For Sprocket

Cool :-)

He's got a real apartment set-up there. And very good to see that he's so well toilet-trained.

I suppose since rats are so smart, he has to have a whole load of things of his own to keep him amused, busy, occupied, otherwise he'll just start playing with your things. By "playing" I do of course mean scratching, digging and gnawing through your things.

He does seem like quite a big blighter and his tail is a little scary. Why don't rats have nice furry tails like cats???

Thing about rats is you never know enough, really. Research, research some more, and talk to rat folks every chance you get before you get one or more. Rats generally don't like being kept alone, they like at least two mates. Ash is alone because he was abused by his former owner, and is very aggressive.

If you don't have tons of time to spend with a rat(s) every day, get a male. It's the females who need to constantly be busy, and require more company, more toys, more entertainment and are more likely to get into trouble. Males like a bit of company, pets, mass amounts of food and naps.

I researched the hell out of ratkeeping when I decided to rescue Ash. There's a lot of info out there. All in all, I do things my way rather than "the book" and we get on fine.

Rats are insanely intelligent, and will tailor their wake/sleep cycle to match yours. They do have a passion for stealing, and don't even try to break that little tendency. They will learn and respond to their name. They can easily sense your moods, and they'll figure out how to punch your buttons in about 5 seconds (as in: this is the cookie button, this is the snuggle button, etc.)

They can eat just about everything, including chicken bones. The males can't have oranges or avocado that is too close to the skin or pit. Pine oil/residue is a bad thing for ratties.

Those tails are remarkable - semi-prehensile, used for balance and it's how a rat sweats. Rats don't have thumbs (if they did, they'd rule the world) and their teeth are *supposed* to be orange.

Is that enough rattling on? ;D

Edited to add: He does not get locked in, ever. If I'm going to be away for an extended amount of time, I just close up my studio, and make sure all the cats are kicked out. :D

Ash has the most amazing rat habitat (ratitat? habirat?) that I have ever seen! He is one *lucky* rodent to have been rescued by you!

Thanks. :D Ash is a special guy. I'll probably never be without a rat again.

amazing set up

Thanks. Fairly cheap to do too. :)

Thanks for all the info.

It seems that just like humans, rats come in high maintenance (female form) and low maintenance (male form). Though, that said, I do like the thought of having lots of rat toys about the place and watching the little fella/fellette?? playing with them. Loved the shot of Ash the other day with his snowball. I guess it's a case of "I don't know what this is, or what it does, but I'm going to take it back with me and figger out what to do with it later."

I have a feeling that I'd be a big sucker for the biscuit button, as in "oh you poor little tike, you've been at home all day, here's some Oreos just for you".

Hmm, I think some more research is required on my part, and a trip to the rescue centre to meet some in person - so to speak.

Thanks again, :-)

ASH!.....love this guy :-)

Sprocket: I too recommend rats as wonderful pets. If you need any help I can certainly point you at the UK rat rehomomg register, be prepared for a home check though!

Twiglet - would I get a thumbs up from the rehome peeps if I was to decorate the place up as a boat? With lots of wood and rope etc . . . I already have a big piece of tree in my bedroom, so hopefully ratty would like playing in that for starters.

Rats are brilliant at rope walking.....!

Yes, but how are their washing up and making cups of tea skills???

My little guy can make breakfast....as long as you like COCO POPS!

I love coco pops. It's a match made in ratty heaven.

I love the Ash condo. and the fact that he is a rat looking at a cage from the outside. You have made a little rattie paradise.

Sprocket, visiting rats is a good idea, especially if you know people who have them as pets. Rescuing rats is a wonderful thing, but also remember you can get them "fresh" so to speak, as well. They can generally go home with you around 8 to 10 weeks old.

Thanks, P. :)

Thanks, Swamprose. He's always been allowed to build and reinforce his barricade along his Martins wire cage, it makes him feel secure. He has the security of his habitat, but he free ranges most of the time along his territory and my desk. A good compromise.

Wow, this is amazing! .... have to agree, Ash is one lucky rat to have ended up with you and Mr C as a rescurers ...

Well, they say that in London you're never more than 10ft away from a rat. So if I just build the ratty apartment in expectation and leave the front door open, they might just let themselves in and take up residence.

Thanks, Maggie. To be fair, Ash has added a new dimension to our lives. He's a very loving little guy. :)