couple of ?s

[newbie]

Kris - I've had a few rats like that, desexing fixed it. One however became Ok with rats, but would still take chunks out of me. I decided he had to be left in cage at all times with whoever decided to keep him company. I had no way of doing anything with him, but as long as he was happy that had to be enough for me.

I currently have 2 rat aggressive boys, but because they're both rescues I don't know why (cassidy became aggressive when he was caught by my dog, so I don't count him in the above) and I also have 2 desexed boys who came to me as dangerous.

[Gothic Shadows]

newbie, is it Karen or Caren?

We actually did desex him after the first 3 months when there was no improvement in his agressiveness, as we thought maybe it would at least tone down his aggression.

Sadly it had no effect on him.

I do know of other males were desexing did not stop the aggressive behaviour, but you are right about desexing, more often than not desexing a male who shows aggression will fix that problem.

Of course there are always exceptions to the rules and sadly this boy was an exception.

Kris

[samk]

There is a rat breeder in SA? I'd love to get the details, if only so I could find out a little bit about it, because I'm not actually getting rats at the moment.

[dreamer]

I have only ever had one rat that was aggressive. She was a female I got from the pet shop & though she was ok with my other girls she hated people. She was quite a nervy girl, who would try to bite if you put your hand near her but was happy to let you add food & water to the cage as long as you didn't touch her. I had her for about 2 1/2 years & no matter what I tried she never settled down even though the other girls would race over to come out & get a treat & scratch. She would spend ages running in her wheel (the only rat I have had who was interested in a wheel past babyhood) and seemed quite happy with just her toys & rat friends as long as I didn't force myself on her so we eventually decided to just live & let live

[asy]

What a great thread, thanks guys!

My daughter and I were talking today about whether we'd get girls of boys (as we have NO interest in breeding). I have bred pedigreed cats, birds, rabbits, fish and dingoes before (in a past life - you know - before kids) and would only buy from a breeder, and know what I'd be getting into if I did start breeding, therefore will stay well away)

I only want ONE rat cage, as we live in an extremely small house (think lounge/dining/study all in one 4.5x5m room) so it's really important to me that our rats all live together happily as they'll be alone in their home during the day while the kids are at school.

We leave the house at 8.30 and they get home just after 3. I don't get home till about 6. (My kids are 12 and nearly-15, so it's not a problem, they aren't little).

I think, based on the experiences of my friend who has rats, and what I've read, we'll be looking for boys. and as young as possible so they all grow up together.

I've already checked with my vet and he's OK with rats (but one of the vets listed in the links on the net as being 'used to rats' is near here anyway, just in case), also my best friend is a Vet (albeit in a different city, but still at the end of the phone for advice!) and she's had rats before and adores them (anyone looking for a good vet in Adelaide! hehe).

So, I think we're just about ready...

asy

[Colleen]

.... i'm biased, i must admit.... i love the boys ;D

[wulfyskingdom]

Alrighty... in answer to some of your questions (mind you i havent read ahead yet so its possible someones already answered lol

Cages: There are plenty of cages to chose from so I dont think you'll have a problem. Make sure you check lots of pet stores and also online - there is a post on here about cages with picture links so that might help too.

Sexes: There is the occasional boy that could get territorial or agressive with his cage mates but that can be fixed with various methods (i've heard neutering works best)

Vets: Where in Brissy do you live? We have a good rat vet on the southside and one on the northside.

[wulfyskingdom]

sorry i forgot one extra part... breeder wise - im not sure how you'd go, brisbane isnt the best place to find breeders...

I've had 3 'bred' rats and all have had major health problems / passed away young.

I recently adopted 2 boys from Brissy rat rescue and they are extremely adorable. If you cant find a breeder up here but you want babies you can always contact them

[asy]

Hiya Wulfys!

Thanks!!!

I'm Southside (Salisbury) but I'd drive if it meant good care for my kids (any of them, furry or non).

Hey, I read in your site you're going to the Abbey Tourney! We'll be there too, probably on the Saturday... Are you there all weekend?

asy

[wulfyskingdom]

On the southside I've heard many people recommend
Dr Larissa Ladyko at Indooroopilly www.indooroopillyvet.com.au/home/index.cfm?Type=2&AboutYourVet=Yes

On the northside I use two vets. Dr Peter Fields at Everton Hills and also a lovely vet, Dr Vanessa at Brighton. Peter is the vet the rescue recommend and he's very cost friendly.

Yep, definitely will be at the Abbey this year (its my 4th year in a row) its an awesome day out and I also love walking around taking photos (jousting is my favourite event). I have a nice shiny new SLR camera this year so i'll be getting in early to see the jousting so i get a good spot lol.

I think we'll be there saturday this year (usually only go one day *grins* but if i could talk my boyfriend into going twice i so would)

[asy]

Yeah, We'll probably be there on Saturday, too, that way I can decide whether to go back on Sunday!!!

I'll be the one with the 400D hanging off my face

I usually take hundreds of photos at Abbey, and the kids just love it too.

I can't wait...

OOooh, just had a panic, I thought my daughter's choir concert was that weekend, but it's all good, I've checked QTIX, it's the following weekend!!!

asy

[wulfyskingdom]

*smacks forehead* i went all through the forum wondering why i couldnt find the reply button to reply to this message... OF COURSE!!! i forgot to sign in first lol *sighs and calls her self a rude name*

ok i'm better now

that's what i'm thinking i should do this year - i'll go saturday, get as many shots as i can, review them sat night then head back if i'm really unimpressed. I had a photographer tutor me saturday so lets see if i can remember what i learnt (i'll be the one with an olympus 510 and possibly a tattoo of my ratties paw on my wrist... its with the shop to do up a sketch for me and i'm booked in to get it done if i like it that friday so we'll see)

oh back to your original post too... you havent owned rats before right? have you had a chance to meet many rats? you'll really enjoy owning them 'cause they have so many different personallities im very excited for you

[Colleen]

Jul 1, 2008 7:57:12 GMT 10 asy said:

Hey, I read in your site you're going to the Abbey Tourney!

Whats the Abbey Tourney?
I'm guessing its a rat related thing in Queensland?

[wulfyskingdom]

Unfortunately no, its not rat related (we lack rat related things up here) The Abbey Tournament is a medieval tournament up in Brissy here - about 40 mins north of the city

Its a massive week long festival celebrating all things medieval and on the weekend they hold a tournament with lots of displays, jousting, demonstrations, food... its a great day out for anyone. This is the 4th year in a row I've been. I hang out for it all year long lol.

[Colleen]

oh...lol. thats far from a rat related event!
personally i hate anything history related, but it sounds like a great day out for those who actually like that sort of stuff