Noob questions: free ranging, toilet, seperate sleeping

[Raisin]

Hi there,

I stumbled on this forum and must say its very interesting. Got some great info here.
But I have some unanswered questions and hope you can help.
I have two sisters born 4th Oct, so now about 6 weeks old and I've had them now for 6 days. They are my first rats.

1. How to free range?
I'd love the girls to go free ranging, but am affraid they will crawl under something where I won't be able to get to them. I live in a very small studio appartment full of stuff that I can't really make fully ratproof/rat safe, and its too small for a playpen. Luckily the girls are not at all nibblers. At the moment the cage is sitting on a large table. The cage door is always open when I'm at home so the kids can play on the table. Sometimes they come on the sofa but they love to explore beyond the sofa and the table.
They do have treats they go wild for: rice crackers and catfood/pate, so if they go astray I think eventually I will be able to get their attention. But getting them back in the cage is another thing.
At the moment they are not yet used to me. We are still bonding. One girl -Pinky- is more courageous than the other girl -Boo- and does sometimes climb onto my shoulders spontaneously, without encouragement. But Boo would rather crawl away in a dark and safe corner or go back in her cage.
So the question: how do would you go about to teach them to free range and go back to their cage and not hide in a tight corner?

2. Sleeping in their toilet.
The girls are very clean and always pee in their toilet. Only sometimes they poop at random places, including their hammock.
But often I find them asleep in their toilet.
Why do they do that, and how can I stop them?

3. Sleeping seperate.
The girls prefer to sleep seperate, which I didn't expect at all.
Is this normal?

Thanks for your advise,
Raisin

 

[jorats]

Hi and congrats on your new babies.
These little girls are quite young so you will see them change in habits and even their character. At this age, they don't need much free ranging. What you are doing now is pretty good with the table and sofa.
I do discourage using cat food, way too high in protein for rats. Instead, try chicken or tuna and when they are a few months older, switch for fresh veggies. Most rats love veggies and it's so good for them.
Sleeping in their litter box or toilet area is completely normal and something you will probably never be able to stop them from doing. As to why they do that... no sure. lol
Rats will sleep together one day and sleep apart another. They are still getting used to their place right now and to you. At this age I bet they are falling asleep in the spot that they last played...soon as they get older they will "pick" a sleeping spot and that may or may not be together.
This is the perfect time to socialize your rats and putting them in your shirt works very well. It will get them comfortable and feeling secure.

 

[Raisin]

Hi Joanne,

Thanks for your reply and reassurance.

The girls and me had a good bonding session this morning so things seem to move in the right direction. Yeah to bribery!

Regarding the cat meat: the protein content of 10% is even lower than their regular dry rat food. The fat content is 5%. And they don't even get the size of a die for two rats per day. I've really looked at the content before I bought the food. Surely this can't harm them, but please correct me if I'm wrong.
And with treats its not size that matters.

You mentioned to introduce veggies in a couple of months, but they already have some each day and a tiny amount of apple -didn't touch the grapes- . They get a ready made fresh soup mix -veg only, no cale, no additives- and some broccoli. They have about 90% dry food and 10% veg. Their poops are not runny or sticky. Is it too early for veggies?

And regarding sleeping in their toilet: its a disgusting habit, but I guess it forces me to clean the toilet twice a day.

Thanks again,
Raisin

 

[jorats]

I would really cut out the cat food. If you can't find rat specific food, then go with a low fat, low protein dog food and give plenty of veggies.
I mentioned veggies in a few months because some babies don't get a taste for it but if they are enjoying now, that's great.