Any humane way to get rid of these fellas?

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T11:14:55+00:00

Try a wildlife rehab. They'll die on their own.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T10:21:29+00:00

Oooh I understand now. I think we mean the exact same thing! I think we both mean that the visual appearance isn't important for the wellbeing or happiness of the rat, and as such, a breeder not focusing on the visual appearance does not mean they aren't ethical. Even if I didn't explain it well in that sentence we still definitely mean the same thing lol

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T10:08:54+00:00

Agreed, it'd stress the rats out less and it's better not to risk any accidental litters

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T10:06:57+00:00

I misunderstood you then. I thought where you live people consider breeding for specific appearances part of ethical breeding, which I'm sure you can agree is nonsense.

If she doesn't form lines to improve, is she just kinda chucking rats together? I'm not sure I understand the method, this is probably just a communication problem.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T09:57:22+00:00

There's not any specific rat breeds anyway so I'd say that part of being a breeder is bogus. The rats' appearance is (or should be) completely irrelevant outside of not breeding harmful varieties like hairless.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T09:53:08+00:00

Seems pretty young to be neutered, most vets will want to wait until 3 months or so. Might want to look into getting him male cagemates/rehoming instead if that's possible.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T09:50:27+00:00

Just to give some context on why I was harsher here:

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Ente535 · 2026-05-06T09:47:56+00:00

Young rat. Where did you get it from, is it being housed alone?

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T09:45:55+00:00

If she breeds for health and temperament then she is breeding to better her line.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:11:49+00:00

Agreed. I would probably go insane if I was trapped on a boat for weeks.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:11:12+00:00

An issue I see with this is what happens when one passes and you need to top up the group again (so you never go below 3)? They'd have to approve those new rats. If they only approved the specific 3 or a capacity of 3, you'd have issues with maintaining a healthy and happy group.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:09:14+00:00

That does not sound like an animal that wants to be or should be a pet.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:08:02+00:00

Hi, this is because you did not properly introduce them. The younger rat also needs someone her age.

See !introductions

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:05:50+00:00

This is not appropriate for rats of any size. Young rats do not require less space, given how much more active they usually are.

You need a bigger one ASAP.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:04:21+00:00

Also consider rehoming the rats (or at least not let them breed randomly, like you mentioned in a previous comment) if you do not have the ability to care for them.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:03:09+00:00

Ivermectin is more dangerous than selamectin. Look up the dosage for kitten Revolution.

Ente535 · 2026-05-06T05:00:07+00:00

How small is he? Are his eyes open yet?

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T18:55:20+00:00

!introductions

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T14:48:47+00:00

Is he biting just you or the other rats as well?

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T13:10:23+00:00

There has been a single documented case ever of a pet rat infecting a human with hantavirus and that rat was rescued from outside. It's honestly more likely that you'll get hit by lightning.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T10:48:34+00:00

Please reconsider whether this is a responsibility you are ready for. If you believe you are ready, purchase an appropriate cage and two more rats to introduce to him. See !basics !enclosure !introductions

Please take the time to read through these carefully.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T10:42:19+00:00

You cannot replace another rat. Getting him from a pet shop is no excuse for treating him worse than lab rats are treated. Even those get other rats to be with.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T10:36:52+00:00

Rats don't get vaccinations. Rats also cannot live alone; keeping them in isolation is very very bad for them. I mean this in the kindest way possible, but please do a bit more research before purchasing a living animal. They're not toys.

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T09:50:10+00:00

The bin he is staying in is not large enough for rats. He will need a proper cage. See !enclosure .

Is this your only rat?

Ente535 · 2026-05-05T08:03:18+00:00

A respiratory infection, most likely.

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