My rat Ruby is about 6 mths old, adapted well to humans, and seems to love me..m. But when I put her back in her tank after playtime, she seems almost "angry" about it, immediately starts "attacking" her toys like toilet paper tube or whatever. Last nite she even tried to jump out, which resulted in her bashing her face against the chicken wire on top. No injuries, but she didn't try that one again. She also seems to get very excited wen I hold her, and her breathing speeds up and sometimes even sounds like "chattering". Any ideas, thots, comments on this???
is this normal ratty behaviour?
- Thread starter missnikki
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SQ
Senior Member - Vegan for the animals
Does Ruby live with another rat?
Rats are very social and need to live with at least one other same sex friend.
Rats need to get out for play time with you for at least an hour a day - however, if the rat does not live with at least one other rat, then it needs to be out playing with you for at least 5 to 8 hours a day.
The chattering sound is likely Ruby grinding her teeth together. This is normal and is called bruxing.
It is the rat equivalent to a cat purring.
It sounds like normal behaviour - It sounds like Ruby is happy and wants to play when you pick her up and she doesn't want to go back when you return her to her tank.
Also, tanks are not healthy for rats.
Chech out the habitat section for ideas.
Rats are very social and need to live with at least one other same sex friend.
Rats need to get out for play time with you for at least an hour a day - however, if the rat does not live with at least one other rat, then it needs to be out playing with you for at least 5 to 8 hours a day.
The chattering sound is likely Ruby grinding her teeth together. This is normal and is called bruxing.
It is the rat equivalent to a cat purring.
It sounds like normal behaviour - It sounds like Ruby is happy and wants to play when you pick her up and she doesn't want to go back when you return her to her tank.
Also, tanks are not healthy for rats.
Chech out the habitat section for ideas.
I have had mice before and they lived for almost 3 yrs healthy and happy in a tank. I am currently looking for a good cage though. She is waiting on a female rat who should be moving in with her this weekend or next. Thanks for the info!
SQ
Senior Member - Vegan for the animals
There are established gradual intro steps for introing rats so no one gets hurt.
Rats are territorial so these steps are very helpful.
Rats are territorial so these steps are very helpful.
LA
Well-Known Member
I am not sure about mice, but rats have very delicate respiratory systems. Tanks don't allow for enough air flow for the rats to breath. Think of it like this, a terrible smell in the bathroom, small room, no air flow really smelly. If you are outside in a screen tent (dining tent) that same smell wouldn't be nearly as bad because of the better air flow and the smell has somewhere to go.
Mice can also go in cages as well.
Mice can also go in cages as well.
LA
Well-Known Member
:joy:
Roo
Well-Known Member
Grats on finding a new cage 
Do you know what kind it is? I just recently found one myself. Took me quite a bit of searching.
Did you check out any intro guides for your new ratty once you get her? I've never had any issues introducing, but it seems that they sometimes clash.
Do you know what kind it is? I just recently found one myself. Took me quite a bit of searching. Did you check out any intro guides for your new ratty once you get her? I've never had any issues introducing, but it seems that they sometimes clash.
mamarat
Well-Known Member
That's great! Can't wait to see the little one. Good luck with intros.
