chickerdoodle13

The truth is out there...
12 Years
Mar 5, 2007
6,819
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Phoenix, AZ
Well, since I'm already procrastinating from doing my essay, I might as well post this topic. Eventually I'm going to get a rat, but I made a deal with my mom (and mostly with myself) that I have to lose some weight first before I get one (or two). Technically I'm not supposed to have pets other than fish in my dorm, but I spoke with my RA and she doesn't have a problem with it. However, I'm trying to think of types of cages that would fit in my dorm. Anyone have any ideas or websites? I would love to get two female rats, possibly smaller in size, and I need a cage that will be light weight so I can carry it in under a blanket or towel. I can't get anything super big and they will sure have plenty of time out of the cage. I was reading that a 22 or 24 inch by 18 inch cage with levels would be sufficient and the lady I work for actually has several small animal cages in her garage that she uses to transport birds. She said I could have one of those, but I need to select a good size. Obviously I need something larger than a hamster cage, but what size? I figure if I get something a little smaller on the base, but taller, I could add in levels and toys to hang on.

Thanks in advance!
 
I had a rat in my dorm room in college. I didn't have any permission though. She lived in the closet on the top shelf. When I couldn't attend to her she got locked in a clear rubbermaid container with lots of small holes in the top for air. Most of the time while I was there she would run around the room(which I had all to myself) or just hang out on that shelf in the closet. She ended up shocking herself when she chewed a lamp cord (she was OK just a bit of burnt fur on her face), so after that she didn't get to run around without strict supervision. I have always enjoyed rats. They have a bad rep, but they make great pets if you get them at a young enough age and handle them alot. I would recommend feeding a properly formulated rat food. My rat ended up with bad kidney disease and had to be put down. I didn't know any better back then and was feeding her mostly dog food, which has too much protein.
Good luck. Hope you can get one soon:)
 
Thank you! I figure during fire inspections I will stick the cage either in the closet or under a blanket. It would never be long and always during the day when they are sleeping. I have a bag I used to carry my ferret around in, so chances are the ratties will be very spoiled! LOL I will probably get a cage, but the tupper ware box is a good transport idea! Especially when I go home on weekends and don't feel like lugging a whole cage with me. That's how I transport my chickens!

I did a report on rats in high school, so I feel pretty prepared. I wanted to be sure I didn't just buy one on impulse and I have the number of a breeder that I hope to get them from. Either that or craigslist. I may also search shelters and see if there are any older ones needing homes. I know a lot of those usually go unwanted. I plan on feeding them lab blocks for rats along with veggies and fruit stolen from the cafeteria!
 
did i miss something purplechicken? married? rats are very sweet and although they are nocturnal, they can adapt to be awake when we are! isn't that convienent? i had two females and my mom got rid of them while i was at school. i was p*ssed. loved them. their names were Luna and Skye. You can borrow the names if ya want!
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I would definitely get a female. Males can get pretty stinky pretty fast and I find the girls are just smarter and more entertaining.
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I like these sort of cages for rats, lots of ventilation. Toys, well even just a few paper towel rolls make good toys or even paper towels them self, they love to shred them and make little nests.

You sound like you have a good plan Chickerdoodle. Have fun! When DD gets a little older and no longer feels the need to squeeze our pets
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I would love to get rats again.
 
I hate to be a dissenting voice, but if the rat is going to be living in a closet or under a bed, it's better you didn't get one until you can give it the thourough care it deserves. They have the intelligence of a 2 1/2 year old child, and they need stimulation to match that. They are brilliant, endearing creatures, and, as such, can suffer as much as an intelligent creature too.

Cages - they need a lot of room. Martin's sells good cages. I forget the exact URL but I'm sure if you googled 'martins cages' you'd get the URL. This touches on more high points than I ever could.

Heck, I just recommend you look over this site. Gives a nice, intelligent overview of good rat care.

Essentially, it just doesn't sound like a rat could truly thrive in your current situation. This is not an affront to you in the least, not at all. I don't doubt that you'd make a great rat owner! But, as it stands, your life is just plainly not suited for a rat. Wait until you're a little more stable, once you can have your rattie's cage in your living room, and the little fella itself sitting on your shoulder, cuddling, while you watch TV.

If you're just inconsolably lonely without a pet as it stands, may I recommend something a little less furry? Plenty of amphibians and reptiles make GREAT apartment/dorm pets, and don't mind the darkness at all. For the truly quirky, check out axolotls! There are lots of other dorm-suited animals, but, in my opinion, rats are not among them.

Your milage may vary.
 
you should see if you can find one to adopt from shelter or rescue agency...you would be surprised to see how many get dumped when people find out that they are "real" pets and need to actually be cared for.
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....it would be better than just buying one from a pet store IMHO.
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You can adopt the one my dachshund found in the backyard yesterday, only it is an enormously overweight mouse and not a rat! Sort of cute, in a fat rodent kinda way.!!! Currently living under the backyard shed but available for re-homing!!!
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almost forgot to ask if my possum would fit in that cage you are getting...I'm sure he would make a nice dorm pet!!!
 
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Rats make awesome pets, but I have to agree with Yoshii here. They do so much better with lots of interaction with their beings. And yes, by nature they are nocturnal, but they are also nosey and if you're up and moving about they'll want to know what's going on so they adjust to their being's schedule.
 

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