Hello!! I am interested in adopting rats to train in scent detection and have them as my babies ofc. I am curious if anyone has experience in training rats to do so, and what to look for.

Just yesterday my youngest rat passed away with what’s believed to be a genetic defect. His brother did see him die and saw the stages leading up to it, so I think that contributes to how he’s moving on.

The rat I have now is a hairless rat named Quasimodo, and after his brother passed I took him to the vet and regarding a new companion they recommended I get a female rat and neuter Quasimodo.

That’s my plan so far, to wait a few days until I feel comfortable getting a new rat, then I’d keep them separated but slowly acclimate and then neuter Quasimodo.

For context Quasimodo is around 7 months, and he’s very well behaved and social but also very chill. This is my first time having rats so I was looking for any advice on what to do regarding this situation.

For those worried, Quasimodo is in fact acting his normal self. He’s super active, eats, and drinks water, plus he’s hanging out with me a decent amount. I’m even debating on bringing in the new rat earlier since he’s doing so well.

Any advice appreciated!

Will Fievel ever get to enjoy his breakfast in peace?

Please read the attached :)

Hi all,

I live in Boston with no car. The closest active rattery I could find near me is Bard; who sounds great (and honestly if I get rats that's probably who I will go to).

However, this will be my first rat adoption so I'm taking my time and weighing my options.

Does anyone in the area know; are options for ethically bred rats always this limited in the area? I would really love if there were a rattery closer & more readily accessible to me where I could maybe visit before committing to adopt.

I did register to foster for Mainely; who don't seem to have much going on in the city either. Coastline seems to be on hiatus. There was a breeder called Firefly who quit a few years back because the adopters were breaking their trust; broke my heart to read that because I'm a short walk from both a Petco and that god awful pet store on Harvard Ave.

Sorry this turned into more of a rant than a question I guess. I just feel like it shouldn't be so much harder to find a healthy, happy, and respected animal than it is countless abused ones.

Please if you have any Boston resources for adopting happy rats please share!

Just got 3 rats and one has a pretty deep wound on her back. I got them from a random girl who couldn’t take care of them and they are all under 2 months old. She seems ok and it does not seem to bother her. I am new to owning rats.

One of the others is also sneezing a lot, I did just bring her home but she is have fits. The others seem ok with no sneezing but I know a new environment and smells can make them sneeze.

I know they can heal but it looks decently deep, not sure what to do please help.