Leaving Rats alone for more than a day at a time

Question
I'm considering buying a pet rat (probably 2 females now that I've done more research on them. I was just wondering how long is too long to leave a rat alone? If I leave it extra healthy food will it overeat? and I know you have to change the water every day, but will it be okay while I'm gone. I go out of town once a year for like three days. But I don't leave until later on thursday so I can do the rat, but don't get back until late Sunday night. Is it a terrible thing to do to leave it alone for that long? I was considering seeing if my vet boards rats but was thinking that it might have a heartattack or something because of all the dogs and cats. Everyone I know who could care for them also leaves for the same ammount of time to go to the same event. Suggestions?

Answer
Hi Emily

The good news is, rats do not over eat so that is one less worry. However, you may not know if one of them should get sick out of the blue and need medical attention, or get their foot stuck in the bars or some off the wall thing, so I would not chance it.  As for boarding at the vets, I am sure they would keep the girls in an area away from the barking dogs.   You can always check. If you have an exotic vet that specializes in only exotics, that would really be an ideal place to board them.  You should be able to bring their own cage and all of that so they are comfortable while your gone. I would check out your vet first and see if they make special arrangements for the little mammals tht may be scared of barking whining dogs and meows from cats.

Hope that helps some


Sandra