Hi there, new rat momma here!

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kmkaeberlein

Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2019
Messages
5
Location
Pennsylvania, USA
Hello everybody! I am from the Erie, PA area and a new rat mommy to unfortunately 1 lonesome male rat. As of right now he has no name. I had hoped to get a pair, but there were no other males available. I've always wanted a rat as a pet and finally glad to have one!

Can I still get another male to be with him so he isn't alone, or would that be a bad idea now? I just got him today. Also, how do you tell their age? I'd love to know how old he is ^_^

Thanks in advance!

— Kristen
 
Rats always need friends, regardless of sex. It's never too late for male rats :) I've introduced intact male rats to intact rats as late as their second birthdays. I've never had an issue, but I have fairly relaxed, easy-going boys. If there is any aggression issues, neutering the aggressive rat usually fixes the problem.

I'm not an expert on aging rats, so hopefully someone like jorats or SQ can jump in, but babies tend to be smaller, and have long, gangly limbs. They also run, jump, and play more often. They're very quick moving. Adult male rats can weigh up to 2lbs and be about fifteen inches long. I had one that was almost seventeen inches long, nose to tail tip.
 
Im thinking the boy I got is fairly young, he won't sit still except when he is in his cage sleeping. Although, I just got him today, so we will see how he does in the next couple days adjusting but he definitely loves climbing all over me. :D Hes a small sized rat as it is (there was an option of small, medium and large rats available) so I will definitely have to try to research and see how to tell age, roughly on that size of rat.
 

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What a cute little boy you have there! He definitely looks young. I'm not sure on exact age, but I think he's younger than six months old. Let him adjust and try to get another rat around his age. Babies need someone to play with them all the time and adults like to sleep/laze around more than babies do.

Myself and other members on this forum will recommend purchasing a gram scale that has a zero/tare function. This allows you to know the weight of the rat in case they ever get sick and need medication. Target and Amazon both sells these types of products, ranging from $20-30 USD.
 
Oh he's tiny! I'd say in the 4-5 month range. Maybe younger. Size in a pet store usually refers to age. Small is usually just weaned (or not in many cases), medium is around 4-6 months, large is about 6-8 months and jumbo is usually full grown. A lot of times they are labeled like this for reptile food. Are you certain he is a he? Does he have balls? Hard to tell in the pic. Many times pet stores say boy, and house them with boys and they are actually girls.
 
Oh he's tiny! I'd say in the 4-5 month range. Maybe younger. Size in a pet store usually refers to age. Small is usually just weaned (or not in many cases), medium is around 4-6 months, large is about 6-8 months and jumbo is usually full grown. A lot of times they are labeled like this for reptile food. Are you certain he is a he? Does he have balls? Hard to tell in the pic. Many times pet stores say boy, and house them with boys and they are actually girls.

Yep he’s definitely a boy. He’s got balls for days lmao! I just got him a friend because he was alone, but I’m worried this one may be a girl. We checked and looked a little like a boy but this ones definitely younger and a bit more timid. But they are getting along great! So that’s a plus lol
 

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Well, best make sure it's a boy, not a girl, because she can get pregnant right away, and it only takes 21 days, and you'll have little squeaking jellybeans. Then, hours after she has them, she can get pregnant again. I'd seperate them until you find out for sure that you have 2 boys. Balls should drop around 4-6 weeks and should be very visible (like your other one with balls for days. LOL).
 
If you're unsure, try getting pictures of the more timid one's underside and post them here so other members can help you determine sex. All I know is male rats have more space in between the urethra and their anus, but I'm not well-versed enough to put it into practice. I understand saying "take a picture" is a lo easier said than done. You could always position a phone/camera at floor level and then make him/her stand on their back legs for food to see if you can snap a quick picture.
 
The other one is a boy! He's definitely a lot younger but I got to look better yesterday and he def has balls :p And hes a little timid cuddler. He isn't as active when I hold him as my other one is. Also, I got them a new cage, similar to the critter nation but from petsmart (all living things multi-level home) but all they really seem to do is curl up in this tube I got them. I have a cute little fleece bed, a hanging chewy toy, a wheel, the food and water dishes and a small toilet paper tube for the smaller guy. But all they do if I don't get them out is stay hidden. Should I be worried? I just put them in this new cage yesterday. Also, any DIY suggestions for more toys? I know they don't have enough at the moment and I like to do DIY things :D
 
Check out shadow the rat on YouTube. She has diy stuff and training videos, and all sorts of things. Even ideas on how to set up your cage. Yes, they usually sleep more in the daytime and are more active in the evening and nighttime. And with them being new, need time to adjust. Just keep talking to them, and giving them treats, and soon every time they hear you, they will be begging for treats or attention. Some are just shy by nature, but most will want to interact with you. I always made sure I shook the treat jar, or crinkled the package to get their attention before giving the treat, so they will make the connection. I just ate chicken biscuits, then went and hugged my boys, and Taco just tried to pry my mouth open to find the treat he just knew I was hiding in there! Haha! They are little rascals!
 
They are currently in this https://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/...evel-small-animal-cage-21573.html?cgid=600201 and right now I am using sun seed brand aspen shredded bedding as well as the fleece covers for the ladders.

Simon, the newest guy, is definitely very shy and skittish, constantly in his tube but I have caught him out eating and drinking at least. I had been worried because I hadn't seen him out at all. How can I get him less shy? Just talking, petting, and holding him a lot?
 
If his personality isn't just shy, yes. Either way, talking to him, petting him, and feeding him will teach him you can be trusted, and he will at least learn to tolerate you. But likely, over a small period of time, he will come out of his shell and love you. They are very social creatures and learn fast from you and their buddies, on where the love, and food comes from. ;)
 
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