Got new Pets!!

Question:
 Hello
We had 2 pet mice and out of the blue they both died, don't know why, they were both healthy and happy fed watered and well taken care of. It was weird, they were both out in the middle of the cage and laying flat out.
Anyway, I told my daughter no more mice, not that I have anything against mice, I just wanted a change. Now I have always had rodents in my house since my first hamster when I was 8. Well I have never had a rat. I have heard wonderful things about them, but I have honestly always been a little afraid of them. So the best way to concure your fear is to deal with it......hence my new pets. I have 2 male self-beige rats. They are approximately 10 weeks old and brothers. Their names are Gonzo and Rizzo! They have the most adorable faces. I am still a little timid, but I really like them and have held them a lot.
What sort of toys do you guys recommend I know rats are highly intelligent rodents and I want to keep them entertained.
Thanks for letting me share!!


Answer:
 congrats on your new pets!!! I believe that rats are some of the more gentle of the rodents... from experience of being around my friends rats.. they like to chew... they like to dig.. and they love to climb.. I dont think she realy had "toys" for them.. but she had cardboard tubes for them to chew and sleep in.. you could get some chubes for them... anything else.. Im not sure of.. good luck getting something for them!! and good luck conquering your fear!!


Answer:
 What abut a wheel? I'm pretty sure they like them! It would have to be a tough one though as they like to chew.


Answer:
 Congratulations on your new rats, Shannon!
I don't have any advice to offer, I've never had rats before. Don't forget to post pictures of your new boys!


Answer:
 ahh if i had looked harder i would have saw this thread, lol.
congrats on your ratties, boys huh.
well then a wheel is prob out, females will use one a lot more then a fat lazy male will. oh and prepare yourself for them to get up to 2 lbs each and around 10/11" long without their tails. this will by around the 8 month old mark. males tend to be lazier more laid back(not always) they like to explore an area such as a bed or table or even a room. things need to be rat proofed though beforehand or they will find small holes or things to go under. electric cords are another thing to be careful of. never leave anything you value near they sticky little paws as they like to hoarde things or pull them through the bars and make swiss cheese out of it.
hehe have i left anything out?
they like boxes of anykind to explore, feathers to chase and food.


Answer:
 Wow, I didn't know that domestic rats could get up to 2lbs!


Answer:
 Thanks Christina for all the advice!! I like the idea of having a bigger rat so it is okay!! I was planning on letting them have play time in the bathroom to start. Right now they play on the bed and with me but when I let them run the floor it is the bathroom. I know it is safe!!
I did research and from what I read males were the way to go for my first rats! Being lazy and more docile is better for a first timer!! I have to say I really really like them. They are not what I expected, I am ashamed to say that I let their bad rap,get to me! Oh well live and learn.
My daughter put a blanket in with them tonight is that okay as long as I keep and eye on them that they are not chewing it? They really seemed to like it. I was also going to put in a hammock what do you think?
Also I was considering using a hagen Chinchilla cage for them, are the bars to far apart? I don't want them loose in the house I don't trust my dogs, or cats for that matter!
Thanks again.


Answer:
 The spacing might be too far apart until they get bigger.. to test it maybe put them in it over night but put the cage in the bathroom with the door closed and maybe inside the bathtub (block the drain, of course) so if they escape they can't go far... and if it is, maybe you could use mesh on the outside of the bars until they're bigger.... I've never owned a rat so maybe these aren't good suggestions


Answer:
 chin cage is ideal for 2 males, they should almost be not able to get out. might need another week or two. blankets are fine but will be saturated with pee in no time. i use woven placemates with metal shower curtin hooks for hammocks. and just change them couple times a week.
i really like these types of beddings, wood pellets(for pellet stoves), yesterdays news cat litter, or alfalfa pellets. with any of these i shred up stuff like cereal boxes for bedding in their houses.


Answer:
 Shannon, I wish you would talk to my mother. She is petrified of rats and wont let me have them anywhere near her property! I think she needs someone to tell her there not that bad, although I realize she gets her fear from wild rats. Im not one to talk though. Seen a mouse in my barn tonight and almost died after i just came from feeding all my little rodent critters!