The Quick Question Thread

[*Rebel_Angel*]

Ok I know I posted asking before about Sophies ear gunk, but tonight I noticed a redish blob coming out of her ear..I picked her up to take a closer look and it has yuck in it...I smelt it ..nothing..she acts normal.

Seriously I think its just ear wax,
Can they produce ear wax?

 

[hopefloats]

I would almost post this one in it's own thread in health and general. I dont think they do get earwax per say. Is it still in there?

 

[jorats]

I've seen that before, I assumed it was something similar to earwax. I never seemed to be anything bad. But yes, it would be worth putting this in it's own thread. I'd like to hear what others' experience is.

 

[*Rebel_Angel*]

I checked her again and it looked like a small wound, I cleaned it off and let her be.

Thankx
And if you still think I should start its own thread I will!

 

[Fink]

How hard is it to litter train rats?

Way back when I had Fink we had a 10 gal aquarium with a wire cage topper that added three levels on top of the tank and he was really good about using the bedding in the tank, as were the rats that followed. This time around I want to avoid the mess of bedding and use fleece liners and a litter box, will I have to work with them or should they get the idea?

How big a litter box do I need for two or three rats?

 

[mia9_28]

How hard is it to litter train rats?

Way back when I had Fink we had a 10 gal aquarium with a wire cage topper that added three levels on top of the tank and he was really good about using the bedding in the tank, as were the rats that followed. This time around I want to avoid the mess of bedding and use fleece liners and a litter box, will I have to work with them or should they get the idea?

How big a litter box do I need for two or three rats?

Those corner rabbit litter boxes you can find a pet stores work well. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... lInCA%2FNo
But some rats like to kick out their litter, so a small cat litter box is also a good option for those diggers, as the sides are higher.

And if you initially use litter in your cage, and then switch to bedding and put that same litter in the litter box, they will probably automatically do their business in the litter box as that's what they're used to. Some rats do need to be taught though, and you simply need to pick up any poopies around the cage and put them in the litter box. Do this for as long as needed. They will quickly understand that that's where they should be doing their business.

 

[DinnerTime]

What is a great/easy way to introduce two female rats? Finally got a companion for my first rat but they have opposite personalities. Rat #1 is shy, quiet and 'polite'. Rat #2 is loud (banging things around), very energetic and grabby/bitey.

 

[jorats]

What is a great/easy way to introduce two female rats? Finally got a companion for my first rat but they have opposite personalities. Rat #1 is shy, quiet and 'polite'. Rat #2 is loud (banging things around), very energetic and grabby/bitey.

Sounds like the two might compliment each other.
How old are the girls? Introductions might be a long process or super fast, all depends on how they react to one another. We do have a whole area dedicated to intros. It's a long read. If you'd like to start a thread in the behaviour section, I can follow it better there and help you along.

 

[julia_silve:)]

my rat is on antibiotics for an iei (inner ear infection) and his tilt is not getting much better. if its going to get better when will it start he has been on med for a week.

 

[mamarat]

Inner ear infections take a long time to heal and the tilt could still remain. I had a rat on meds for 2 months. The infection went away but he was tilty for the rest of his life.

 

[jorats]

I just want to add that rats with a head tilt can live long happy lives.

 

[julia_silve:)]

I just want to add that rats with a head tilt can live long happy lives.

:joy: :bunnydance: :madeday: :cheerful: :cheer: :dancing: :awe: :rathugz: :woohoonaner:
sorry never get a chance to use smileys :giggle:

 

[jtideman]

I have a quick question too! And I'm a new rat mom, so bear with me!

I currently use CareFresh bedding and no litter box, but I want to switch their bedding something less dusty and litter train them. I've seen fleece and Yesterday's News mentioned a lot. Where can I get either of these? And what fleece is appropriate? And finally, what kind of litter should I use for rats?

 

[jorats]

Any fleece will do, even the cheap stuff from bargain stores. I use the very small kitten litter pans and put Yesterday's News in them and place them under ladders. Seems to be a popular spot for pooping. lol

 

[Joanne]

Take notice of where they're pooping now, and that's where you should put the litter boxes. I too use fleece and Yesterday's News. My rats do use the litter box. Not 100%, but certainly enough to make it worthwhile.

 

[clmntine]

Ive gotten random plastic containers to use as litter boxes from the dollar store. There a 'Show off your CN' thread that would great for you to look through for ideas about litter boxes.

As long as the litter in the box and in the rest of the cage are different, you can litter train. You just need be a diligent poop picker upper! I got myself a plastic spoon and its the poop spoon, move the poops into the litter box. I can post some pictures of everything later if you would like. Maybe we could start a show off your litter box and poop scooper set up thread! (HAHAHA! but I am actually curious...)

 

[clmntine]

I was being lazy, heres the link.

http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&p=431319

 

[jtideman]

Thanks everyone!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

[Petunia]

quick question: when I get my new boy Rocko neutered, will he still want to be alpha?
Right now the 3 boys aren't together because Rocko wants to be alpha (or is alpha) and Norry is greatly displeased by that.
(all 3 boys are intact but Rocko is very territorial, the other two are much more laid back)

I know Rocko should be calmer and less hormonal, but does it affect their hierarchy at all?

 

[jorats]

He may still want to be alpha but he will be more pleasant about it.