Posted by Babyblue on April 01, 2003 at 15:49:06:
In Reply to: Can differing species of rats share a cage? posted by forevernaught on April 01, 2003 at 08:42:39:
Like everyone said 10 gallon tank is WAY too small for 2 males, and I'm glad you're looking to buy a bigger cage. I'd second the recommendation on Martinscages. Laurenk, is this the cage you mentioned that was too expensive? I've looked into all sorts of cages out there, for rats or not, and have found that Martins is the best cage for the best price. I also have 3 other cages, Prevue ferret cage and 2 Marchioro guinea pig cage ($40 and $50).
Furred and hairless rats are the same "species", there are no different "species" or "breeds" of rats, just "varieties". I've kept a hairless with furred rats without a problem, altho you do need to know some of the special requirements of hairless. First, make sure he is warm enough, by providing extra fleece or something he can cuddle in. Second, hairless rats can get scratched easily so follow a very slow introduction to your existing boys and once fully introduced make sure everyone's nails are short so he doesn't get scratched up so much. Keep neosporin handy. Third, make sure your hairless get extra fat and protein, as they burn more energy to keep warm. Oh and lastly, hairless don't have eyebrows so keep close eye on his eyes to make sure they don't get too dry and you might have to wipe his eyes with warm cloth ocassionally.
