REFERENCE Thread - Read Only

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/threa...t-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 Lone rats can become depressed, withdrawn, less friendly, frightened, stressed & ill, stop eating etc.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/threa...etc-predators-that-can-enter-your-home.36757/​

 

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 198 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/

 

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/​

 

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/​

 

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/
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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/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/​

 

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/

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

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...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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

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

 

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
​

 

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

​

 

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


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

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

 

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

​

 

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

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


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

 

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/

​

 

End of Life

Euthanizing a pet rat-A Veterinarians advice on deciding if and when
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threa...narians-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/threa...-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/threa...lity-of-life-when-pet-is-nearing-death.37105/
https://www.abbynews.com/news/b-c-v...PtnQcGeZO1iM8AEhBns9rgNZ0doqAzaPn6-WM86vwDr2g

​

 

End of Life

The Rainbow Bridge
Reunions at the Bridge
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/reunions-at-the-bridge-poem.7307/#post-296484


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/

 

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/
​

 

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/threa...ives-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/​

 

The Lab Rat - A Natural History
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/the-lab-rat-a-natural-history.35666/

 

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

Dream
- Rats dream of the future https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/rats-dream-of-the-future.37443/
- Article https://www.newscientist.com/articl...G57xtoG_Kn-MLkiIA_yC08DCub09US8o#.VY1C2WPJWL0
- Research https://elifesciences.org/articles/...KeMLygqUO6CHBtHzdJ44W40JcxEWfcRp9RSaqSeVYO-u4

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

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

Trust, Training, & Playtime
http://ratguide.com/care/behavior/t...bOPW1hTsV8AlTxtPwgogTwzN_EUEiVYFcngH4m-rv_0dY