fat rat...any advice?

[SookieObiRonny&Bear]

Hello!
Does anyone have any advice they could give me about a lazy inactive rat? Bear's almost a year old, so still young, and usually females are more active than she is. Her cagemate, Sookie, is about the same age, but much smaller and much more active. Sookie has been using the (non-wire) rat wheel I got them since she was very young, and she enjoys running on it. Bear has had no interest in the wheel, and now I fear it's too late to get her interested in it and teach her how to use it. I really think she's have a much better quality of life, and a much healthier life, if she was more active. She is very lazy and would rather sleep in various hideouts and hammocks then run and climb around the cage with Sookie, or use the wheel. This also has downfalls for Sookie, because I know she'd be happy with an active playmate. It is possible that I'll be getting another rat to add to the group in a month or too, but I'm not sure and would still love it for Bear to be more active. I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Thanks!

 

[Dena]

Some rats are just naturally more lazy and relaxed. Just like people, they have different personalities, and energy levels. Just cut back on her treats, let her out for longer playtimes, give her more to explore, and make sure she's getting a good rat block like oxbow, or science selective.

 

[mwp051699]

Hello!
Does anyone have any advice they could give me about a lazy inactive rat? Bear's almost a year old, so still young, and usually females are more active than she is. Her cagemate, Sookie, is about the same age, but much smaller and much more active. Sookie has been using the (non-wire) rat wheel I got them since she was very young, and she enjoys running on it. Bear has had no interest in the wheel, and now I fear it's too late to get her interested in it and teach her how to use it. I really think she's have a much better quality of life, and a much healthier life, if she was more active. She is very lazy and would rather sleep in various hideouts and hammocks then run and climb around the cage with Sookie, or use the wheel. This also has downfalls for Sookie, because I know she'd be happy with an active playmate. It is possible that I'll be getting another rat to add to the group in a month or too, but I'm not sure and would still love it for Bear to be more active. I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Thanks!

Is she a PEW? These rats originate from the lab rats that were intentionally bred to be far for testing on, so they have what is commonly called the "fat gene" and keeping them slim means absolutely no fattening treats and only giving measured portions of rat food.

 

[SookieObiRonny&Bear]

Is she a PEW? These rats originate from the lab rats that were intentionally bred to be far for testing on, so they have what is commonly called the "fat gene" and keeping them slim means absolutely no fattening treats and only giving measured portions of rat food.

she was not a PEW. She unfortunately had to be put down last month because of a PT and heart disease, but I think she was just a fat lazy rat. <3 RIP Bear