REFERENCE Thread - Read Only

[SQ]

Forum Rules and a message from Jorats, the founder of this forum

https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/please-read.29217/

Recommended sites:
www.ratguide.com (a vet approved medical site for rat owners),
www.joinrats.com
Real Rat Lovers Want To Know is a facebook group where rat owners can ask for medical advice. Some people have found this group to be helpful.

If no one responds to important Questions / Sending Messages
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/if-no-one-responds-to-important-questions-send-individuals-a-message.36331/
​

Thinking of getting a rat? Things to consider
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/thinking-of-getting-a-rat-things-to-consider.32306/

Quarantine
http://ratguide.com/health/basics/quarantine.php
… how I learned the hard way
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/quarantine-how-i-learned-the-hard-way.1948/page-3

Breeding Rats
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/breeding-rats.4886/

Sexing - What sex is my rattie?
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/sexing.8582/#post-125714
http://ratguide.com/reference/ratgender.pdf​

Introducing new rats
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/introducing-new-rats.34842/#post-491257
www.joinrats.com
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/intros.315/

Rats need to live with at least one other same sex rat
Rats are social animals and must live with at least one other rat. Lone rats can become depressed, withdrawn, less friendly, frightened, stressed & ill, stop eating etc. Unfamiliar rats need to be gradually introduced.

Rehoming Rats

Rehoming a rat or accidental litter? Things to Consider.
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rehoming-a-rat-or-accidental-litter-things-to-consider.22990/

Taking Rats Outdoors
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/taking-rats-outdoors.34675/
https://www.joinrats.com/Enrichment/Outdoors/

- Ermines https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/bar-spacing-ermines-etc-predators-that-can-enter-your-home.36757/​

 

[SQ]

Caring for Rats

Bedding to use in the cage
http://ratguide.com/care/environment/cage_bedding_litter.php
http://ratguide.com/health/integumentary_skin/ringtail.php
the use of pine and cedar http://www.ratfanclub.org/odynets.html and http://www.ratfanclub.org/litters.html

Cage Size
- a base of at least 30 inches by 18 inches but bigger is better, with height and large levels. Horizontal space is essential.
- a cage needs to be at least 4 cubic feet in size (2 rats) with at least an additional 2 cubic feet for each additional rat more then 2 rats.
- Here is a cage calculator that will calculate the maximum number of rats that can live in a cage
http://www.rattycorner.com/odds/calc.shtml

Cages:
1. Homemade bin carrier and temporary bin cage
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/homemade-bin-carrier-and-temporary-bin-cage.35893/
2. Fixed up rabbit cages
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/fixed-up-rabbit-cages.23588/#post-355655

3. Critter Nation cage pictures
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/critter-nation-pictures.29745/
- Problems with the Critter Nation that have killed ratties - things to watch out for
1. doors can fall off if accidently bumped from below, landing on and killing rats
2. poor welding causing a side bar on the stand to fall and crush ratties, causing death
3. baby getting trapped under a floor pan and killed
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/tragedy-in-the-critter-nation-tw-death.35533/#post-494931

Cages: Show Your Cage - pictures of various cages over the years
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/show-your-cage.1637/
- martins cages: https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/have-a-martins-cage-post-pictures-here.23416/#post-354433

 

[jorats]

Nutrient requirements for the laboratory rat.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231925/

 

[SQ]

Caring for Rats

Play:

Play areas
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/playpen-ideas.32723/#post-474972
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/play-pen-recommendations.24491/#post-368974
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/ideas-for-a-contained-play-area.9742/#post-141348
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/pics-of-your-rat-play-room-free-rome-area.9626/

Enrichment
https://www.joinrats.com/Enrichment
- PVC piping/tubes https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/pvc-piping.13815/#post-206630

Toys
http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/toy-ideas.33174/
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/best-toys.35527/
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/homemade-rat-toy.27774/

Taking Rats Outdoors
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/taking-rats-outdoors.34675/
https://www.joinrats.com/Enrichment/Outdoors/

- Ermines https://www.ratshackforum.com/threa...etc-predators-that-can-enter-your-home.36757/​

 

[SQ]

Pet rats - why it's important to have two or more
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDy3bMRuobE
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/single-rats.36472/

Grieving Rats? Becoming a Single Rat?
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/grieving-rats-becoming-a-single-rat.16612/​

 

[SQ]

Pregnancy, Birth, Orphans, Babies

Pregnant? http://ratguide.com/breeding/pregnancy/determining_pregnancy.php

Labour and Birth http://ratguide.com/breeding/birth/labor_and_birth.php

Labour Emergencies http://ratguide.com/breeding/birth/labor_emergencies.php

Lactation and Milk http://ratguide.com/breeding/postpartum/lactation_and_milk.php

Maternal Behaviours http://ratguide.com/breeding/postpartum/maternal_behaviors.php

Birth Trauma http://ratguide.com/breeding/birth_abnormalities/birth_trauma.php

Birth Abnormalities http://ratguide.com/breeding/birth_abnormalities/

Orphans: Aspiration pneumonia and important care information for orphans, including Rescue Formula 2018
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/infant-rat-uri-clicking.35697/#post-496055

Warning !! It has been reported that Changes have been made to the Esbilac formula and it is now being linked to metabolic bone disease MBD. Babies rodents are reported to have broken limbs for no reason other than MBD from Esbilac formula.
Many sites linked on here list Esbilac as one of several suggested formulas. Do not use Esbilac anymore as the formula has been changed and is no longer safe. (The company disputes this.)
Fox Valley squirrel formula has been recommended as the best formula for orphaned baby rats by some sources. Organic soy infant formula, KMR, and the above Rescue formula are other suggested formulas.

AFRMA article on caring for orphans, 1998
http://www.afrma.org/orphanrm.htm

Rat & Mouse Gazette article on Caring for Orphaned Baby Rats or Mice, 1997
http://www.rmca.org/Articles/orphans.htm

Joinrats section on Raising Rat Orphans
https://www.joinrats.com/RatHealth/OOPS/Orphans/
​

 

[SQ]

Pregnancy, Birth, Orphans, Babies

Baby Development: Birth to 8 weeks
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/baby-development-birth-to-8-weeks.22236/

Baby Development: Birth to 4 weeks
http://ratguide.com/breeding/baby_development/

Sexing Rats - 5 week old girl
and 5 week old boy

Wild Orphaned Baby Rat
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/wild-baby-rat-suggestions-wanted.23994/#post-361415

Rhydian-- wild baby rat growing up
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rhydian-wild-baby-rat-growing-up-new-update-8-20-13.23622/

Orphaned wild rats and mice can not be released into the wild
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threa...-be-released-into-the-wild.35656/#post-495767

A few Baby threads:
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/sweetie-the-sugahs-peecs-11-09.5171/
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/mouse-the-rat-babies-continuing-the-rescue-story.30977/
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/theyre-here-mama-and-now-only-2-growing-babies.16879/
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/nancy-lila-and-their-26-babies.33571/

https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/lilith-arrives-and-pics-oct-19th-d.10559/page-11​

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[SQ]

Diet and Nutrition

Diet
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/diet.3605

Food Do's and Dont's
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/food-dos-and-donts.22782/#post-343892
Jorats' Suggestions regarding a Better Diet
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/jorats-what-i-will-do-re-diet-posted-on-october-6-2018.36055/

Nutritional Information - letter from a nutritionist working for Harlan Teklad
It is worth reading this entire letter
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/harlan-teklad-q.5672/#post-84912

The letter concludes with:

What are my suggestions when it comes to maximizing the life expectancy of your mouse or rat? Well, Dux hit this one right on the head. Excess weight gain is the enemy of longevity in mice and rats as it is in humans and all mammals. Excessive body weight will accelerate the onset of the diseases associated with old age which for many mice and rats is cancer. Long-term studies with mice and rats show that when the animals are restricted to 2/3 of what they would normally eat when allowed unlimited access to food that they live longer and the diseases associated with old age occur at a later age. If I had pet rats or mice, I would feed them diet 2014. It has a low level of protein compared to all other diets. Remember excess protein can cause kidney damage in aging mice and rats. Diet 2014 contains enough fat to meet the requirements for essential fatty acids but less fat than most other diets so the energy content is lower than most other diets as well. This diet was designed to be fed to mice and rats on long-term 2-year studies. Essentially the aims of the researcher feeding the diet to their research animals are closely aligned with the aims of the rat or mouse enthusiast. Avoid high calorie supplements such as nuts, chips and other junk foods which while tasty, encourage excessive weight gain. The mice and rats may still get fat on 2014 as they age. In general mammals given unlimited access to food increase their weight as they age. You can seek to restrict the diet if you wish or you can supplement their diet with high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables. High fiber foods will fill their stomachs making them feel full but contributing little to their energy intake. However, make sure that in feeding these high fiber supplements that you do not displace the diet by more than 33%. The animal is relying on the diet to meet its nutrient requirements. The supplements are for enrichment and an attempt to reduce excessive weight gain. Also, place items in the cage which decrease boredom. If I put you in a room with nothing to do, but with food always available you are going to spend a great deal of time eating and drinking too.

In closing I just want to remind you of something that you already know. Mice and rats have a short life expectancy. By controlling body weight gain through energy restriction you are adding at best a few weeks or months on to their lives. But, the quality of their lives may vastly improve which I would say is what is truly important. Also, if you are breeding I would recommend 2018. Do not feed 2014 to breeding mice and rats. It is too low in protein and will lead to deficiency.

Sincerely,
Chuck Benton, Ph.D.
Nutritionist/Technical Services

Nutrient Requirements of the Laboratory Rat
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231925/

- For Estimated Nutrient Requirements for Maintenance, Growth, and Reproduction of Rats

the book can be downloaded free for personal use https://www.nap.edu/read/4758/chapter/1#pagetop​

Protein and the China Study by Dr. Campbell :
the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/the-china-study.36056/

Glyphosate in food = fatty liver disease in rats
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/glyphosate-in-food-fatty-liver-disease-in-rats.35934/

Nutrition Information:
https://cronometer.com/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231925/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413114000655
http://ratfanclub.org/nutreq.html
http://nutritionfacts.org
https://nutritionfacts.org/video/dr-gregers-daily-dozen-checklist-2/?utm_content=bufferea45f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Canadian online store : https://www.chinchilla.ca/store.php
and https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/online-rat-food-shop-for-canadians.36394/
=======================

The super official VEGAN RECIPE thread. Rat Shack Approved!
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threa...vegan-recipe-thread-rat-shack-approved.26200/

 

[SQ]

Medical Issues

Clinical Signs/Symptoms Guide
http://ratguide.com/health/basics/clinical_signs_symptoms_guide.php

Rat Medical Cheat Sheet
http://www.rmca.org/Articles/dchart.htm

Back Legs/Hind End Weakness/Paralysis
https://www.joinrats.com/RatHealth/HindEndWeakness/i-TBWwhTt
- link contains three videos by a vet (slides 31, 32, & 33)
- possible causes include: spinal damage, nerve degeneration, pinched nerves, kidney disease, often caused by a Pituitary Tumour

Rat Biology (etc)
http://ratbehavior.org/rats.html

Breathing Issues (a few possible causes)

* Mycoplasmosis http://ratguide.com/health/bacteria/mycoplasma_mycoplasmosis.php https://www.2ndchance.info/ratlover.htm?fbclid=IwAR2pdr9mD7GvsQmFRd9iu9zt_nKAP0wx0QHkpW13TVqSKRtQ8efhU69MRP8

* Pneumonia http://ratguide.com/health/lower_respiratory/pneumonia.php

* Cardiomyopathy http://ratguide.com/health/cardiovascular/cardiomyopathy.php

* Congestive Heart failure http://ratguide.com/health/cardiovascular/congestive_heart_failure.php

Bumble Foot
http://ratguide.com/health/integumentary_skin/ulcerative_pododermatitis.php

First Aid Supplies for Rats
http://ratguide.com/health/basics/first_aid_supplies.php

Health Check:

Basic Health Check (weekly) http://ratguide.com/health/basics/basic_health_check.php

Advanced Health Check http://ratguide.com/health/basics/advanced_health_check.php
​

 

[SQ]

Medical Issues

Care of Hairless Rats
http://ratguide.com/health/figures/congenital_hereditary_alopecia_figure_3.php

Cataracts
http://ratguide.com/health/eyes/cataracts.php

Choking

Kidney Problems and prevention
http://ratguide.com/health/urinary_renal/chronic_progressive_nephropathy.php

Dehydrated Rats
1. Oral Rehydration Formula
- Quote from Lilspaz68: "Homemade rehydrating formula: 10 oz warm water, 1 tsp sugar, 1/3 tsp salt. Mix well, refrigerate extra, warm up to feed."
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/please-read-my-toby-keeps-losing-weight.7499/#post-110368
2. Intravenous or subcutaneous (sub-Q) fluids
- Your vet can do this. Your vet can also teach you how to do it and sell you the necessary supplies (25 or 27 gauge butterfly needles, single use large syringes with detachable single use needles, & a bag of fluid) http://ratguide.com/meds/fluid_therapy/
3. How to give sub-Q fluids
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/subq-a-dehydrated-rat.5076/#post-76759

Diarrhea
…… the BRAT diet - Banana, (brown is best) Rice, Applesauce and Toast
…… canned pureed pumpkin (Not canned pumpkin pie filling)
…… probiotics but not within 2 hours of giving antibiotics

Things to discuss before Surgery
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/things-to-discuss-before-surgery.7691/

How to give medication
- by syringe https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/video-of-how-i-syringe-meds-into-my-rats.19819/

Megacolon / High White
http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/megacolon.php

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[SQ]

Medication

* Rat & Mouse Gazette: Medication Usage Chart (July 2000)
http://www.rmca.org/Articles/dchart.htm

* Ratguide.com - if you search the name of a particular medication on ratguide.com you will get more detailed & up to date information on that particular medication as it relates to rats

* Dosage calculator http://vprcloud.com/tools/dosage-calculator/

Baytril / Enrofloxacin http://ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/enrofloxacin_baytril.php

Doxycycline http://ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/doxycycline.php

Gabapentin (given for pain or seizures) - can cause breathing problems and death in people according to the FDA
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/12/21/fda-nerve-pain-drugs-breathing/?fbclid=IwAR256EUapUBMsvOFSVd1RALnZ-HxRwwDWxpQe4a4J3cqdX82kzylGGltTx8
https://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/learning-center/professional-monographs/gabapentin-for-veterinary-use.html

Pain Medication

- Metacam - from a vet is the best choice http://ratguide.com/meds/nsaids/meloxicam.php

- Ibuprofen (Infant Advil) http://ratguide.com/meds/nsaids/ibuprofen.php

- Acetaminophen (Infant Tylenol) http://ratguide.com/meds/analgesics/acetaminophen.php

- Both ADMINS Jorats and Lilspaz68 recommend infant Advil over infant Tylenol

I would use (infant) Advil over (infant)Tylenol. Tylenol is only good for pain and you have to give a ton of it. Advil is good for pain and inflammation and you use less to be effective.

Revolution/ Stronghold/ Selamectin http://ratguide.com/meds/anti-infectives/selamectin_revolution.php​

 

[SQ]

Medical Issues

Moulting - a change in the rat's coat
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/moulting.36097/

Pain - Signs of Pain in Rats
http://ratguide.com/health/basics/signs_of_pain_in_rats.php

Parasites - What is an Olive Oil bath?
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/what-is-an-olive-oil-bath.35370/

Parasites - What's ON my rat?
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/whats-on-my-rat.22409/
http://lilspazrathospice.blogspot.com/2016/11/whats-on-my-rat-ectoparasites.html?m=1

Parasites - Ectoparasites (mites, lice, fleas)
http://ratguide.com/health/integumentary_skin/ectoparasites.php

Parasites - Endoparasites (worms etc)
http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/endoparasites.php

Porphyrin (red tears, red staining around the eye)
http://ratguide.com/health/eyes/porphyrin_secretions_red_tears.php

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[SQ]

Medical Issues
​

Seizures:
http://ratguide.com/health/neurological/seizures.php
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rat-help-asap-seizure.35299/#post-493152

Skin Infection
1. Pyoderma
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/pyoderma.37276/
http://ratguide.com/health/integumentary_skin/pyoderma.php

from Lilspaz68: You will need appropriate antibiotics and pain/inflammation relief like Metacam (meloxicam). The antibiotics will need to be given for about a month, and the Metacam for almost as long. The lesions usually start off angry and orangey pink, then once the infection is being cured will turn to a cooler pink colour (I'll link pics below showing the difference). Then the healing really begins but slowly. The lesion could be dryer and pull and become itchy. You can use an ointment at that time and keep up the Metacam so they don't scratch the healing skin raw.

Faith's back angry and painful on July 13
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n9ym1g1wzunev8t/Faithspyoonbackclosejul13.jpg?dl=0
Faith's back starting to really heal, cooler and pink on July 28
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3n76axwh3mazdxq/Faithsbackjul28.jpg?dl=0

2. Dermatophytosis
http://ratguide.com/health/integumentary_skin/dermatophytosis.php

Spay/Neuter - Why Spay or Neuter Rats?
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/why-spay-or-neuter-rats.35402/

Teeth
* Rat teeth: http://www.ratbehavior.org/Teeth.htm​

* Malocclusion and Trimming teeth: http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/malocclusion.php

Vital Statistics for Rats (Physiologic Data, Environmental Requirements, Blood, etc)
http://ratguide.com/health/basics/vital_statistics_in_rats.php
​

 

[SQ]

Poisoning and Heat

A-Z List Of Poisonous (and Toxic) Plants To Rats
https://www.ratcentral.com/plants-poisonous-rats/

How to Save a poisoned animal
Remember, rats can not vomit
http://www.paws-peliongreece.com/how-to-save-a-poisoned-animal/

Ideas for how to help your ratties deal with the HEAT

1) https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/ideas-for-how-to-help-your-ratties-deal-with-the-heat.35548/
2) https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/quick-hot-rats.35817/#post-497995

Heat Stroke: Reducing the Risk, Signs of Heatstroke, Treating Heatstroke, Seeking Vet Care

1) https://m.wikihow.pet/Prevent-and-Treat-Heatstroke-in-Rats?useformat=mobile
2) https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-can-i-do-in-hot-weather-to-prevent-heatstroke-in-my-pet/

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[SQ]

End of Life

Euthanizing a pet rat-A Veterinarians advice on deciding if and when
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/euthanizing-a-pet-rat-a-veterinarians-advice-on-deciding-if-and-when.35579/

Message from a vet re being present when your pet is put to sleep
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/message-from-a-vet-re-being-present-when-your-pet-is-put-to-sleep.36096/

B.C. vet urges owners to consider quality of life when pet is nearing death
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/b-c-vet-urges-owners-to-consider-quality-of-life-when-pet-is-nearing-death.37105/
https://www.abbynews.com/news/b-c-vet-urges-owners-to-consider-quality-of-life-when-pet-is-nearing-death/?fbclid=IwAR0JzraYYu8G1uPtnQcGeZO1iM8AEhBns9rgNZ0doqAzaPn6-WM86vwDr2g​

 

[SQ]

End of Life

https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/reunions-at-the-bridge-poem.7307/#post-296484​

Reunions at the Bridge
[Author Unknown]

The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together.

The young pup playfully nipped at the older one. "Look! Something wonderful is happening!" The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path." "But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told.

Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge. As the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed its head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.

The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered. "No, son." The older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was a Rescuer."

========================================

Rescuer's Rainbow Bridge

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the soft green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for awhile to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted.

Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

"I think I like rescuers", said the first animal.

"So does GOD", was the reply.

 

[SQ]

End of Life

The Rainbow Bridge

Lend me a Rat
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/lend-me-a-rat.37046/

Cute story written by a friend of "Lizzette Schley" :
Why Rats Are Only With Us a Short While

One day, some angels went to God and asked if
they might spend some time on Earth, to learn and perhaps to teach. He answered
that some of the people might be frightened of the angels, that His children's
idea of beauty might not be His own. The angels replied that maybe those who
could look past the differences deserved the blessings that they could give.
But God was still concerned. The angels needed Heaven's air to breathe; they
would suffocate down on Earth. The angels promised to hold their breath as long
as possible, and would return when they could not hold it anymore. God agreed
and sent down the angels.

Many people were frightened of these
creatures, despised them, and tried to kill them in large numbers. However, the
few who recognized the angelic qualities in the beings took them in and
sheltered and fed them. In return, they received more joy and laughter then
they could possibly imagine. But alas, soon the angels could hold their breath
no longer. After just a short Earth time, they left to go back to Heaven. But
they were sure to tell the next group of angels exactly who to seek out when
they went down.

Debbie D. - She had a lasting influence, particularly in the USA. While she did have some good info, other information was wrong, outdated, or abusive. The standards she promoted for rat care are far below the accepted standards of care promoted on this forum and among experienced rat owners. https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/urgent-calling-all-rat-lovers.33713/

​

 

[SQ]

Rat Rescue:

This is a Rat Rescue forum

- where the adoption of rats from shelters, rat rescues and rats being rehomed is supported and encouraged. Many of the members of this forum are or have been involved in rat rescue. We do not support purchasing rats from stores or from breeders or the breeding of rats.

- Breeding rats https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/breeding-rats.4886/

- Rat Mills https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rat-mills.1749/

- Mill Seizure https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/warning-graphic-heartbreaking-content-mill-seizure.25190/

Rescue Explained:
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rescue-explained.36095/

Rescuing Rats found Outdoors?
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rescuing-rats-found-outdoors.35954/

2008 Moncton Rat Train by the Rat Shack ...Never say Never...
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/2008-moncton-rat-train-never-say-never.22708/

Rat Shack members purchase CN and supplies for SPCA rats 2012
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threa...purchase-cn-and-supplies-for-spca-rats.22466/

Reviving the ratshack member's donated CN 2015
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/reviving-the-ratshack-members-donated-cn.33573/#post-482844

Rescue Effort 2013
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rescue-effort-feb-2013.25742/

 

[SQ]

Rat Rescue:

Meet MY Teeny Tiny Hamilton Rescue Babies 2009
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/meet-my-teeny-tiny-hamilton-rescue-babies.12061/

Frozen Alive and survived
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/frozen-rats.37013/#post-503861

Abandoned outside in the winter
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/a-rattie-dumped-outdoors-survives-winter-conditions-montreal-canada.37188/

SQs Rescue trip and logistics 2012
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rescue-trip-and-logistics.23125/

Rats rescued by SQ 2018 - 2019
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/sqs-rats-rescued-2018-2019.36753/​

 

[SQ]

Behaviour

Behaviour Cheat Sheet
http://ratguide.com/reference/ratbehave.pdf

Behaviour:
- Rat Behaviour
http://ratbehavior.org/RatBehaviorMain.htm

- Normal Rat Behaviours (including body language and fear)
https://www.joinrats.com/RatBehaviors

- Changing Behaviour (Aggressive Rats, Clicker Training, Litter Box Training, Trust Training)
https://www.joinrats.com/ModifyBehavior

Cats - rats that are not afraid of cats may have a brain parasite
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/why-are-some-rats-not-afraid-of-cats.37007/

Dream
- Rats dream of the future https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rats-dream-of-the-future.37443/
- Article https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27788-rats-dream-about-the-places-they-wish-to-go/?fbclid=IwAR27YNt7YtamuKV8h2wuYfRQXKbG57xtoG_Kn-MLkiIA_yC08DCub09US8o#.VY1C2WPJWL0
- Research https://elifesciences.org/articles/06063?fbclid=IwAR1ceis5_coH4HKeMLygqUO6CHBtHzdJ44W40JcxEWfcRp9RSaqSeVYO-u4

Play - Normal Rat Play
https://www.joinrats.com/RatBehaviors/NormalRatPlay/

Sensory World - http://ratbehavior.org/RatSensoryWorldMain.htm

- Vision http://ratbehavior.org/RatVision.htm​

- from a rat's perspective http://ratbehavior.org/RatCam.htm
- Touch/Whiskers http://ratbehavior.org/RatWhiskers.htm
http://ratbehavior.org/HearingWhiskers.htm
- Smell http://ratbehavior.org/RatOlfaction.htm
- Hearing http://ratbehavior.org/rathearing.htm
- Taste http://ratbehavior.org/RatTaste.htm
- Journey into a rat's world http://ratbehavior.org/perception.htm
- Under a black light http://ratbehavior.org/BlackLight.htm

Trust - Earning Trust
https://www.joinrats.com/EarnTrust

Trust, Training, & Playtime
http://ratguide.com/care/behavior/training_playtime.php?fbclid=IwAR3hoPJUJnJe79bOPW1hTsV8AlTxtPwgogTwzN_EUEiVYFcngH4m-rv_0dY