RatPalace.com - Pet Rat Care and Discussion

Tue Nov 11, 2003 9:18 am

So i found out today i will be in LONDON this summer way excited. My parents not so excited about taking care of their new grand rat. They have not met her yet. I am worried that she will be lonely she will not a be an only rat by then, but is it better to pay a young teenager to take care of so she will be played with, or stay in my house where she will not be played with.
thanks

Tue Nov 11, 2003 10:18 am

I would definitely say that you should make sure she is in a place where she will have interaction. Rats are highly social animals, and are not happy when all alone. You should also get another rat to keep her company. (although some ARE mean to other rats and need to be separated, but I think this usually is among male rats...someone can correct me if I am wrong, and this is fairly unusual anyways) Also-again people correct me if I am wrong-but if rats are not handled by humans for three months, she may not be social when you get back because she got un-used to being handled. I would definitely make sure wherever you end up putting her, that the people interact with her a good amount. (they should try to take them out every day for at least a half an hour if possible) Hope that helps. Good luck!
Oh-and congrats about London! I am going backpacking through Europe next summer and will be starting and ending my trip in London, so I know how exciting it is!

Tue Nov 11, 2003 10:37 am

i wish it were something as fun as backpacking but class is good. I will be in Hampstead. If anyone knows anything about it tell me. I am super excited. Abby gets her friend in a little more than 5 weeks

Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:59 pm

I would go with whoever it is you trust the most to take really good care of your rattie - including handling her and being prepared to take her to the vet if necessary. You have a few months before you go, so you could always arrange for your rat sitter to get to know her at your house, then perhaps take her for a weekend or two, so they get to know each other before you go.

London will be great - are you coming to attend a summer school? Hampstead is really lovely - lots of character, great bars/restaurants, loads of shops and right next to Hampstead Heath if you feel like long walks. It's only about 20 minutes on the Tube to the centre of town too. I live quite close to Hampstead - just across the heath in Highgate - so you are welcome to get a ratty fix any time!

This BBC guide covers Hampstead, so you can get an idea of what to expect:
http://www0.bbc.co.uk/london/whereyoulive/north/camden/index.shtml

Feel free to ask me if you have any London questions!

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P, Charlie and Snoopy

Tue Nov 11, 2003 2:31 pm

I agree with the others - if at all possible it would be better if your rats were with someone who would handle and play with them. Even a few weeks is a long time in a rat's life. And making sure they get used to the person who will be looking after them is a great idea if you can do it.

It sounds as if you are going to have an interesting summer!

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Linda and the RMDs

Many have forgotten this truth but you must not forget it. We remain responsible forever, for what we have tamed.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

Tue Nov 11, 2003 11:16 pm

Thanks so much Linda keep your eyes open for a bunch of american tourist this summer we spend a weekend in Edinburgh as well.

Thanks i am going to keep my eyes open for a good sitter both of my rents work so it would be hard esp since during the school year she is almost always with me or near me. The life of a student