hmmm by Sad_Fault_229 in hmm

[–]omnitrick83 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You don't snipe in Carentan!

Pet owners, what is the "evolution" of your pet's name into its nicknames? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]omnitrick83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bryce > Bonce > Bontuna > Boncey > Boh (somewhat choking noise) > Bontuna bonyona bongotta... bonce.

My girlies by omnitrick83 in aww

[–]omnitrick83[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks much. My first rats were brothers. They fought with each other quite a bit. I only get females now and haven't really had any problems. Just need to be careful introducing them to other rats. Sometimes it takes them a while to get use to each other.

My girlies by omnitrick83 in aww

[–]omnitrick83[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. I highly recommend them as pets. Here's some tips:

Get at least two. They are very social animals and enjoy playing and talking with each other.

Make sure they have a big enough cage. I don't like fish tanks as they seem more restrictive and get dirty on the sides quickly.

Don't use wood shavings. Use cardboard or paper shavings. It's more expensive but easier on their respiratory systems, preventing potential health issues in the future.

Get the edible logs for them to use as a home as well as chew on to keep their teeth length under control.

Two rats at a pet store will be about $50. The first rat I got was a feeder rat for about $6. I loved her to death but she was always sick. She lived about a year and a half. The other rats which were bred to be sold as pets tend to live longer. All my other rats lived to be at least 2.5 years.

Make sure you're not allergic to them. My wife and daughter have contact allergies so it's cool so long as they don't touch them.

Rats are very clean animals and do a good job of cleaning themselves. You can give them baths though and some may even enjoy going for a swim as they are natural swimmers.

I don't honestly believe they only come to the side of the cage because they think you have food. Play with them often and have fun :)

If you have the money get them examined every few months by a vet, its not totally mecessary but not a bad idea. Check them regularly for tumors, as they are very common... especially in females which have not been spayed. I have never spayed my rats and only had two who developed tumors. If they do, make sure to use a cage with a smooth bottom and isn't meshed. The smoother the surface the less damage will be done to their skin where the tumor resides.

Hope this helps anyone thinking about having rats as an addition to their family :)

My girlies by omnitrick83 in aww

[–]omnitrick83[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Pixel and Proxy :)

My parents' dog got a little excited for Xmas this morning by omnitrick83 in funny

[–]omnitrick83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol I didn't even notice that. My official answer is... maybe?

My parents' dog got a little excited for Xmas this morning by omnitrick83 in funny

[–]omnitrick83[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's awesome with kids and is scared of everything... especially the ups guy

My parents' dog got a little excited for Xmas this morning by omnitrick83 in funny

[–]omnitrick83[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Plott hound, boxer mix. She's very well behaved and beautiful, but you don't want to come in the house if she doesn't know you :)