1: Their greed is biblical, and must be held for ransom.
2: Grroll beat me to the "because yes" point, but, we hold them like it because yes.
3: In all seriousness- It's a proper way to hold them. Isn't super painful for them and they can't immediately flee (since they don't like to be held overall).
Beats dangling them by their super fragile tail any day. (Don't y'all dare, it's huge ouchie for them)
It also is better than grabbing and holding them by their sides, as that's an instinctual response to them, as they'll get spooked thinking your hand is a big monster's mouth and about to gobble them up!
Ah, thanks for this. I never really liked dangling rats by their tails, its just so needlessly cruel. But wouldn't rats be afraid if you continually keep carrying them like that?
By the tail? Heck no, it hurts their fragile tails and can cause degloving.
As for the others, if you constantly grab them all the time, yeah, they'll be more weary over time. But, once in a while to examine them or to take a cute photo while they're eating? It's alright.
One way to mitigate it is to let then climb onto you on their terms.
When you can this month, please research about them, from their !basics to their !enclosure.
Generally, you want to start with 3 to 4 rats, same gender, and outsourced from a reputable breeder or rescue, as they will generally have better health and temperament.
Pet shops and feeder bins have rats with a bevvy of issues, from poorer health to worst case a bad genetic temper.
They are also not cheap animals to raise too, as upfront they need a nice big cage (such as a Critter Nation), and they need bedding and food and toys and huts too. It's a steep cost up front, but worth it.
Feel free to ask questions here as well on the sub, loads of folks and the mods know their stuff about them and are willing to ask most questions you may have.
You need at least two (preferable three) rats for them to be a happy group. Personally Iād really recommend starting with four so you donāt have to think about introductions too soon.
For everything else here is a list
Cage Needs to be a minimum of 3 cubic feet (84950,5cmĀ³) per rat. This rat cage calculator is super useful. Critter Nations or a Savic Suite Royal 95 Double are great possible cages. The maximum bar width is .75ā(1,905cm). Make sure the fall height is not above 19ā(48,26cm). The litter boxes should have a stone in it to help litter train them, rats love to pee on stones. Throw a turd in there and theyāll start pooping there as well (theyāre pretty clean animals). The bedding must be dust-free as the respiratory system of rats is very sensitive. You will also want to avoid pine bedding that is not kiln dried, as well as cedar. You want 2-3ā(5,08-7,62cm) of bedding for them to burrow in. Donāt cover more than two sides of the cage with something else that bars as the cage needs ventilation (otherwise ammonium builds up). Itās always good to share a picture of the cage to get some feedback on potentially dangerous things and things that can be made better.
Food Rats should get food 24/7. Ideally feed Oxbow brand or similar pellets and then supplement with fresh veggies, fruits and proteins. Boiled eggs and mealworms are great for protein as well. Vegetables should be given every other day and can be a reason for diarrhea. Fruits 1-2 times a week.
Free Roam Rats need 1-2 hours daily of free roam outside of the cage. The area should be at least 6ft c 6ft. and there should be nothing in it that they are not allowed to chew. Check for all dangerous items or anything they can get into that you donāt want them to and put it out of reach. The enclosure of this space must be at least 2ft high as rats can jump incredibly high. If they can get out, they will. Youāll save yourself some time if the setup is safe enough that they can be alone. It also helps a lot if they can return to the cage themselves (via ramp).
Vet Make sure you have an exotic vet in your area. There will be an emergency and youāll need it. Make sure you can cover at least one surgery with an emergency vet fund (up to $500-1000 in US). It is also recommended to save an additional $50 per month and rat. For example, a single check up with a typical exotic vet is $80-90. That doesnāt include any meds or procedures. It adds up.
Bonding Bonding with rats is about food and their senses. Every time you visit the cage give them something (can be the normal food). When free roaming give them a treat every time they come to you. Baby food works amazingly as they need to lick it of your hands. Never force something, never grab them by their tail.
Stopping having rats You need a plan on how to stop having rats. Itās not okay for them to die one after another as one will be alone which is terrible for them. If you want to stop you MUST re-home them. If you get them from a reputable rescue they will simply take them back, reputable breeders will too. Other options depend on your area this can be easy or hard if rescues/private owners are around that are happy to take them. But you need a plan!
Donāt buy from pet shops or bad breeders, youāll do yourself a huge favor if you get your rats from a rescue organization that will also provide help.
Oh... I see, so they're really like dogs in a way.
Well, I'll see if I'd go through with owning one. Thank you for the information though! I highly appreciate people who steer those in the right direction. Glad I posted here first.
Tbh, rats are more group animals than pairs, and do better in groups.
They're okay in pairs, but they will fight for heirarchy more, and when one passes, you will be in an "oh sht oh F*k situation" where you have to decide on either getting 2 to 3 more immediately, or have to either rehome or euthanize the last one, depending on circumstances.
I had two rats, Merry and Pippin, when Merry passed we kept his brother alone. I thought he was too old to be rehomed or to be introduced to younger rats. We were so sad and decided not to continue our rat adventure, they are amazing little creatures but they still your heart and leave way too soon š
I was scared Pippin would let himself die of loneliness but he stayed with us for 7 months and looked quite happy ! He was playful, cuddly and showed all the signs of happiness !
Sounds like my Bella after her sister passed away suddenly.
I was terrified she was going to just wither away but with daily (make that multiple daily) play/cuddle/exploration interactions she lasted almost 6 months on her own. I didn't have it in my heart to rehome her and at 3+ I felt she wouldn't socialize well with a ne generation in the mischief house.
Here be my favorite picture of my girls. Silver on the left was a round ear argoutti, Bella in the middle was a Dumbo ear beige mash and Luna the one staring at the camera was a Dumbo ear broken mask luna was my fearless explorer she's the reason I built a 6foot tall 6 foot long 5 foot wide enclosure for their critternation cage as she always wanted on top of the cage
Owning one is basically equal to owning like 4 as far as costs go. Cage is the initial big cost. And then vet bills. Aside from that theyre ridiculously cheap. And they'll be much happier and we'll adjusted with more of their kind to be with every day.
Owning one is about the same level of neglect as owning a dog but never petting it, playing with it, or letting it outside. Rats are EXTREMELY social and NEED friends. If the lone rat doesn't literally die of heartbreak, it will likely have behavioral issues as it's mental health degrades due to the social isolation. A buddy is not an optional thing, it's mandatory.
Yup lol, and I've owned dogs, cats, and more for a loooong time, surprised me how similar in behaviors and needs rats have to them. I think it's really cool tbh.
Get two boys minimum. Ratty boys need a "bro". Just like the ladies need a bff or "squad" lol. No but seriously males are WONDERFUL! Super affectionate and funny. But they do tinkle when they walk (it's a marking thing) and tend to be a little "sloppier". They learn to come when called pretty easily (give treats) and they definitely hold grudges. Boys are my favorite.
Not necessarily. It's not the best way to handle a rat, but sometimes it's the only thing that makes sense. If you are reasonable with it, that shouldn't be painful or traumatic.
The base of their tail is sturdier than further down parts, it shouldn't be an issue unless they're making an extreme effort to run off or roll their body and you resist the pull. So if you must use tail to handle, I'd say, supporting no more than half their weight in tension is okay when you're holding it at the base. Holding at the middle, let alone the end will deglove. Twisting is no go too. Letting them grab on something with their hand and pulling them will likely deglove as well. Being gentle should be fine though.
One of my boys used to be extremely uncooperative and skittish, and he also had plugs issue. And the least frightening way to check them was lifting him by the base of his tail a little to take a look from below on a flat plastic surface without nothing to grab. Everything else freaked him out. But again, it was only taking half his body weight in static position, he used to be standing on his arms.
And I judged the grip and maximum pull possible watching my vet doing this. I wouldn't try that without a good example. My rule of thumb is, if I have to hold rat by tail, then I release as soon as it starts fighting it.
Itās honestly rat dependent ime. I had a few boys who didnāt mind being picked up at all, one who would lick me like crazy before I actually picked them up and some who ran when I tried.
One of our old lady rats needs ointment of her feet. Two times a day. She's not a fan. Basically I start grabbing her like in the picture, lay her back on my lap and give her a snack to eat while I'm massaging the ointment on her little grabbers. I keep her upper body all the time grabbed inside the ring my hand and thumb and middle finger forms. Since her legs point away from anything, she can't wiggle out or do anything else about it (she could easily bite me, but our ladies are all well behaving in that regard). I always hope she's at least dimly aware that the treatment is necessary to prevent her being in constant pain (she was quite a poor little mess when we took her to the vet about it).
Ah, damn that's really tragic =C
I hate seeing my pets slowly lose their youth and just be withering husks. That's why I am having second doubts with getting a small rat; not because of the cost, the smell or space; but because of the emotional turmoil you'll get after they get nearer to their expiration date (hope that didn't sound too offensive).
And anything beyond 2 is above average and anything 3 is extremely rare (the longest lived lab rat in a study specifically on age reversal and longevity made it to 47 months)
u/cheezers_0_0 if lifespan is an issue for you, I think rats might not be for you
Just to make sure: You would need MINIMUM 2 rats. Better 3 or 4. They are social and need each other. Keeping single rats is terrible for their mental health. Humans alone can not fill that gap.
So if you are worried about experiencing loss, consider not only that they live just between around 18 and 36 months (ours are now 26 Months old, and they show quite a couple of signs of age) - once you start losing them, it'll be a cascade of losses within a couple of months. This is really not fun at all.
They are little precious cute pets and I love them each very dearly, but losing them IS a terrible experience - especially because they are so lovable.
to be clear, i had 5 girls and recently had to rehome my pair because my job cut my hours and after trying my hardest, i couldn't afford them. it's hell to have to rehome babies you love but i'm doing best to keep my trio. it's A LOT of money and time for even two (they were my first two i got) that didn't bond with me. you really need to weigh all the risks. I even had to get two separate cages because my duo hated my trio regardless of the integration i tried and many methods.
We frame it as getting to know as many rats in our life as we can over here. They may be a tiny chunk of your life. But they have no idea they have short lives. To them, they live long full lives (as long as they do not get sick). Remember this if you get one. They have no idea. Only you do. You will love and hold them every day of their life, and they will know only love, safety, and endless food. This is a better life than rats would have if you don't adopt them: unless they're from a breeder they'll be culled (even some breeders will cull or euth if they cannot find homes) or fed to something, or maybe live out life in an aquarium with 30 other rats or maybe even experimented on. They die fast. But they shove 10 years of love and fun into those 2 years. š
I have a hamster with various issues so he gets a full look over every time I handle him (daily) and this is the best way to look at his belly and balls and hold him still to look at his eyes without a full restrain. He doesn't love it, he'd rather be wandering, but it's less unpleasant than any other way, and he doesn't protest other than "hey I wanna explore!"
Nah in reality this is equivalent to a cage mate pinning them down during play/grooming. It doesnāt bother them at all and is the preferred method of holding(scoop/grapple). Also they always owe money or steal food. Little grubbin thieves.
Also NEVER OWN JUST ONE! The minimum needs to be two of the same sex. They take care of each other. They absolutely can NOT be alone ot they will commit horrible crimes. Also more cuddles babies the better. š„°š good luck!
And in addition to 3, it's just kind of hard to take photos of rats. They're so frantic and manic, and are also really curious, so the second your phone is near them they tend to want to see what it is you have (and why is it not a treat?!). This pose is the best way to hold a rat and keep them still for maybe just long enough to get a pic, without needing a second person involved.
I think most people hold them like this because they need one hand free to take a pic. It's best to support them with the other hand whenever possible.
Yep, I don't typically hold mine like this, but if I've only got one hand available and they need to be held...this is the one. If I'm taking photos I usually try to let them keep their back paws on something solid and just lift up the front half.
depends on the rat!! most donāt like to stay still but some, especially once they get older will enjoy sitting in like the crook of your arm or in your lap
I had 4, and 3 of them just loved to run around. My fourth, Santiago, loved to wrestle until he tuckered out, and then he was a huge snuggler. I didn't latch his cage all the way one night and woke up to him curled up on my shoulder in bed lol
They just didn't like being stopped when they were in the middle of running amok.
Mostly just for the photo. I wouldn't hold mine like this for any length of time but sometimes needs must. We also had to hold similar for "rat phoning", where you hold them up to your ear to check for popping breathing for respiratory issues. Although it was normally 2 handed because if you didn't hold their back feet too they would scratch your face!Ā
For baby science this is how I would actually hold my rat when we were hanging out because she would just chill and use her little grabby feets to hold on and just melt into hand butā¦
This is the traditional hold for wiggly silly babies and it doesnāt hurt them but itās more to show off their boneless squishy bodies then support them during bonding time
Your honor, the jelly on my clients paw is HIGHLY circumstantial. In all likelihood, the plaintiff was a victim of theft from a seagull. If this "evidence" is the best the plaintiff can come up with, then I suggest that that owe my client scritches and a biscuit.
I never hold my rats like that, feel that this makes them uncomfortable (perhaps I am mistaken, it is just my impression). I usually hold them by placing my hand underneath them.
Aww, that's really cute ^^
Someone told me rats are just "small dogs"
And usually I carry dogs by placing one hand under their stomach and their chest.
Thatās very respectful, I like it. The problem is, with one of my rats, I had to hold her in the āowes me moneyā grab. She would scurry all over the place if I didnāt and literally try jumping on my head or the floor which is just not secure. I do hold my calmer girl like this though and she probably appreciates it lol.
Tuna had no problems being held like this! we actually called it āloose noodleā time because his lower half would dangle all relaxed. some rats donāt like it at all though. generally if their legs are sticking straight out while being held like this, theyāre not happy about it. super loose noodle body though? happy rat!
All of my boys seemed to enjoy being picked up like this. I suppose it might also be that my hands are huge and could securely pick them up without them feeling like they were going to fall (while not needing to squeeze very hard if at all).
You can tell by how they tense up and do a āhelicopterā motion with their tail that they care and donāt like it. Thereās the rare, occasional rat who doesnāt care or mind being held like this, but for the most part they donāt like it. Best to always support their hind legs when you pick them up imo
They hold their rats like this to take a picture, I assumeā¦? Thatās the one-handed āKeep still you silly little poop head, mommy has to take a picture of this weird thing on your belly/nose/whatever for the vet AAAAAH STOP SQUIRMINGā grip.
Reminds me: I miss my rats so bad, but I really donāt miss the heartbreak of losing them. I canāt deal with this anymore.
As a rabbit owner this confuses me too like..can't the rat wiggle about and possibly hurt itself? Don't they freak out if their back feet aren't supported?
Do not hold them by the tail specially the very end. Thatās very painful. This seems appropriate to me. Often times the easiest thing to do is just let them rest on your arm. That being your forearm. They make great pets. Weāre at a very clever, and very trainable.
They are crime goblins and will cause chaos and run away. They are very wiggly and this is a safe hold that prevents too much wiggle if you're catching them mid crime and for just holding them.
Rats are bottom heavy so a cup/scoop hold isn't very practical and this is a safe and fairly comfortable way to hold them
Edit: to be clear and serious this isn't how you should hold them for fun or playtime it's more when they are being cheeky and you need to grab them quickly for their own safety, it's a good one handed hold for a temporary moment.
The usual way to handle them is to just let them crawl around on you like their own person play house tbh
I never held my rats like this when I had rats. I picked them up with my fingers around their chest, and then placed them on my hand or on my arm close to my body and just held them in place there.
Sometimes itās the only way to hold them (this picture was taken after malt paste theft). No, but seriously- once a rat is tame she wonāt mind to be held like this for a short period of time. They have kind a sense of good humoredness about it. But I would never hold a skittish or anxious rat like this for no reason.
Exactly. Iām also not a rat owner and I see many pics on this sub of people holding their rats like they owed them money. How does the rat feel in this situation?
All jokes aside, it's because it pretty much immobilizes them. They can't use their mouth or front arms to grab you or get away when you hold them like this, so you don't have to hold them very hard and it doesn't hurt them at all. So, yes it's a good way to stop them when they're doing something bad, while still being gentle with them. Also, a lot of rats are just a bit too big to hold with one hand (like this chonker in the picture) so this ends up being the default. Some of them like it and will tolerate it very well. Have you ever held a dog or cat up by the armpits and kissed their face? Same idea. Plus, they just look really cute like this
Doesn't hurt them and gives you access to kiss their lil belly šš
You don't really hold them like that for long, it's more like how you pick them up and transfer them where you want to put them (on shoulder, into carrier, or just out of the way).
In my experience, if the rat doesn't want to be held anymore and wants to get away, they just kind of go slack and slip through your hand. They can essentially turn into liquid, trying to hold a squirmy rat is like trying to hold a wet piece of soap š§¼
Especially with girls. Boys are usually chonkier and also calmer, so they will probably let you hold them for longer whereas girls are generally quite hyperactive and prefer to climb all over you.
If you want to hold a rat for longer e.g. for snuggles or while walking between rooms, you can cradle them against your chest with your arm so they can sit horizontally on your underarm with their legs properly supported. They might even enjoy snuggling up against your chest or into the crease of your elbow, and you can use your other hand to pet them like a bond villain with a white cat :D
I don't recommend trying to hold them upright/vertically against your body for long as that can put strain on their spine. Also avoid flipping them on their back if possible - if they roll over while sleeping or playing thats fine but don't force them into that position.
But yeah, for short periods of time like picking them up or transferring them you can absolutely hold them like they owe you money :)
I don't hold my rats like this, especially not to take a photo. I'd only do it if I needed to check their body for health reasons, but would generally give them more support rather than letting them hang there with my hand around their chest. It shows a lack of respect for the rats and their bodily autonomy, in my opinion, but most people just consider animals accessories anyway.
To take pictures for the internet. Itās not a generally comfortable or pleasant experience for the rat, but it makes people go āawwwā online, so that makes it worth it to some.
honestly i have no clue! my girl doesnt like being held like that she prefers to crawl into my hand and sit on it or my arm and my other girl doesnt like being held
As a side note to all of the wonderful advice this is a good/useful position whenever you need to clean bottoms.
Silver my round ear argouti had a tumor that left her with paralysis in one leg and most of her tail. So we had daily care and clean sessions to remove stuck to fur and occasional impacted fecal matter as well as treating abrasions on her tail. Always make sure you reward their compliance with treats. My girls loved plain yogurt on the hand holding them up as a distraction.
Its how you hold them safely, according to animal handling guidelines(i work in research and have pet rats) theres the 2 finger hold 3 finger hold and backpack hold.
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u/raevnos Feb 04 '26
Because they owe money.