Question:
I am 12 years old and have an albino rat, about 1 year old. I have bought her an exercise ball and wheel, but, for some reason, she will not use them. My science teacher told me that she is too young, but I wish to know your hypothesis on this matter.
R.W., Minneapolis, MN Apr 02, 2006
Answer:
Unlike hamsters and mice, rats don't like to whiz around on plastic balls, in wheels or on treadmills. But they do love to explore, so make your rat's playroom safe and free of escape holes and electrical cords.Consider getting another young rat of the same sex (or a neutered male) for company. They will be happy together, and you'll have great fun observing how they play, groom each other and socialize.As you are no doubt discovering, rats are intelligent, affectionate creatures. They emit a high-pitched sound that we can't hear when they are playing with each other or being tickled by a human they trust. Behavioral scientists believe this sound is the equivalent of human laughter.Keeping highly social animals like mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and parakeets for their entire lives with no contact with their own species is an overlooked form of animal cruelty through social deprivation. Animals kept in compatible pairs and groups, with appropriate steps taken to prevent breeding, can mean happier and heal
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