The BRODENTS! Rodent Enthusiast Thread!

[spiderfish]

On Wednesday, I lost another pig to the rainbow bridge.
Ryuu, my 2yr old himalayan boy.

He was ill for a couple of days, we were intending on taking him to the vet on Wednesday afternoon (couldn't get an appointment before then). Obviously, we didn't make it.

[a snoozing skerple]

has anyone come across something like this on a rat?
"it looks like an inverted tumor, sorta. like. i'm not sure how to explain it, other than someone took like, an ice cream scoop and scooped out her side? it's not bloody or full of pus. it doesn't hinder her movement. she doesn't seem bothered. it doesn't look bad. it's the size of a quarter, right above her right haunch. "

[FuzzyThePunkCat]

Just wanted to say bye to the couple people on here that are my friends. My rats are all fine, but I'm not coming back here. Peace...

[ivory.]

Hi! I'm Ebony, and today I bought a Syrian hamster! We've owned one before, but she was old and aggressive, and as I was young I didn't get to "own" it, persay. But this hamster is in my care this time!
He's a guy, Syrian, and is "9-10 weeks". I'm not 100% sure on the name just yet, but originally I thought Watson, but I am more in the favour of Lazarus (after Doctor Who, not the bible, aha) now, with Lazy or Laz for a nickname ^^"



I'm definitely interested in finding some more interesting toys if anyone has any favourites! The pet store didn't have too much range for little guys like him, so I'm definitely going to be scanning the web.

The only thing I'm really worried about is his lack of interest in the water dispenser, because so far I haven't seen him drink, but I'd prefer to avoid the use of a bowl... Any ideas how I can draw his attention to it?

[olivionary]

@ ebony ;; He is so cute! Lazy would be such an adorable nickname - it would definately have fitted out hammie(whom my brother called Hopeless, like what?). I've never had any trouble with the hamster or rats not drinking from their bottle, even though they both swapped from bowl to bottle, but give him some time. If you only just got him, it may just be that he's getting use to the new arrangements.

I would leave him for the night and maybe mark where the water is before going the bed and check again in the morning? I don't really know, sorry. xD

[ivory.]

Thanks! I'm pretty in love with him ^^ Lazy isn't actually too accurate considering he was awake all day from 2pm onwards with a few naps - what is this "nocturnal"? xD

I've marked it and I'll check tomorrow, but I'm still worried he hasn't figured it out yet. I don't remember seeing one like it at the actual pet store so its probably new to him. >.<
If he doesn't manage to work it out, I'll just go bowl anyway - I would have just preferred to avoid it, lol

[ferretjuice]

My baby mice are 9 days old now, when should i start holding them?

[HorseLover!]

Trying to convince mother to let me swap changes, I knew nothing really of Syrian hanster husbandry, now he's in a rotastak Haunted house x2 and I hate it- tell me whAt you think of this-

"Dear Mam-

I know that have asked you before but I figured it was worth another shot. I wish to change Bumble's cage. I know I have had this one less then a year but as I learnt more about Hamsters husbandry and mental requirements I have discovered that this tank is no longer suitable for his living requirements.

Firstly, the size is very deceiving. A full grown Syrian hamster needs 350sq inches of floor space, this tank doesn't offer that as the design of the cage removes some of that floor space. The wheel is also another problem, Syrian hamsters need to run with a straight back to avoid back and muscle issues, this wheel is almost bending him in a U-Shape when he runs.

Now, I have looked at my options and a suitable sized cage is going to run me upwards of £80 which I obviously cannot afford, they would also be to big to fit anywhere. But there is a option of a "bin-cage" which is a homemade cage that can cost me £20.

Now, I know the word home-made scares you, because I was worried but after doing my research I know how to make the bin cage safer and more secure then the cage I have now. I would obviously pay for the cage out of my own money and make it myself, it is a easy process that doesn't require much, just a plastic storage tub, some 1cmx1cm grid wire and nuts, bolts and washers as well as a drill and something metal and straight that I can melt the plastic with.

The new cage would take up less room, would smell better do to the better ventilation and would take up less space in my room, I could even possibly hide the cage next to my wardrobe If that made you feel better.

Again, the new cage would be much better for both you and the hamster as there would be no tubes, I would put the mesh on both sides of the cage so there would be a double mesh and the lid would lock on.

Please think hard about this as it really would make a lot of difference."

Sound good?

[olivionary]

@ Horsie ; Sounds good to me :p

I've been meaning to ask, how many rats do you think would fit in a Jenny? We have two, but I've heard you can get up to 4 and to me that seems cramped.

On another note, my dad mentioned to me about getting a new cage for the boys and I'm interested in getting more rats - it'll likely be a no. But what would be a recommended cage for a pair of bucks? Who may expand to 3?

Also, homemade tanks/cages? Can someone link me to some good instructions

[Keletheryl]

I am so friggin excited. Some time this week, im getting my rat boys! Im still deciding if I should get three or four; I'll decide that after I see the cage in person to fully measure if there will be enough space for a fourth or not.
Im going to be getting the, from a pet store that only carries animals from a shelter (except for the fish), so I'll be adopting some rats!