how to keep a lone rat happy

vinnie-gecko

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115
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UK
ok so sadly one of my rats (gizmo) passed away sometime last night and he has left his brother (dylan) behind. im not allowed anymore rats so what can i do to make sure dylan stays happy. he seems ok atm. ive got him on my bed. but i need to know things i can give him to keep him happy when im at work. im at work 9am-6pm tomorrow so i cant get him out until around 7pm.

he is just over 2 years old
 

Embrace Calamity

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How is he set up? I have a lone rat in a converted bookcase so she has lots of climbing space, and I added a few things. Here are some great ideas: Rat Toy Ideas Rats are extremely intelligent, so the more enrichment you can provide, the better.

~Maggot
 

vinnie-gecko

New Member
Messages
115
Location
UK
How is he set up? I have a lone rat in a converted bookcase so she has lots of climbing space, and I added a few things. Here are some great ideas: Rat Toy Ideas Rats are extremely intelligent, so the more enrichment you can provide, the better.

~Maggot

he lives in a single level cage. had to move him in there because gizmo couldnt use his back legs anymore. and dylans are starting to go a bit. unfortunately i got rid of the other cage so he will have to stay in the single level cage. could i put a cuddly toy in the cage with him?
 

Embrace Calamity

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he lives in a single level cage. had to move him in there because gizmo couldnt use his back legs anymore. and dylans are starting to go a bit. unfortunately i got rid of the other cage so he will have to stay in the single level cage. could i put a cuddly toy in the cage with him?
Do you know why their back legs are going? And I would recommend adding lots of cuddly toys.

~Maggot
 

KTyne

Kayla
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Lancaster Park, AB
I would give him a lot of toys and enrichment tools (like foraging boxes and such). Also, Rats are nocturnal so he'll be sleeping the whole time you're at work anyways. ;) Then when you're home just take him out a lot more than you used to since he doesn't have his friend anymore to keep him company.
I used to have three female Rats and they were fantastic but I had to give them up because I moved to a Rat-free Province. :(
 

Embrace Calamity

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I would give him a lot of toys and enrichment tools (like foraging boxes and such). Also, Rats are nocturnal so he'll be sleeping the whole time you're at work anyways. ;) Then when you're home just take him out a lot more than you used to since he doesn't have his friend anymore to keep him company.
I used to have three female Rats and they were fantastic but I had to give them up because I moved to a Rat-free Province. :(
You have any idea why the back legs would be failing? I've only owned one rat and she's not gotten old yet. So is it just old age?

~Maggot
 

Ghostoftangerine17

ヒョウモントカゲモドキ
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335
Location
Tokyo, Japan
I loved my two rats so much. Sadly they passed away while I've been living here in Japan. I'd recommend toys like the others suggested. I used to hide treats in toilet paper rolls then food in the ends so they'd have to work a bit.
 

Embrace Calamity

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I can't remember exactly but..

Look on this site, it should be every Rat owners go-to guide for their Rat's health.

Health Guide: Clinical Signs / Symptoms Guide
Bookmarked. Thank you. :D
I loved my two rats so much. Sadly they passed away while I've been living here in Japan. I'd recommend toys like the others suggested. I used to hide treats in toilet paper rolls then food in the ends so they'd have to work a bit.
I'm gonna try that!

~Maggot
 

KTyne

Kayla
Messages
531
Location
Lancaster Park, AB
The toilet paper tube idea is great, my Rats used to love that. I'd put their veggies in the tubes, fold in the ends and make them work for them. :p
 

Embrace Calamity

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The toilet paper tube idea is great, my Rats used to love that. I'd put their veggies in the tubes, fold in the ends and make them work for them. :p
What kind of veggies did you feed? I've never fed my girl any except for the occasional cherry tomato. I'm hesitant about veggies because I've read conflicting information about how healthy they are for rats.

~Maggot
 

KTyne

Kayla
Messages
531
Location
Lancaster Park, AB
What kind of veggies did you feed? I've never fed my girl any except for the occasional cherry tomato. I'm hesitant about veggies because I've read conflicting information about how healthy they are for rats.

~Maggot

Veggies should be given to Rats a few times a week. Mine LOVED Broccoli. Just Google what veggies are good and which are bad for Rats. :)
 

vinnie-gecko

New Member
Messages
115
Location
UK
Do you know why their back legs are going? And I would recommend adding lots of cuddly toys.

~Maggot

rats (especially males) tend to lose the use of their back legs as they get older. it doesnt happen to all of them though. my first rat kenai lost the use of his back legs when he got to about 2 years old, but his brother koda never did.
 

Embrace Calamity

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rats (especially males) tend to lose the use of their back legs as they get older. it doesnt happen to all of them though. my first rat kenai lost the use of his back legs when he got to about 2 years old, but his brother koda never did.
Aw, that's unfortunate. Hopefully that won't happen with my girl. Sorry it happened with yours.

~Maggot
 

Kristi23

Ghoulish Geckos
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16,181
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IL
Rats are very social animals. Make sure he has a couple hours outside his cage, especially now that he's solo. Find lots of things to keep him busy or he will get lonely.

Veggies are good for rats. Mine love broccoli, carrots, peas, and green beans. They also love strawberries and watermelon. Fruit should only be fed occasionally. I give mine raw pasta, baby cereal, and baby food, too.
 

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