QuestionI just got a baby girl rat named Beatrice. I play with her everyday for at least
10 minutes but she always poops and pees on me. I have read that it is
normal considering I have only had her a week but I wanted to make sure.
She tends to scratch her nose a lot and clean herself and I was wondering if it
was normal? She also sleeps a lot during the day and when I put my hand in
the tank to play with her she doesn't really come out. I have tried offering her
treats to come out but she takes them and runs back into the home. So to
play with her I have to go and move her house and pick her up, is this normal
for her age? Also I was wondering why she was having labored breathing. It
never really happens often, just a few times but a lot today...maybe because I
have been playing with her a lot? And my last question is that I was thinking
about getting her a friend, I didnt get two at the beginning because I wanted
to make sure I could take care of one first, but I only am able to get a 10
gallon tank for now. Since they are babies still will this be okay until they get
older and I am able to get them a bigger cage?
Thanks,
Daryn
Answer1) Yes, its normal for now. She should grow out of it as she gets more used to you.
2) Also normal (for her to clean a lot).
3) If you just got her, its normal for her to be timid. Work on socializing.
4) NOT normal. If she's having labored breathing at all, its time to see a vet.
5) Yes, she needs a friend, but a 10 gallon aquarium is hardly big enough for one rat, let alone two. So its a hard call. She really needs a friend, but they also will need a bigger cage.