amy

Hi Everyone

I am new to this Google group. I own 20 fancy mice, 3 gerbils, 2
guinea pigs, 2 hamsters and 2 hairless rats. I have a question about
the latter pets. The hairless rats are new to the household. I have
been doing loads of research to ensure I give them the best care.
However, I worry about their dietary intake. I provide them a good
block, and some seed mix as well as some fresh veggies and frozen pea
fishing on the side... My question is about protein. Being hairless
rats, I know they need more protein than rats with fur. Any ideas how
to give them a good source? So far I have been using dry dog food, but
there has to be something better. I was thinking of offering them a
boiled egg. Is that a good idea? What should they be eating?

Thanks for all those who take a look.

Amy

joanne

Hi Amy, welcome to the group!!
You are right that extra protein would be beneficial to your hairless
and you are also right in thinking that dog food is not a good choice of
rat food. The egg is a great idea as is chicken, tuna... a small bit of
it should be good. What's the protein level on the rat block? Some
blocks have a level of 20% and that would be just fine for the hairless
with no need to give extra, although, they will love you to bits for
that egg. lol

--
Joanne
Owned by 20 rats.
Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70

-------------------------------------------------------
~Ignorance is not innocence but sin. *Robert Browning*

amy

Hi Joanne

Thanks for your advice about the egg. I served them up a little bit of
hard boiled egg with the shell removed, in slices. The rats nibbled at
the egg and then ran around but that's probably because they wanted
some cuddle time. I am sure the egg will be gone when I go down later.


The hamsters were going insane sniffing the air through their homes so
I gave them each a tiny piece of egg white and both were devouring them
as soon as it was in their hands.

The block I bought is Mazuri. Is that a good kind?

What other kinds of treats can I give them to make them happy?

Thanks so much

tracey

Welcome to the group, Amy!

I'm not sure about the blocks as they are not readily available to buy over
here in UK.

Regards other treats try and keep them healthy treats as ratties will love a
piece of broccoli as much as a sugary treat. Other things they love are
avocado pear (but only feed now and again as it is fattening), g****s,
blueberries, sweetcorn, peas, oatmeal, cheerios, cooked pasta and rice, a
little wholegrain bread or cracker.... They are loads of other veggies they
like although none of my rats liked carrots for some reason.

For the hot summer days you can freeze things like g****s and berries and
give them to your ratties to help cool them down, and oatmeal is something
ratties love so much it is an ideal choice for disguising meds in when
rattie is unwell.

Oh and the boiled egg, one day you may like to try putting the boiled egg in
your rats' cage with it's shell still intact and watch them frantically try
and get inside to the goodness!!! Keeps them amused for a while!

Tracey

amy

Hi Tracey

Thanks for the treat list. I am always afraid to feed my pets anything
until I have confirmation that it's safe and also know they like it, so
your tips were a great help to me. I am new to rats.

I have a second question you may be able to help me with: I heard rats
really like playing in water and they enjoy swimming in a shallow bath.
My rats are hairless, though. Does that change things? If I were to
put them in a bathtub, how much water (an inch or so?) so I put and
what temeprature for the hairless rats? Tepid? Cool?

Thanks

joanne

Mazuri is a good kind and a high enough protein so you don't have to
worry about extra protein. Tracey had some great tips for treats.
My rule of thumb, no salt, no sugar, low protein and low fat and you'll
have healthy rats.

--
Joanne
Owned by 20 rats.
Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70

-------------------------------------------------------
~Ignorance is not innocence but sin. *Robert Browning*

kate

I think you will find that its more a case of most Rats Don't like baths
and water. My lot get a bath out of necessity when they become a tad
odorous. I make the water about 2 - 3 inches deep and I always test the
temp on the inside of my wrist just like you do for babies. I make sure
its not quite as hot as a babies bath however as my lot don't have the
amount of fat to insulate them from high temps. As for their
reaction?... imagine 9 speedboats zooming around with the odd flying rat
thrown in and that pretty much sums it up. Thankfully they don't hold a
grudge and are more than happy to be snuggled in warm towels till they
fall asleep when its over.

Regards Kate
--
Today I may meet with injustice, ignorance, denial, all of which are due
entirely to the other's lack of knowledge of good and evil and the
difference thereof.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ollieogg

kate

I tried that one and the lazy buggers wouldn't touch it. I left it
there for 2 days and then just chucked it out. In their house its
peeled or you can forget it. LOL

Regards Kate
--
Today I may meet with injustice, ignorance, denial, all of which are due
entirely to the other's lack of knowledge of good and evil and the
difference thereof.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ollieogg

nren2k5

Er, could you quote the post that you replied to? It hasn't shown up on
my newsserver yet.

--
http://pcguyelevated.ytmnd.com/