Rat
Rescue :: Articles
Articles
We provide a range of small animal articles. We have written
on the basis of our experience. In terms of illness or disease
of a small animal please consult your vet. The information provided
here is not to be used as a substititute for a vet consultation.
Latest Articles
Safe And Healthy Bedding
For Rodents
Since we humans have domesticated animals, we owe them
a debt of responsibility
Freak Accidents
Following a near fatal freak accident with our sweet permanent
ratty rescue Becky, we decided to produce a short article as
to what you need to look out for when keeping small furries
– not just ratties.
Feeding your guinea
pig the correct diet
Guineas love to eat and as soon as it is feeding time they will
start ‘wheeking’ at you to tell you to get a move on and get
their breakfast/lunch/ dinner/snack!
Dental
disease in Exotic Small Mammals
At our Practice we see a large number of small mammals with
symptoms of dental disease both as first opinion cases and as
referrals from other practices. This article deals specifically
with dental disease in Chinchillas (Chinchilla Langier). Degus
(Octodon degus) and Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).
Signs of illness in Rats
Most people are aware that red staining around a rat’s
eyes or nose (which, although it looks like blood, isn’t)
are a sign of stress and / or illness.
Humanely dealing with
wild rats
As Winter gets underway, wild mice and rats enter houses more
often to escape the cold and rats are also seen in increasing
frequency in peoples gardens.
Rodents and Rabbits in
Research
Why focus on these animals? Well, worldwide trends have shown
that they are the most abused in the name of science.
Short Notes on Reproduction
in Rattus norvegicus
Rats are known for their prolific breeding. Young rats are normally
weaned by their mothers when they are 21 days old. However,
they usually remain in the family group for a short while later
until they are fully independent and are able to cope socially
in the environment on their own...
Ratty Health Tips
Read our short feature on Ratty Health Tips....
Freak Accidents
Following a near fatal freak accident with our sweet permanent
ratty rescue Becky, we decided to produce a short article as
to what you need to look out for when keeping small furries
– not just ratties.
Detrimental Effects of
Early Maternal Separation on Rat Pups and Their Mothers
Biologically, rats are classified in the class Mammalia. They
are mammals. This class of animals has more than 15,000 species,
of which human beings are one. One may define mammals as being
tetrapod vertebrates which means that they are four-limbed animals
with backbones
The Story of Pearl
A young lady desperately seeking a loving home for a female
rat named Pearl recently contacted Maureen Price, founder of
the South African Rat Fan Club.
Rats as Pets - 5 Myths
Busted
History has depicted them as filthy creatures that brought about
the Black Plague of the Middle Ages. Hollywood has shown them
as vicious killers ready to attack humans at the slightest provocation...
Having trouble getting drugs
into your Ratties?
If you have a rat who needs to have medicine, it can be a nightmare
trying to get them to eat the crushed up tablet disguised in
food or if it is a liquid medication, to syringe it down them
Iota's Malocclusion
Little Iota came to us with severe malocclusion aged just 9
weeks old, which we think it is congenital as her face has a
very slight twist to one side.
I want to run a Rat
Rescue
So, you think that you fancy running an animal rescue? You think
that it is all about sitting around playing with cute animals..?
Then think again…
Baby gerbil’s injured
paw
In July 2005, myself and my daughter Coral helped foster some
silver fawn gerbils – among many other small furries! - from
GBH Rescue in Kent.
Gerbil Rescue
Back in July 2005, my daughter Coral asked me if I could help
with what came to be known as the Cambridge Rescues.
Living with a ship rat
Ship rats or black rats (Rattus rattus) are a separate species
from brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) which are what lab rats
and our domesticated rats are...
How vitamins can help
control respiratory disease in rats
Respiratory disease is sadly very common in rats and can be
fatal.
Becky's Malocclusion
Becky was 7 weeks old when she came to us from a local vet.
Her owner brought her in because she thought Becky was dying.
The Top Three Pet Rat
Training Mistakes
It can be very rewarding to train your pet rats to do tricks
and learn obstacle courses.
Pet Rat Care: The Top
10 Mistakes of New Rat Owners
Being a dedicated rat owner can be very rewarding. All it takes
is a little research and a lot of preparation.
The Pox Virus
The Pox Virus is a very rare and nasty viral disease. Here ratty
lover Kaz shares her amazing story of living with her pet rats
who have the virus.
The Story of Smartie
the Rat
This is the story of Smartie – a black and white hooded female
who I was so lucky to rescue.
Introducing rats to one
another
As rats are sociable animals, no matter how much attention you
give them, they will be happier if they have a (same sex) friend
or two living with them.
Fatal food allergies
in rats
Running a rat rescue we come across many different illnesses
– however, Rosie was a first.
Use this technique and
your rat will trust you
Is your rattie an adopted rat? Were they either a mistreated
lab rat, or picked up from the Rat Shelter? Is your rat an older
rat who have been traumatized and are terrified of people?
How to deal with Rats
and mice humanely
As winter gets underway , mice enter houses more often and rats
are seen in increasing frequency in peoples gardens.
