Inquiry

[Megan]

I have recently found myself the owner of two female rats, after their original owner (my Mother) past away recently. After researching how best to take care of pet rats I've found that I don't think they would have a very rich life with me.

My house is not designed to be rat friendly and my work schedule means that I would not be able to spend much time with them, meaning they would spend nearly their whole lives in a cage, which I have been lead to believe is a poor life for a rat.

What do you think my options are? Is there somewhere that would place them in a loving and stimulating enviroment, or would they be better with me, even though they would lead a caged life.

Thank you for anyone who can help me.

[Kim]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother... I lost my mother 2 months before I turned 21, so I know how difficult it must be for you at this time.

Could you tell us what State you are in?

There is no point giving you the contact details of someone who may be able to take them in and find a new home for them if that person is in a different state to you.



The RSPCA may take them in and re-home them if no other option is available for you.

I do know of many Rats who spend a great deal of time in their cages and are only taken out on weekends for a few hours of fun.

[Megan]

Thanks for your help. I live in Melbourne Victoria.

[Kim]

Well in that case the RSPCA here in Victoria do take in rats and rehome them, as one of the voluteers they have is a member of one of the Victorian rat clubs.

Also you can contact Julie from the Mad Ratter Rattery [e-mail] as she still takes in rescues and is a member of the same Victorian rat club as the person who volunteers at the RSPCA.

[luthien]

I am very new to rat keeping, but I think that your rats' quality of life would depend greatly on the type of cage you keep them in. If the cage is big with lots of things for them to do I imagine they would be very happy. You could rotate different toys for them so they don't get bored. A friend told me something as simple as a full tissue box can keep them entertained all day.

[wulfyskingdom]

I would love to see the aftermath from a tissue box frenzy!! If you try it let us know what mess they manage to make lol

[Australian Rat Forum]

A rat can be bored even in a huge cage full of toys.

But I have to say I would also like to see a cage at the end of the day after rats have been left alone with a full tissue box.

[Leeann]

Lol, I love the idea of giving them a full tissue box.

I think my girls would end up with a cosy sleeping quarters with all that tissue.

Now the question is do I give them 3ply or 2 ply tissues lmao.

[wulfyskingdom]

Or have you ever seen those "man" sized tissues? Extra big! lol

[rach]

I'm going to buy a box of tissues today at work - will post photos when it's all over! lol.

[Katelin]

Megan, if I had the space, I'd take them in, but unfortunately, I can't get a larger cage at the moment.

I hope you find a place that will take them

My two girls get a half full tissue box every couple of weeks. I can get a pack of 5 cheapo brand bozes for $3.

Keeps them entertained for a day, and then they proceed to use it as a nest for the next week.

Most of the tissue stay in the box, or get stashed in other sleeping places, so they don't tend to make too much of a mess