What is the oldest rat you have had?

[dan2333]

My rat Skittle so far is about 2 years and 9 months old.

He is slowing down though and he sleeps a lot. I am going to be so sad when he's gone.

I have been taking really good care of him.

He just doesn't have much energy most of the time and I feel sorry for him.

Are there any tips that I might not have thought of that anyone can give me about taking care of older rats?

I just found this article about it online: http://www.ehow.com/how_2319089_care-aging-rat.html

 

[Sharlees rattakisses]

My Delilah, who passed just a few hours ago was 34 months + 1 week.
She had a long life full of love. :heart:
I miss her.

 

[lilspaz68]

My oldest was Valora who made it to 40 months, an adoptee from the THS as a baby, but she was spayed which I think gave her that added advantage. I have had quite a few make it to 3 years and have Hansel coming up on that landmark :joy:

 

[Argent]

Wow...my Hugo and Mako are my oldest at 2 years 2 months! They're looking a bit grubby and ill these days...trying my best to keep them built up and active though.

 

[eagle]

My rat Jack was 3 years and 6 weeks. I have had a few make it to almost 3. My girl Dragon is coming up on 3 and still a very active little girl.

 

[puffnstuff]

Wow, that article was a real eye-opener.

10 days = 1 year

That really puts things into perspective, and makes you want to cherish every week that they are with you.

 

[jorats]

Rats age so fast and sometimes it seems in a blink of an eye.
My oldest rat lived to 45 months. Then I had Bijou live to 43 months, 4 at 39 months and a few more at 37 months. Currently, my Davis is still with me and today he is 41 months old.

 

[Asheka]

Wow, very interesting article.
It's so sad they're lives are so short, but it is completely worth it. I believe the longest were my first two girls at a little over 2yrs. Mind you, I knew nothing about spaying and such until recently, so hopefully this would lengthen that time.

 

[Zooy]

My oldest was Valora who made it to 40 months, an adoptee from the THS as a baby, but she was spayed which I think gave her that added advantage. I have had quite a few make it to 3 years and have Hansel coming up on that landmark :joy:

Awwww I can't wait for Hansels 3rd birthday!!

This group is my oldest group yet. Popcorn is 35 months and her babies are 33 months.

 

[DadRat]

Our oldest is 28 months and counting.

 

[dan2333]

But when they die of old age, how does it happen?

Is it usually painless?

 

[eagle]

But when they die of old age, how does it happen?

Is it usually painless?

Depends on the circumstances. Some will pass in their sleep and others are PTS.

 

[Godmother]

I've had four female rats (three of them sisters, all were spayed) make it to three years and about a month. I start to feel sad sometimes when they turn two, knowing that the time is likely short.

 

[LA]

My Hazel lived till just after her 36 months and a week. Lily lived to 34 months. Ruby, Hazel's sister died shortly before Hazel at 32 months.

 

[jorats]

Some of mine have died peacefully but others had seizures or slipped into a coma and needed help passing.

But this can happen at any age. Just like with us humans, we can die of natural causes at any age really.

 

[RatsForever]

I've had four female rats live to 3 years old. But most only lived until 2-2.5 years old. However, I find that the rats I've had the past few years are living longer compared to when I first had rats 16 years ago probably because I know more about rat care including proper foods.