Leaving my baby.. new rat owner

[handmeafish]

To make a long story short, I rescued a lonely buck rat. He is the most amazing pet ever, and I have fallen deeply in love with him in the week I've had him. He was alone in the store (I work for a pet store, and we will take people's pets in if they can no longer take care of them, and then we adopt them out to a good home, but we don't sell them for profit) and I am planning on getting him 2 little buddies as soon as I can (I'm on a wait list with a local breeder but its still going to be a while). He's been spending about 4 hours out of his cage with me each day, playing or just napping and snuggling, or grooming me... We've become really attached already.
The thing is, I'm having surgery next week. I am taking him home to my parents, where I will be doing most of my recovery, but hes gonna have to spend probably 4 days with out me while i'm in the hospital. I'm considering my self lucky that my parents are letting me bring him home at all, and all they are going to be willing to do is make sure he as food and water. I'm worried he's going to get really depressed and sad while I am gone. Should I be worried about this? Do you think he'll be ok by him self for a few days? Could I put something in his cage to make him more comfortable?
Also, if you have any good advice for a first time rat owner? I'll try to post some pictures later

 

[eagle]

I think for 4 days he will be fine. Make sure he has lots of toys to play with and destroy. Are your parents willing to interact with him at all or will they we simply providing the food and water for him? If they are willing to let him out of the cage in a supervised area for even 30-60 mins a day then that would be great if not see if they will have a radio in the room he will be in so he will still be able to hear voices. No hard rock music but something soothing or even a radio talk show would be good. You already know he needs friends so that is good. What are you currently feeding him the commercial rat foods are not good. You want the protein content to be 16% or less and most of them are 20% or more. You can order Harlan from many rescues or see if you can find Oxbow. I found if you keep it frozen and feed it frozen to the rats they seem to like it much better (thanks for that tip Nic). There is a list of the forbidden and acceptable foods listed on the forum under diet. Don't use cedar or pine for bedding. Is there anything in particular you had questions about?

 

[handmeafish]

I've been giving him lots of fresh fruit and veggies for treats as well as the Annies bunnies fruity cereal. I know its probably got too much sugar in it, but he loves it! The first thing I did was look up a forbidden foods list, because I know rats like to eat everything.
I'm using recycled paper bedding (the store brand of Carefresh, but thinking of switching to yesterdays news because its cheaper, and the cage is pretty big)
I'm currently feeding him Fortidiet prohealth, because its what we were feeding him in the store. I'm a dog trainer so I was nervous about changing his food with tapering lol. The guaranteed Analysis says its 21% crude protein and 4.5% crude fat. I will look into the one you suggested. I've also seen a lot of people who feed dog food, especially the Natural Balance Vegetarian formula... its 18% protein (Which is still higher than you listed) I'm just looking for something that is easy to get, because my apartment complex isn't the greatest at actually getting me my mail.

What do you think of Wheels?

I'm glad you think he will be ok. I will talk to my dad about putting the radio on... but there will be no interaction from them... Unless I can talk my dad into letting the neighbor kids play with him a few times while i'm gone... That would give him about 30 or so minutes, and I bet the neighbor girls would just love him I'll call and ask if thats a possibility.

I feel like I've got a grip on the basics. I knew that pine and cedar were toxic... that was part of my cooperate training, and its on all of our "care cards".

What kinds of things would be bad to leave in his cage to "tear up" I've been saving toilet paper rolls to make toys with, that my dad can just throw in for fun. What kinds of things are good to put in those, I've seen them on several websites. I was thinking a few pieces of cereal... but what about dried fruit? I'm also concerned about whether or not the rolls them selfs will cause issues.

I also knit... He doesn't seem to be a huge chewer, but I was thinking about knitting him some hammocks, and blankets because he loves to snuggle up in mine. I was also thinking I would sleep with this blanket for a few days before I go in, so it will smell like me (we use this trick with dogs. I know nothing about rat psychology so I don't know if that would effect him at all.)

I also hope you don't all hate me because I work for the dreaded pet store. I am there because I love the animals. I think that my job as a dog trainer truly makes a difference in peoples lives, and it can save the lives of the dogs who are about to end up in shelters. Also, I know that the animal care standard is much higher at my store than at many, even with in the same company.
That being said, I really wish we didn't sell animals. My store is really specialized as far as animal care goes. I think we do a pretty good job, but that doesn't change the industry. I have been bugging my bosses to bug their bosses to change things for as long as I've worked there, because the animal industry sucks. The store I work for is trying a new format, so see how things go. I think so far its successful, but I do work for one of the two big corporate chains, and market demand is market demand... Which is why you all should not buy rats from us lol. We are also working on not supplying as many reptiles, because they have the same kinds of issues ending up in shelters when they get to big and what not... and they will often live a quarter or half of a century!
Sorry that got really off topic, but I've been on a lot of these boards and I'm feeling a little hated right now.

 

[jorats]

He's really lucky to have you. Your parents might very well see what a wonderful pet he is and spend some time talking to him. At least he will have the necessities provided for him. That's the number one concern. Once you get back, he might sulk a bit or not, he might be so happy to see you again.

Lots of pet store employees are dedicated and loving... we know you guys are out there, just wished there were more of you.

 

[Moon]

If you could get the neighbour kids to come over and play with him, that could be perfect!!! Also, some rats when alone like a small stuffed animal to snuggle with.... or pull the stuffing out of!

 

[rattylover]

Ronny should be okay for 4 days. Just make sure to give him lots of treats and kisses when you get home! :tumkiss:

Also you mentioned hammocks. heres a great hammock making site:
http://www.rattributes.com/blog/?page_id=47

Paper towel rolls are great! You can put pretty much anything in them... like Broccoli(raw or cooked) for instance is really healthy and rats love it. But basically most fruits and veggies are fine. here you can also check out this site, it has tons of ideas and toys and it is personally my all time fav rat site!!
http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm

 

[handmeafish]

I've read that broccoli is bad because they can't burp, and it creates a lot of gas...
I've been giving him frozen peas, and he loves them.

I found that one of the feed stores here sells Oxbow! i'm so happy, I called today to make sure they had the Regal rat, and they have the 3lb bags. Its not as convenient as the pet store i work at but for him, its worth it

 

[rattylover]

Where did you read that? Interesting, never heard of that before...

=> => => viewtopic.php?f=38&t=20281&start=0


here are some foods that will help keep those ratty teeth from overgrowing

Cooked Chicken bones
Nuts in their shell (macadamias, pecans and hazelnuts are their favourites)
Baby teething rusks (vegetable-flavoured)
Dog biscuits (Eukanuba Restricted Calorie Rewards - low in protein and fat)
Greenies (dog chew)
Rat seed treat sticks

Its great that you're getting Oxbow, it really is one of the better rat foods out there!

Oh yeah and in case you didnt know(sorry if I am being annoying for saying this) no citrus for male rats!

 

[Moon]

Where did you read that? Interesting, never heard of that before...

=> => => viewtopic.php?f=38&t=20281&start=0


here are some foods that will help keep those ratty teeth from overgrowing

Cooked Chicken bones
Nuts in their shell (macadamias, pecans and hazelnuts are their favourites)
Baby teething rusks (vegetable-flavoured)
Dog biscuits (Eukanuba Restricted Calorie Rewards - low in protein and fat)
Greenies (dog chew)
Rat seed treat sticks

Its great that you're getting Oxbow, it really is one of the better rat foods out there!

Oh yeah and in case you didnt know(sorry if I am being annoying for saying this) no citrus for male rats!

Cooked bones are dangerous, small bones splinter when cooked. Give with caution and supervise. Dog biscuits, there's lots of low protein low fat options that aren't by Eukanuba. The all natural brand of cookies carried by Wal Mart does these little tiny paw print shaped ones that have peanut butter in them and they're the perfect size for rats, plus reasonably priced. Greenies nutritional breakdown puts protein at about 52%!!! Maybe that's changed but I wouldn't recommend Greenies for rats. If you want to give something similar the Nylabones Edibles come in low protein formulas and, even better, Zukes Z-Ridge bones come in a tiny size perfect for rats. Treat seed sticks are exactly that... a TREAT. Give rarely.

Rats shouldn't need much help keeping their teeth at a reasonable length. Supplying them with wood toys should cover a lot of that, never mind eating decent rat blocks and just general bruxxing.

Finally broccoli is good stuff, just don't give too much lest you want to deal with some stinky poos!

 

[rattylover]

Where did you read that? Interesting, never heard of that before...

=> => => viewtopic.php?f=38&t=20281&start=0


here are some foods that will help keep those ratty teeth from overgrowing

Cooked Chicken bones
Nuts in their shell (macadamias, pecans and hazelnuts are their favourites)
Baby teething rusks (vegetable-flavoured)
Dog biscuits (Eukanuba Restricted Calorie Rewards - low in protein and fat)
Greenies (dog chew)
Rat seed treat sticks

Its great that you're getting Oxbow, it really is one of the better rat foods out there!

Oh yeah and in case you didnt know(sorry if I am being annoying for saying this) no citrus for male rats!

Cooked bones are dangerous, small bones splinter when cooked. Give with caution and supervise. Dog biscuits, there's lots of low protein low fat options that aren't by Eukanuba. The all natural brand of cookies carried by Wal Mart does these little tiny paw print shaped ones that have peanut butter in them and they're the perfect size for rats, plus reasonably priced. Greenies nutritional breakdown puts protein at about 52%!!! Maybe that's changed but I wouldn't recommend Greenies for rats. If you want to give something similar the Nylabones Edibles come in low protein formulas and, even better, Zukes Z-Ridge bones come in a tiny size perfect for rats. Treat seed sticks are exactly that... a TREAT. Give rarely.

Rats shouldn't need much help keeping their teeth at a reasonable length. Supplying them with wood toys should cover a lot of that, never mind eating decent rat blocks and just general bruxxing.

Finally broccoli is good stuff, just don't give too much lest you want to deal with some stinky poos!

I actually found that online http://www.dapper.com.au/articles.htm#diet

 

[jorats]

My gang get fresh broccoli twice a week... been doing that for years now.

 

[eagle]

Mine get frozen peas and broccoli on a regular basis. I will sometimes get the cauliflower also and carrots are a treat only.

 

[handmeafish]

So I'm in the hospital, doing really well, just watching movies and making preemie hats
My dad said Ronny was doing good this morning, and he gave him some veggies and some cheerios. He said he was just "ratting around" and playing with his toys.