Question:
As a first year vet tech student, we get out own rats to take care of for the semester and at the end we get the option of keeping them or else they get euthanized. She is about 4 months. I brought her home Friday and since then she has not been moving much and always keeping to the nest I made her. At first I though it was fear, but she keeps waving her head from side to side and she hasn't eaten or drank since before she left the school.

I'm worried she may have sustained a head injury on the car ride home, or is it just part of the adjustment period? I'm going to ask the staff at school tomorrow about it but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Pachiz

Answer:
Head weaving is not unusual in rats, especially if they are white or light coloured (champagne, etc). BUT if this rat has not eaten anything, I would be very worried. Are you SURE she has not eaten?

She may be very frightened - rats kept alone are often very timid and insecure without a cagemate. Try offering her something really good - like bananas or babyfood, and hold it right up to her in her nest.

If she turns out to be okay, I strongly suggest getting her a little friend. Rats are very social and suffer when kept alone. Another female the same age would be ideal. She is still a baby, and introductions should not be difficult.

I love rats.

Answer:
Thanks for your input LR. Squishy is doing a lot better now, she's eating and drinking and venturing out of the house. I'd really rather only have one rat......unless I absolutely have to...

Answer:
I'm glad Squishy is feeling better!

As for having two rats - it's actually easier than having one. You can't spend all your time with her AND since rats are somewhat nocturnal, her most active period is when you are sleeping.

What is she going to do all night, alone in her cage?:( If she has a playmate, you don't need to worry about her if you are busy.

I had one rat, but when I saw how lonely she was I got her a friend, and as you see they just loved each other!
Ashley and Lola

Answer:
Lucky,you are a bottomless barrel of information,I happen to like rats too as do my cats that's why I don't have any(rats that is!!)

Answer:
I had foster cats and dogs coming and going while I had my rats. That light coloured one in the picture got just FURIOUS when any of them sniffed the cage! She would puff up, hiss and race to the cage bars to bite any nose bold enough to get too close. Not many were brave enough to try it again.

Answer: