New buzz word acryomn R.A.L.A.S.A - rats are loving, affectionate, sensitive animals...

Information on rats as pets: "Would you find it hard to believe that rats are loving, affectionate, sensitive animals? Well, it's true. These fun-loving, social animals are quickly becoming the craze of the pet world.

RATS. Domestic rats can bring just as much enjoyment to their owners and handlers as any other animal. Contrary to modern thought, rats are not dirty, diseased or aggressive in nature. In fact, most of what you've heard about domesticated or wild rats is most likely false. Rats are:

EXTREMELY AFFECTIONATE animals, who often develop an intense connection to their owner. Your rat will see you as a member of his family and want daily attention.

VERY INTELLIGENT. Rats can be taught simple tricks and commands, which they pick up almost immediately. Rats can be taught to come on command, sit and various other tasks. Much like a dog or cat, rats can be taught to interact and play with humans, too.

CLEAN. Rats spend large amounts of time cleaning themselves. They not only want themselves to be clean, but also require their living space to be equally as immaculate.

SOCIAL RODENTS. Rats live in groups in the wild and therefore, naturally love to socialize."

It may be hard to believe but rats are loving, affectionate, sensitive animals

Being a good human guest ...

Bonding.: "If you’re having trouble convincing your rat that humans are the greatest -- DO NOT PANIC. I don’t how tough a cookie your rat appears to be: bites, runs away from you, won’t even approach for treats, you can’t grab him, you can’t hang on to him. Hear me: the day is going to come when you have to sneak pass the cage because as soon as the rat sees you: he wants you to pick him up and scratch him.

Here are some tips that will help: First, remember the 3 rules of being a good guest – rats or humans. When visiting:
1. Always knock before entering.
2. Bring a housegift (a treat)
3. When you leave, take out the garbage (handful of soiled litter)."

Now ya'll welcome to come back anytime now...

One pizza box maze coming right up...

GUEST POOP: Toys and Games: "Ye Frugalle Ratte: 10 Cheap Ratty Toys and Games by Abigail Brown

Novel ratty play activities aren’t merely fun: they’re healthy for your rat, too. Vets call this 'Environmental Enrichment'. I call them 10 cheap ideas:

1)The Paper Towel Rope: three sheets of paper towel rolled tightly. Price, about $2.00 for the whole roll of towels and hours of ratty fun. Roll the towels into tight rolls. Take your rat out of the cage, or if you have a wire cage, stick the roll through the bars. Then, basically, all you do is.........PULL! Rats are stronger than you think. After they have finally pulled the rope in, which I assure you they will, they will shred it up and use it for bedding. That is something really cute to watch.

2)Fishing Line: 8 inches of string, one large plastic or wooden bead. Price, about 50 cents for the bead (find the string SOMEWHERE in the house!) Thread the string through the bead and tie a large knot under the bead. Next, take your rat out, on your bed preferably, then drag the bead tied to the string. Be prepared for pouncing.

3)Hacky Sack Trick: One hacky sack, about 5-13 treats. Price, 75 cents to $1.00, There is no cost for the treats because you can use unsweetened breakfast cereal. This trick takes a while to teach, but yields great results. Take the hacky sack and place a treat under it. As you do this, have your rat out and watching you. Place the rat near the hacky sack. The goal here is to get the rat to roll the hacky sack over to get the treat. When the rat gets good at this, have him/her roll the hacky sack over BEFORE giving him/her the treat. Eventually, with a lot of training, your rat should do this without a treat, except for a cuddle.

4)Maze: One pizza box, Elmer's glue or any other non-toxic brand, any number of sheets of cardboard. Price, $1-$2.50 for the glue depending on where you get it, find some cardboard, beg a clean pizza box. The pieces of cardboard should be 1-4 inches high. In an"

One pizza box Maze coming right up...