Squeek!'s topics - tribe.net

World Rat Day Event March 30 in San Mateo

2008-03-19T00:56:05Z

The Wonderful World of Rats 2008 is being planned right now! Our 2008 event is kindly being hosted by the Peninsula Humane Society, on Sunday, March 30th from 11am-4pm, and all proceeds benefit Rattie Ratz, an all volunteer IRS-registered non-profit organization.

This FREE family fun fest will be filled with wonderful information, clubs, shops, and activities all about pet rats! There will be door prizes, a raffle, and goodie bags for the first 100 attendees. All of this year's details and an archive of past years' information can be found at:

http://www.TheWonderfulWorldofRats.com

WHEN: Sunday March 30th 2008
WHERE: The Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA
12 Airport Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94401

INFO: www.TheWonderfulWorldOfRats.com

We hope to see you there!!
The Friends of Rattie Ratz

PS. We are also looking for volunteers to help out at this event!! If you are planning to attend and would like to volunteer, please let us know.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Female dumbo eared hairless rats.For you?

2008-01-23T23:19:27Z

Check out this picture on my profile of these beautiful hairless rats.They are sweet ,love people,and need a good home.We only have females if you are interested for you or a friend.Please contace me!!!Thanks,AMA....S.F.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

meet my new girls

2007-05-19T16:44:56Z

Hi all,
Please say "hello" to my two new rats, Iris and Buttercup. They were with a foster home in Martinez, Calif. for a few months and I brought them home last night from there. They were rescued from a massive surrender in Pleasanton over the winter.
They were listed as "special needs" adoptions because of their shyness due to neglect, but they are awesome! My hat's off to their foster mom, Joanna, for getting them to the point they're at today.
I have posted their photos here and on my profile pages.

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

World Rat Day Event March 25 in San Mateo

2007-03-01T23:43:52Z

posted by Diane Nesom, president of our rescue group, RattieRatz.com:

Greetings Fellow Rat Enthusiasts!

It is with great pride and joy that I announce Rattie Ratz's Third
Annual "Wonderful World of Rats!" event. The event is a mere 3 weeks
away and we need to get the word out (both near and far) to encourage
folks to come and learn about Domestic Pet Rats!

Please visit the event website at: http://www.Rats101.com for details
and more information! There is a flyer available for printing if you can
post it where folks can see it.

For those of you who are too far to come but would still like to support
the event AND Rattie Ratz Rescue -- we have an amazing rescue raffle AND
we are introducing a silent auction to this years event and you need NOT
be present to win!! There is also a photo contest that anyone may enter
as well (without actually being at the event).

Of course, if you are in town for Sunday, March 25th from 11am-4pm and
need something fun to do, head on out to see us at The Peninsula Humane
Society and SPCA in San Mateo, CA. There will be free goodie bags to the
first 100 folks, hourly door prizes, crafts, games, seminars, and more!
Again, all of the nitty gritty is available on our website!

Hope to see many of you there!

Diane Nesom
Rattie Ratz, Director

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Ooops! What to do???

2007-02-26T04:15:58Z

Cross Posted to Other Rat Groups Also. . .

I was doing a booth for the Samoyed dog rescue that I am assistant director of when a lady approached me and asked if I knew anyone who could bottle feed baby rats because the father had killed the mother and the woman was having back surgery that week and couldn't do it herself. Having had previous experience with other animals and being a rat lover, I said I certainly would love and care for these poor little babies. . .

I've only had adult rats, so I had no idea that they matured sexually so fast and now I have babies! Lots of babies! They are fully weaned now and, having watched them grow up with all their cute little personalities, I do not want to just take them to a pet store for fear they will wind up snake food. I didn't care for them the way I did, invest money in bigger housing, toys, food, etc--not to mention my heart, to have that happen. I was wondering if anyone else has had this accident happen and how did they find good folks to adopt them so they would be pets and not food. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

posted in Squeek! - 5 replies

PDX mouse fanciers?

2006-11-09T17:03:00Z

Hi,

I was wondering whether anyone else here is in the Portland, Oregon area? I'm looking for other fancy mouse owners/breeders to network with, and I keep coming up empty handed! Its kind of strange--I can find some nice mice in petstores here, but haven't yet spoken to a single breeder who wasn't breeding them for feeding reptiles.

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

New Rat Mom

2006-07-30T06:38:48Z

Hi!

I just got my first rat.. She's been added to the menagerie of animals at my house. 4 Cats indoor, 2 outdoor and 2 dogs.
She's separated from the cats(obviously). And so far I am digging on her.

We are heading tomorrow to locate a young companion female for her, just so she doesn't wind up lonely.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Rescued Rat Redux in SF

2006-07-03T19:06:07Z

I am foster mom for 20 gentle & tame young rats, in SF very near Animal Care & Control, which is where a few of these youngsters were living until time and space ran out. The rest are from a HUGE owner surrender case in San Mateo (see below). ALL are ready for adoption now. All have had a check-up, and are healthy and sound. They are tame, good-natured, clever, and REALLY do not bite! They even like to be petted, and some like to cuddle with you: so something for everyone! Groups are as follows:

4 Males: All are neutered. Two are all black, and two are Himalayan (they have pink eyes and look like Siamese cats!). They are probably brothers, and are about 6 months old.

9 Males: One is albino (white with pink eyes); two are Himalayan (see above group); and 6 are various shades of beige. They are brothers and/or cousins, and are about 16 weeks old.

1 Male: He is a neutered adult (1 year +), larger, very sweet, and black with white belly and legs. Larger, docile, adult rats are ideal for younger children to get to know.

1 Male and 1 Female: Both are “fixed”, and they get along like two peas in a pod. He is beige and she is black. Both are about 8 months old; almost full size.

4 Females: These are sisters. One is black and has “Dumbo ears”. The rest are hooded; one each black, brown and tan with white body. These girls are about 18 weeks old.

All are healthy, happy and sweet, and each group have always lived together; very good friends. Since rats do make better pets as groups, please consider adopting 2, 3, or more.

I am a foster parent for both RattieRatz.com and One At a Time Rescue.org. I have already placed more than 60 ratties this year. Please adopt 1 or more of my little guys!

Photos available on request, although they are growing so fast I can't keep up! Better just to meet in person. I am available for adoption visits most days; $10 donation adoption fee (negotiable). Most have not been “fixed” yet because of a backlog at the area vets, but neutering is an option that would be included in the adoption fee. E-mail me here to arrange for a visit.

More rats available through rattieratz.com or oneatatimerescue.org or
rmca.org/Rescue/orphans/ or
www.sfgov.org/site/acc_page.asp?id=6610 or
www.peninsulahumanesociety.org

The Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA Shelter recently assisted San Mateo Animal Control Field Services with the evaluation and/or surrender of approx. 175 rats at one address on Sunday, November 6th, 2005. The shelter transferred most of the surrendered pets to Rattie Ratz, and volunteers throughout the Bay Area are seeking placement.

posted in Squeek! - 4 replies

Rat TinkLe etc...

2006-06-28T02:00:53Z

in ee buddy eLse puT dye puRRz on der Rat paL or jus mee?

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

World Rat Day Event April 2 in San Mateo

2006-02-15T01:10:12Z

Rattie Ratz: Rescue, Resources and Referral, announces its Second Annual Family Fun Fest on Sunday, April 2, dedicated to promoting domestic pet rats as companion animals. This event is FREE and open to all.

Come and learn about keeping domestic pet rats and get introduced to all the local resources you need to stay informed and keep your pet rats happy and healthy. The event will feature adoptable domestic pet rats, representatives from many local rat organizations, the sale of supplies to keep your pet rat happy and healthy, and activities for families including crafts and games.

There will be rats available for adoption at the event, so for the health and safety of your own furry companions, please leave them at home. You can tell them all about it - and even share your goodie bag - when you get home!

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA will open their doors
to host the Wonderful World of Rats!
Free goodie bags to the first 100 people through the door!
Doorprizes throughout the event!

WHEN: Sunday, April 2, 2006
WHERE: The auditorium at the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA
12 Airport Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94401
TIME: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
INFO: www.TheWonderfulWorldOfRats.com
or www.Rats101.com
or www.rattieratz.com

VOLUNTEER!
We are going to need all the help we can get to make this event fantastic! If you have all or part of the day available and would like to volunteer to help anytime from 9:00am - 6:00pm, please contact us ASAP at volunteer@rattieratz.com. Include how many volunteers to expect (if you are coming with spouses or children who can assist) and what times you are available.

We currently need volunteers for:
· Reception Area
· Rattie Ratz Adoptions
· Supply Shop Sales
· Food Sales
· Critter Corral Supervision
· Crafts Area
· Games
· Seminar Speakers: Speakers should have experience speaking to children (ages 5-12) and should have a strong background in rats and a broad general knowledge base to answer questions that may come up.
· Raffle Questions/Tickets
· Floaters

Other ways you can help:
· Donate clean cardboard toilet paper tubes before the event. They will be used for activities at the event.
· Distribute and post flyers (coming soon):
Color Flyer
Black and White Flyer

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Fun toys and games to make for your rat!

2006-02-13T20:21:24Z

Our Australian Friends, The Dapper Rat, have a great site for cheap and fun toy ideas:

http://dapper.com.au/toys.htm

Another example:
My new adopter, Duane, says his rats like to be brushed with a soft toothbrush.

And my friend Jan makes hammocks and sleep sacks up in Dulith, MN:

http://www.geocities.com/tjbikers/ratattackteam

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

San Francisco Valentine's Pet Carnival Feb. 12

2006-02-07T23:24:26Z

Join SFACC and SPCA on Sunday, February 12th
for the Kids and Critters
Valentines Pet Carnival,
11 am to 3 pm
on Alabama Street between 15th and 16th Streets, San Francisco
Photo Studio, Personal Ads for Adoptable Pets,
Meet the Animal Cops, Rescue Groups, Kissing Booth,
Carnival Games and Raffles, Live Entertainment,
Microchipping Information, Refreshments and Pet Care Products for Sale

Go to:
http://www.sfgov.org/site/acc_index.asp
or:
http://www.sfspca.org/home.shtml
for more information

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Rattie Ratz Pet Fairs in the SF Bay Area

2005-12-03T01:35:50Z

Rattie Ratz.com is HEAVING with happy, friendly little ratties who are looking for a permanent home! Opt to Adopt and make plans to see some of our available animals! We don't have enough volunteer resources to photograph each and every animal but we hope some of these photos will encourage you to open your heart and home to an animal in need! View some of our adoptable animal by visiting us at one of our upcoming adoption events!!

Monthly Adoption Fairs at Pet Food Express in Benicia
First Sunday of each month unless otherwise noted, at Pet Food Express located at 838 Southampton Road in Benicia. The fairs start at 11am and end at 3pm. Please do not come at the last minute, because the adoption process usually takes 1/2 - 1 hour, first come, first served.
NEXT: Sunday, Dec. 4th, 2005

Monthly Adoption Fairs at For Other Living Things in Sunnyvale
Third Saturday of each month unless otherwise noted, at For Other Living Things located at 1261 South Mary Avenue in Sunnyvale. The fairs start at 10am and end at 2pm Please do not come at the last minute, because the adoption process usually takes 1/2 - 1 hour, first come, first served.
NEXT: Saturday, December 17th, 2005

In addition to our monthly adoption fairs, held on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month at Pet Food Express in Benicia AND the THIRD SATURDAY of each month at For Other Living Things in Sunnyvale, we also schedule private adoption appointments at our hubs in San Jose and Benicia, and we have rats available in a few foster homes around the greater bay area. Please visit rattieratz.com for details on these foster programs.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Ratmad : reborn

2005-11-19T00:06:23Z

www.Ratmad.com is proud to announce that a new website, with a brand new store offering exciting new products for your pet Rats, as well as Rabbits, Ferrets, Guinea Pigs and other pets will soon be going live.

We're offering products for your pets such as bedding, cages, and treats, as well as products for you, clothing, gifts, books, videos and much more.

Ratmad is also working on pages on how to look after your pet rats, including important information about sexing babies, which can be tricky, but is actually easier than you think!

To receive regular updates on the wonderful new things happening at Ratmad and to be the first to experience the new improved ratmad website when it goes live, we invite you to join the Ratmad Yahoo group, where updates can be sent to you via email or by checking the message board.

We have a competition running at the Ratmad Yahoo group at the moment, a winner will be picked at random from all members who join before Sunday the 27th of November, and there is also a prize on offer for Ratmad's 100th member, so join up to be in with a chance of winning a four-part cage bedding set comprising of a hammock, a ratbag, a corner hammock and a shelf hammock, worth £16.98.

Click on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ratmad/ to join, and we hope to see you there!

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Hamsters( what kind do you have???)

2005-11-05T21:48:35Z

I have a black teddy bear hamster named malcolm, how bout you guys??

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

what to do about long fingernails

2005-09-13T16:51:39Z

My 2 female rats have really long nails, and they need to be cut badly. Any advise on home methods of cutting rat nails? Thanks!

posted in Squeek! - 9 replies

Good Rat Vet in SF?

2005-09-03T20:15:07Z

Could anyone recommend a good rat vet in the Bay Area? I was horrified to find out that my rat is in serious condition, I think she has tumors in her uterus. She has been bleeding for 5 days now, and I'm scared of taking her to an uncaring vet. I'm so devestated, if anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated.

posted in Squeek! - 3 replies

Pet Websites

2005-07-11T20:40:54Z

http://www.baruchito.com/
http://weelittlebeasties.blogspot.com/
http://members.aol.com/bingtheguineapig/
http://www.cafebongo.com/shirley/

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

Ratties in Need of Your Help

2005-06-20T15:43:39Z

Hey Gang, it's dub

As of Saturday I am foster-parent to some ratties that need loving homes. In addition to my own nine ratties, I have another six now that need homes.

Two of these six foster rats were actually dropped off on the day of the fair by a family who adopted them from rattie ratz some months ago. It was very disapointing to see them return the little ones, but taking them back was the best thing for the ratties. They're social, inquisitive, and very sweet.

All of the boys have the rex coats and standard ears.

2 brothers, self-colored charcoal, full grown adults.
4 brothers, hooded charcoal, apx 6 month.

The two adult brothers are very sweet and pretty well socialized. They would immediately make awesome companions, and I must say that I'm falling in love with them. If I didn't already have such a large mischief, I would keep them. They would be awesome adoptees.

The four young hoodies are not socialized, and I'll be working closely with them. They're sweet, but very skiddish and not hand-tame. I'm hoping to get them socialized soon, so until that happens, they would need a home with experienced rat parents, not newbies.

In case anyone's interested in females only, I have a pair of sweet berkshire sisters that I would adopt. Petite little sweeties. Patch and Penny are also from Rattie Ratz, but not fosters.

If you are interested in ratties, or if you have a soft-spot and can help, these ratties and I would be greatly appreciative.

Thanks

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

sorrowful news

2005-05-26T20:39:56Z

I just wanted you to know one of my little foster rats died suddenly this morning. It was an accident. I tried to revive him, but his heart finally stopped. I'm going to bury him tonight and I hope you will think good thoughts for him, too.

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

Wanted: Fancy Mice

2005-04-28T03:54:17Z

I live in Fargo, North Dakota. If anyone knows of a reputable fancy mouse breeder in my area (up to 300 miles away, but the closer the better...), please let me know. Thanks!

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

World Rat Day Event in San Mateo, April 3

2005-03-29T15:13:01Z

Rattie Ratz announces its First Annual Family Fun Fest dedicated to promoting domestic pet rats as companion animals.

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA will open their doors to host the Wonderful World of Rats!

WHEN: Sunday, April 3, 2005
WHERE:
The auditorium at the Peninsula
Humane Society and SPCA
12 Airport Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94401

TIME: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
INFO: www.TheWonderfulWorldOfRats.com

Please help by posting the flyer and volunteering:

http://www.thewonderfulworldofrats.org/helpingout.html

posted in Squeek! - 13 replies

I have crabs!!!

2005-03-10T15:33:27Z

But it's not what you're thinking. I have these cute little land hemit crabs. We bought them from one of those gypsy carts at the mall almost three years ago and have been so happy with them since. They're by far the easiest pet I've ever cared for. Their cage seldom needs cleaning, and is odor free. They eat nuts, fruit, egg shells, popcorn, cereal, and other treats, but not dairy products. We like to see what treat they'll discover next. Also they only mate at sea so no pesky breeding to worry about. Almost entirely silent they communicate with each other with tiny clicks of their claws. We've built a cute environment for them with a hollow log to live in, soft sand, some rocks and a shell dinosaur for them to climb on. I highly reccomend them to any parent looking for a gateway pet for their kid or for anyone who just loves having critters around.

Anybody else out there got crabs??

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

bunnies

2005-03-10T04:55:46Z

My daughter has a neutered male rabbit and recently was given an unaltered female. They live in separate cages and she is afraid to introduce them to each other because somewhere she got the idea that the unaltered female will be too aggressive and dominate the male. Is there any truth to this? Their cages are right beside each other and they seem fairly oblivious to each other . . .
The male is an ass and only likes my daughter--snorts and huffs at everyone else; the female seems to be social towards everyone. If anything, I think he is by far more aggressive than she is!

ang

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Lonely Chinchilla

2005-02-18T14:41:33Z

Hello! I'm new. Quick question. My boyfriend & I adopted a young chinchilla in the fall. She's very saucy & skittish. She doesn't like to be held or pet, & according to what I've read most chinchillas are like that. But she seems bored & very lonely. She's still rather young, so we were thinking about getting another young female - hoping maybe they could be friends.

Has anyone ever tried introducing chinchillas to each other?

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

Old Hamster

2005-02-18T14:40:20Z

So I've had this hamster for almost 2 years. When I got him he seemed already full grown (I found him abandoned in a shopping cart at a Home Depot). I love him to pieces, & I know they only live for 2-3 years.

I was wondering if anyone knew if they could live for longer than that. He seems perfectly healthy - but I can tell he's getting old.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Mischief

2005-01-30T11:57:27Z

Hi everyone. I'm new to the tribe. Sorry to anyone who's seeing this posting again. I originally posted in Rat Parents, but I'm hoping for advice wherever I can get it. This issue's sort of bumming me out. Thanks.
**********************

Hi everyone. I'm new to the tribe. My name's Daren, but everyone knows me as dub.

I labeled this discussion Mischief, cause apparently that's the name for a group of rats.

I was hoping for some advice. I've kept rats my entire life, but never ran into this issue.

I've had Miss White for over a year. I'm estimating her age at 3+ years. She had a companion, Miss Gray, who recently died. Of course, she's been lonely since.

The two new girls I just got are quite a bit younger. I'm thinking Miss Chitters is about a year, while Miss Spotty is probably within six months. They're very much smaller than Miss White.

I have Miss white in a large multi-level cage. Outside of the cage she's okay with the little ones, but inside she's aggressively territorial. She continuously tries to engage both of the little girls. I've only put them in supervised and I grab Miss White and reinforce her every time she engages, hoping that she'll realize the correspondence between her aggression and me reinforcing her. For the mean time I have the little girls in a smaller aquarium, but I'd like to see if I can get Miss White to ease up on them and I'm wondering what would be the best way.

My first thought was to take Miss white from the large cage and let the little ones take it over. I considered that maybe if Miss White familiarizes herself with another habitat, I may be able to re-introduce her to the larger cage. Maybe she wouldn't be as territorial if I can get her used to another place.

I also considered that maybe it's puely an age thing. I thought she would want another companion after losing Miss Gray, but perhaps she's old, crotchety, set in her ways, and just wouldn't want to share her rat-mansion. Perhaps if it was a larger rat closer to her size she wouldn't be so agro.

I can recall though, when Miss Gray was still alive, they would fight from time to time. It was never very bad, and I was never able to catch them starting up, so I never knew who was engaging who.

Any advice on introducing rats? Rat cage mates of different ages?
Terretorialism? Conditioning? How can I re-condition her to accept other companions?

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

New member needs help!

2005-01-19T02:48:12Z

My daughter's mouse, Olivia, has a tumor. Olivia is about a year old. The tumor has gotten quite large and now is diminishing Olivia's ability to move around thru small doorways etc, she sleeps a lot and isn't very lively anymore. She also pants most of the time. I think these are all signs that she might be in pain now. Does anyone know if a vet will euthenize a mouse and how much it might cost?

I thought mice were relatively tumorless creatures--am I mistaken, is this common? She has 2 other mice and will want to get more once her heart is mended from losing Olivia--should I warn her that this might happen again?

All I have been able to tell her is how good she has made Olivia's life and no one could have done better for her . . . try to reasure her that she has been a good person for her pets.

Any advice?

Thanks,
Angela

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

new pics

2004-12-05T21:55:33Z

i have loaded some new pics of my grown up boys. out of my 10 ratties (including judy and liza) i now have six. 3 males-captain cuddlebug, spot and blackey. and 3 females-judy, liza, and baby ruby. my other 4 female babies were adopted out to two co-workers who each took two. last reports have kayden&misty, and eva&daisy doing well. currently my boys have developed a fondness for cuddling my bathrobe and eating soy cheese while listening to nico and devendra banhart CD's on the couch. will post pics of my girls soon:)

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

NJ babies available

2004-10-19T07:32:58Z

Hey all. I have eleven babies that were born Saturday October 16th 2004. They will be ready on November 18th. They are not sexed yet. The mother is a Satin Pew ( rabbit like satin fur)
The father is one of the following, ( blue double rex, patchwork hairless, agouti, or dumbo) which means the babies will be carrying these genes. This will be narrowed down in a few weeks. It is unknown because we don't know which rattie was left out during free range when it was the girls turn. This was a surprise! I am located in north east NJ 15-20 minutes from NYC For further information,reserves, pics etc email me Skynthetica@aol.com
Thanks Meg

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Sneezy Advisor

2004-10-15T18:20:55Z

Hey.
I've gotten a few emails about sneezers, and I saw it posted that this issue is affecting one or two of the folks on the group..here is my sneezy advice:

carefresh is so much better than ANY type of wood, but there are a lot of animals that have an allergic reaction to it. A good alternative is Yesterday's News, CareFresh ULTRA, Kaytee Softsorb, ripped up rags, (you have to change at least twice a week depending upon the er..activity.).

Good alternatives that are cheap: Shredded copy paper, shredded SOY INK newspapers, or do like i do, and swing by kinkos and ask if you can scoop up the dumped Oops piles out of the trash and shred that.

Small animals DO have tree and pollen allergies. If you have Eucalyptus, Oleander, Lilac, or heavy pollen producing shrubbery around your home, keep the windows closed, or ventilate the area around your pets. (You will also cut down immensely on eye allergies.)The first two listed are also toxic to rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils, so don't offer twigs for chewing from these to your beasties.

Nerves make critters sneeze. If you watch, sometimes your young ones will sniffle like maniacs when they are around new people. situations, and other rats. If that doesn't stop within a few minutes, it's likely to be something other than nerves.

Dusty foods: If you don't make your own mixes, you will find that store boughts do have a coating of crushed foods... lab block dust, seed chaff, etc. I kepe a small dust buster near cages to scoop out the bottom of the cage now and then.

PERFUMES AND HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS CAN BE TOXIC. If you have a bathroom near your kidlettes, you maybe poisoning them every time you use an air freshener, a toilet cleaner, or even some perfumes or aerosol products. I get calls weekly from poeple who didn't realize Carpet Fresh is toxic. Unless you use simple baking soda, dump that stuff.

Any more?? I know I could type all day, but I'll bore the heck out of those who already know this stuff, and I don't know everything anyhow.

posted in Squeek! - 6 replies

pregnant rat

2004-10-12T07:01:12Z

so i got judy almost two weeks ago and she is starting to get very round and her nipples are showing. i'm assuming she's pregnant. i'm going to take her to the vet tomorrow to confirm. so i have a list of questions, maybe some seasoned rat owners can help me with:
1. judy shares her cage with another female rat (liza). do they need to be put in separate cages when she gets closer to birthing?
2. is there anything i need to do after the birth? at what point can i enter her birthing space? i know you shouldn't touch the babies much, but at what point can i be more interactive with judy?
3. how long till babies are weened?
4. i know i need to separate the males/females after they are weened. can all the females including the other female(liza) live in the same cage? will they fight?
help !!!! i want to be a good rat daddy!!!

posted in Squeek! - 14 replies

pandora died

2004-10-03T17:19:00Z

my mouse couldn't stand up nad then she convulsed and died :(

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

all the good mice to look at

2004-10-02T23:35:07Z

they make figmo want to have them in white wine sauce.

figmo is glad to find you

figmo will find many friends here maybe.

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

mites!!! help!!!

2004-09-11T22:24:48Z

just checked out my two new girls, and yup they have mites!! at least i think that's what they are. little brown things, visable to the eye, kind of squirm. i know the vet can give them a series of shots, but are they too little (2-3 months)? any home remedies? i don't want no bugs on my babies!!!

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

Rescues and Adoptions

2004-09-08T04:11:27Z

How many of you are rescue 'parents'? I have a wopping 34 little furballs and 14 of them are rescues from California and NV. Are any of you in any rat groups like RMCA?

posted in Squeek! - 16 replies

Welcome!

2004-08-22T22:49:19Z

Welcome to Squeek, a place for rodent pet owners. To start off, why don't you tell what kind of rodent(s) that you have? I have 2 pet rats and a dwarf hamster. I love the rats dearly and the hamster.... well let's just say she's 2 inches of hamster with 2 feet of attitude!

posted in Squeek! - 19 replies

help help help

2004-08-16T20:14:49Z

a friend of mine said her mousey is eating its tail ..... she hasn't caught her chewing it but she said it looks all gnawed on and bloody ..... my little cuties haven't done this so i don't know how to help her

posted in Squeek! - 3 replies

really good websites

2004-03-31T16:14:31Z

here are some that i know of, any one want to add to it?

http://www.dapper.com.au/cagebuild.htm

http://www.wererat.net/rathelp/diet.htm

http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/information/guides/guides.php?subject=buildingacage

http://raisinrats.com/medicalinfo.html

http://www.joball.dircon.co.uk/ratrescue/index.htm

posted in Squeek! - 3 replies

Photos

2004-03-14T03:06:35Z

Everyone... please feel free to post photos of your little critters! And a big thanks to Ken for posting a picture of his adorable rat. : )

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

OOHH NOO

2004-02-25T09:56:48Z

i just got a call today from my mother. Poor little atlantis is gone to heaven. (he was the albino) please take a minute. Thanks

posted in Squeek! - 1 reply

new babies!!

2004-02-25T08:37:11Z

I am so happy! I finally found some baby boys to keep my older rat company! They are the cutest things ever when they chase and box all over the cage.

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

Tip of the week 10/14

2004-02-19T02:55:14Z

Keep your rats slim and trim and they will live a longer and healthier life. Watch fat content in the foods that you feed them and don't give them "people" foods. Fresh fruits (non-citrus) and veggies are a nice healthy treat that any rat would enjoy and will not add bulk. Also, be sure to provide a means of exercise be it toys/climbing things inside their cage or a means of getting exercise outside the cage (they now make plastic running balls big enough for rats - put them inside the ball and watch them safely run around the house).

posted in Squeek! - 2 replies

Hello- I've just had baby hamsters

2004-02-14T03:22:07Z

Hello,
I'm new to the group and new to owning russian dwarf hamsters or any small rodents. I have had a pot bellied pig for the last 12 years, several tortoises and my husband keeps snakes snakes and lizards- please don't hate me. In fact, that's how I became a hamster mom. My husband was given several hamsters as- umm- food. I said they were too cute and friendly. So i took them to my school and adopted out most of them.

I kept two girls as class pets- I know they were girls because I had my vet freind check for me. All was happy in hamster land until my hubbie picked up a white male and put him in with my girls while they were home from vacation- he wanted to breed them (I have since read this is not the best way to breed- you shouldn't put the male in with the girls right?). I just wish he had told me.

The first one just had her babies yesterday and the other looks ready to pop any time now. How do i take care of them? I want them to be healthy since i have lots of kids who want them. How do i keep the moms healthy. They are so sweet and friendly. Any advise is welcome.

Madeleine

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

hello

2004-01-30T03:21:12Z

i just got myself some cute, sweet little mice tonight and i've only had rodents once when i was a kid and not for very long ... i have cats, fish and bearded dragons so i'm not foreign to keeping pets

posted in Squeek! - 7 replies

looking for 1 or 2 male rats (or neutered females)

2004-01-20T22:03:56Z

If you know anyone who has one or two males or neutered females up for adoption, let me know. One of my rats (Miso), died recently, so Mochi needs a companion. If they are babies, I want 2 so that they will still have each other when Mochi dies. I think he's about a year old. He's really friendly, but he seems to prefer rats to people, so I don't anticipate a lot of trouble with intros.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

rodents of the large and pesky variety

2004-01-18T09:21:19Z

i just date boys who are total rodents. does that count?

-squeek

posted in Squeek! - 3 replies

Tip #4

2003-11-16T03:03:11Z

Homeopathy and Rats (Natural alternatives)

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) has antimicrobial properties, can be used diluted or neat as a mild antiseptic for wound cleaning. May also help to discourage mites and fleas, if bathing your rat, try adding one or two drops to the water. Can be bought from the Body Shop or most health food stores.

Echinacea (purpurea, angustifolia and pallidais) is effective against a range of viruses, bacteria fungi and protazoa. It is a natural broad spectum antibiotic and immune system booster. Up to 10 drops can be added to your rat’s water
bottle, to combat the symptoms of myco and other respiratory infections. Try two or three weeks on then one week off, as continued use may cause lethargy. If they won’t drink the treated water, add a drop of honey or sugar, they will love it, guaranteed! Echinacea tincture is available from most health food stores.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadenis) also has strong antibiotic properties. Especially effective if used with Echinacea. . Helps combat congestion and soothe inflammation of the mucous membranes. Tincture available from most health food stores, also comes in tablet form.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. Opens up lungs and bronchial tubes and may possibly inhibit tumor cell formation. Try giving it in capsule form, or pouring garlic oil over food, some rats may eat raw garlic, but mine won’t.

Licorice is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, but is suspected to cause neurological poisoning in rats.

Propolis is used to protect beehives from microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungus. It sterilizes and disinfects virtually every aspect of the beehive from larvae to filling gaps in cells. The beehive is said to be the most hygenic construction in the natural world. Propolis can be used to speed the healing of wounds, (dab a drop on using the tip of your finger or a cotton bud). Helps to soothe skin irritations, just dab some on the offending area, even if they lick it off it won’t harm them, in fact it will probably help (can be mixed with warm water and drunk - or gargled, by humans).

It is best to always consult your vet before trying any of the above remedies.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Tip #3

2003-11-05T20:07:06Z

From the "Rat & Mouse Gazette":

PET POISON PREVENTION TIPS

++ Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, caster bean, sago palm, Easter lily (in cats only), or yew plant material by an animal can be fatal.

++ Never allow your pets to have access to the areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties; some may only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach.

++Most baits contain ingredients that can attract your pets. When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals.

++ Never give your companion animals medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans can be deadly for animals. For example, one extra strength (500 mg) acetaminophen tablet could be fatal to a cat.

++ Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pets' reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to animals, even in small doses. For example, one 200 mg ibuprofen tablet could cause stomach ulcers in a small dog.

++ Never leave chocolate unattended.

++ Many common household items can be lethal to animals. Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, and hand and foot warmers are potentially toxic.
Automotive products such as gasoline, oil, and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than one tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog.

++ Before buying a flea product, consult your veterinarian, especially when treating sick, debilitated, or pregnant pets.

++ Make sure your companion animals do not enter areas in which insecticidal foggers or house sprays have been applied for the period indicated on the label.

++ If you are uncertain about the proper usage of any product, contact the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies

Tip #2

2003-10-23T21:06:50Z

Your best bet for bedding for your small critter is not cedar or pine shavings. Both of these contain phenols which are caustic and poisonous. Quite often these phenols will affect your pet's kidneys and liver as well as cause irritation to the nasal passages, throat and lungs. When providing bedding for your small pet, check your local pet store for healthier alternatives such as hardwood shavings, paper products or pellet beddings.

posted in Squeek! - 0 replies