It’s pretty much what the name suggests. Some rats love to run in their wheels. As a result some of them develop what we affectionately call wheelie tail. They keep their tails up and over as they run. Some run so much in the wheels that even outside of their wheels they keep their tails curled up in some way. I don’t believe this has any effect on their spine nor is there a link to any hind end degeneration once they get older. What running in a wheel will do is keep your rats thin, agile and healthy. But don’t be concerned if you find your rat prefers to sleep on his wheel rather than run in it. I’d say the majority of rats are simply not wheel rats. Wheels should be the big size wheels, at least 12″ in diameter for a safe run. The play balls that are so popular with hamsters are not really a good toy for rats. For one, rats hate to be enclosed and unless you are using the mega ball, then it’s most likely much too small.
Please be very wary of breeders who are claiming to be breeding curly tails rats. This is an anomaly and severe handicap on the rat. Do not support such breeders.
Here are a couple of pictures of Hobo’s behind. He’s showing off his curly tail. He’s a true wheel runner.
Posted by jorats on Friday Feb 10, 2012 Under Diet, Health
Or rather, Spirulina, blue-green algae microscopic greens. If you are still confused, how about Green Mush? It’s a dietary supplement that’s been all the rage for the last few years. People have even been feeding it to their rats. There is actually quite a bit of people buying Green Mush specifically for their rats which has prompted me to write about it.
There is no question that spirulina has some great qualities and health benefits but in the last few years, there have been some alarming studies claiming neurotoxins, muscle breakdown one most recently, liver cancer.
These findings are terrifying especially since this supplement has been recommended for rats for years and people will probably continue to do so, it takes just that one container of contaminated Green Mush and your rat will be adversely affected. It’s really not worth the risk. Throw out your Green Mush until more studies prove otherwise, and I don’t mean websites raving about it’s health benefits, I’m talking real scientific studies.
And a little common sense. In this day and age, there is absolutely no excuse for the improper care of a pet. With all this user friendly technology holding a wealth of information and even the mass publications at your local and free library, everyone should give the very best care necessary to keep your pet healthy and happy.
On the Rat Shack, we see so many rescue stories with our members. They pick up so and so from an online ad, most of us see the pics and some of us probably think the animal is on his last legs but no, due diligence as well as some TLC brings this animal back to life. Literally. Recently, one “case” has really opened our eyes. Shade was adopted by one of our members, lilspaz68. She’s a hospice and rescue so when Shade came in, lilspaz68 was fully prepared to care for her. Some good food, clean habitat, antibiotics for any infections, revolution to treat possible mites or lice and a friendly loving place to call home gave Shade the chance she deserved to be the happy healthy rat she should be. The pictures are incredible. I couldn’t believe my eyes after a couple of months in lilspaz68′s care what a difference it has done to Shade. She has even shed her poor black (brown) coat and molted into a beautiful shiny black girl. She’s gained weight, she’s bright eyed and happy. The way a rat should be.
Please do your research when adopting a pet. Proper food, big clean habitat and friends to play with is a must for rats. Be a good pet caregiver. Be their companion, as they are yours.
