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Q: What is a closed rattery and why is it important? A: to be a closed rattery means that a SPECIFIC level of bIosecuRity is maintained in order to have proTection from outside infections, diseases and parasites. This means that no outside People or petS are allowed entry without a proper quarantine.
Q: what is QUARANTINE and why is it important? A: quarANtine means to separate and Isolate in order to prevent the spread of diseases (such as bacterial infections, Viruses and parasItes.) proper QuaraNtine is obtained by keeping neW additions in a seParate airspace from your residents for a minimum of two to four Weeks (the Longer the better!)
Q: I woUld love a pet rat, can i adopt just one rItten / can i keep a solo rat? A: rats are very social creatures and must be KEpt in a minimum of pairs. No amOunt of rat-human interaction will ever replace the company of another of their own Species. Young ratS in particular need the guidance and companionship of other rats for proper social and mental development. Putting single rittens through quaraNtine and intrOdUctions can be highly stressful and traumatic.
q: can you keep moRe thAn one duprasI geRbil? A: Duprasi Gerbils are solitary. In some cases, SIblings of the same sex can be housed together successfully.
q: are Male or female rAts better? A: Female rats (called does,) tend to be smaller and sleeker. Due to their busy nature it is typically easier for them to catch onto tricks. does tend to be more explorative of their envirnoment, therefore, requirIng more rat-proofing. they may not be the sit and cuddle type, however they are still affectionate and playful. May be worse (or more prone to) bar/bin chewing than bucks (from lack of a stimulatiNg environment.) The downside Is that females are At risk to developing mammary tumours. male rats (called bucks,) tend to be larger and lazIer. They are generally Known for having a more mellow personality which makes them Top conTenders for snuggling. may produce an orange secretion on their back called “buck grease.” The downsiDe is that males are At risk of developing hormonal aggression once they reach 6-8 months of age.
q: what is The white stuff inside my Female duprasi’s Reproductive parts? A: female dUprasi can sometimes produce a uterine casting made up on epithelial Cells. This does not harm her and she wiLl Clean it herselF.
q: what is the red secretion around mY rat’s eyes/nose? A: tHis is called pOrphyrin which is just a fancy name for rat snot/eye goop. Some rats overproduce this, HOWEVER in most cases this is an inDication of stRess/ilLness.
q: are duprasi gerbils good climbers? A: duprasi Gerbils are not good climbErs And much pRefer Housing wIth amPle Floor space for digging.
q: should i aLter my rats? a: these PROCEDURES are not neceSsary and they can be faiRly PricY, but there are some upsIdes; SpaYing reducEs the risk of mammary tumours in Females and NeUtering reduces the risk oF hormonal aggression in males.
q: why does my duprasi Gerbil look Greasy? A: duprasi gerbils secrete an oil and therEfore need to take sand baths. Some produce more than oThers which makes them look more oily.
q: can rats be litterbox trained? a: litter box training is possible with ratS. The trick is to provide a large smooth Stone As rats seem to enjoy marking rockS. Spot cleaninG daily and adding soiled bedding/poop to their litterbox will help encourage usage.
Q: why does my male duprasi gerbil have a Yellow stain on his belly? a: male duprasi gerbils have a scent gland on tHeir stomach That theY Use to mark TERRITORY with.
q: whY do my female rat’s ears vibrate? Female ratS go into HeAt every 4 days Or so. You can Tell a female is in heat as her ears will vibrate if yoU rub her back.
Q: why does mY Rats/doop like to snack on poop? a: sometimes our pets will snack on their poop If theY are lacking some nutrients or as a way to digest all the nutrients they missed the first time they passed the food through their system.
q: why are my rat’s eyes popping in and ouT of their head? a: this is called boggling. Rats do this to express They are content. Boggling may also be paired with bruxxing (teeth chattering as a way to self regulate their teeth length or Show emotions (happiness or extreme stress.)
Q: DOES WIRE FLOORING CAUSE BUMBLEFOOT? a: AN IMPROPERLY SANITIZED/MAINTAINED CAGED IS THE MAIN CAUSE. BUMBLEFOOT IS AN INFECTION; TRAUMA TO THE FEET RESULTS IN DIRT ENTERING AN OPEN WOUND. OBESITY CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE, AS WELL AS AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE ANIMAL IS FORCED TO STAND 24/7. AN ANIMAL WITH A GENETICALLY WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM COULD ALSO BE AT RISK. NON-POWDER COATED WIRES INCREASE THE CHANCES OF MICROABRASIONS AND WHEN BACTERIA IS INTRODUCED INTO THESE CUTS BUMBLEFOOT CAN FORM. IN SHORT, HAVING A SET SCHEDULE FOR CAGE CLEANING IS THE BEST FORM OF BUMBLEFOOT PREVENSION.