New baby rats....do I need to see their home?

[Naturalraes]

Hi guys, a quick question here. I am might be getting two new baby rats this weekend. They are free, but the lady giving them to me wants to meet in a parking lot, so I won't see them in their environment. Should I be concerned? These are my first rats....

 

[hopefloats]

Well if you don't have other rats then you don't have to worry about viruses I wouldn't meet anyone at my home from craigslist. Did she say why she had babies to begin with?

 

[lilspaz68]

Is she a "breeder"?

 

[Naturalraes]

She didn't say why she had babies. Now I'm worried that she is one of those rat hoarders you see on the news and they are going to have all kinds of lice and disease! I'll ask her when I see her. We are meeting tomorrow morning. I'm guessing she isn't a breeder, as the babies are free.

 

[lilspaz68]

feeder breeders, bad breeders often give babies for free if they cannot get rid of them for money. They might be plainer colours, or not little tiny babies. Does she have a kijiji ad or something?

 

[lilspaz68]

If its what we call an Oops litter then that's okay. but be prepared for parasites etc anyways, you have NO clue what you will get.

 

[Naturalraes]

Yes, she had a Kijiji ad, but its down now.

I'm going to take a good look at them. Firstly to determine that they are both actually male then to look for other issues, any advice on what to look for?

 

[jorats]

Look for bright eyes, alert and active. Shiny coat, clean nose and clean rectum. Listen to their lungs/chest for any loud wheezing.
CongRATS!!