I just wanted to introduce myself.

I own 2 rats that I adopted in August last year after they were
abandoned by thier owner. I have no idea how old they are. I have one
male (fatso) and one female (Hydee), (in seperate cages). Both are
hooded rats and are fed a mixure of fresh vegetables and rat mix
grains as well as dog biscuits and "lab blocks" for thier teeth.

I was wondering if there was any way I could determine the actual age
of the rats, and also the male rat seems to be incontinant (?sp). I
have special towels that I have to put down to allow him to walk
around outside his cage. (I sometimes feel like making him a nappy
*smile*).

I live in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Ayway I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I look forward
to sharing information about my rats.

Pyretta

Hello. I recently bought a mouse as a pet. Its sex is male. I have
heard a lot of people state that male mice have a strong odor and
females do not? Our little guy (we have named Mickey Mouse) is
getting along well but I would like to know if this is a myth or
reality? Do female mice smell less than males? Do they make better
pets? Please if you can email me at fritsche@....

Thanks-Ps I am glad to join the group as well. Michelle

Hi Everyone,

My name is Annette, and I have owned rats (and mice) for about 6 years.

Currently, I'm the President of the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian
Rodent Fanciers Society, having founded the branch in February 2001. I also
run my own business.

I have 11 rats, 3 dogs (only one living with me), 1 cat (doesn't live with
me - lol), and a ferret.

Here are some links to my webpages, if you want to know a bit more about me!

http://ausrfs.org.au/tas
http://users.tpg.com.au/aob
http://users.bigpond.net.au/brocy

Cheers,
Annette

I have a population of Norway rats contained in a peacock pen at my barn - I
find them to be fascinating creatures, however, they do multiply.   I would
love to know of something to be able to feed them to make them sterile....
Neutering, etc., is financially out of the question AND neighbors aren't
happy when you relocate them.....   HELP!!!!!!!!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I bought my daughter and niece a Fancy Hooded Rat each.  Right now I
have
them in a 10 gallon fish tank.  They have the cedar bedding and a few
toys.  My questions are:

1.  A friend recently told me that the glass cages are a health
problem
for the rats.  Is this true?

2.  Are they small enough for a Habatrial cage and toys?
Answer -
A lot of people I know keep rats in glass tanks.
Providing their bedding dose not become damp, and the roof/lid is well
ventilated to allow air to circulate in and out, then they should be
quite
comfortable.

It is the cedar bedding that I would be concerned about.
Even though cedar and pine shavings have been sold for years as
bedding
for small animals, it has been found that this can actually cause
liver
problems.

for more information on this visit the American fancy Mouse nad Rat
Association website (they wrote an artile in their last magazine
reguarding this).
http://www.afrma.org

To answer your question about the toys, rats will out-grow these
unfortunately.
There are many excellent rat toys aound, however most tend to be only
avalible in America.

Hello, I have a pet rat only about 3 months old, he has the upper
respitory illness and I was woundering if I could give him my anitbiotics
which are either ammoxicillan 500mg or cephalexin 500mg ( not the whole
500mg but a little) and my inhaler of albutoral.  He is not doing so good
so can someone please contact me as soon as possible.
  thank you.  Tracy Wright

Hi Rebekah,<br>Thanks for your support. Are you
keeping up with the<br>latest in the USA on the RHD saga?
Some rabbit people<br>there believe the USDA is losing
interest in trying<br>to find the source of the outbreaks
(there have been three) and it is suspected<br>RHD is
coming in to the USA on frozen rabbit meat! There are no
vaccines to<br>protect rabbits from RHD or Myxo in the USA
I believe,<br>so all those 5 million pet rabbits
and more are at<br>risk from outbreaks of RHD that
could occur there at any time.<br>The USA has the
funding that could allow them to make<br>a clean vaccine
against RHD that didn't use virus<br>extracted from
deliberately infected rabbits as seed<br>stock. This would be
great for all pet rabbits but<br>whether the USA will
seek to make a vaccine<br>will depend on the pressure
put<br>on the American Government by pet rabbit people in
the<br>USA. Hope you are well and thanks for supporting
the<br>cause of stopping the use of deadly diseases to
kill<br>animals.<br><br>Kind regards,<br><br>Marguerite<br><br><br>Please
visit The Rabbit Information Service link inside this
club for more details.

Hi all<br><br>I got my first rat today i was
looking in a pet shop and saw this cage with tiny rats in
them they are only just 4 weeks old i put my hand is
and a lovely fawn and white girl can straight up to
me to say hello, how could i resist that face and
becuse i know she would need a friend i took one of her
sisters too so she wouldnt be lonly, the peoblem is her
sister has started weezing a bit and was wondering could
it be the stress of her coming home or something
else i only got them about 5 hours ago.<br><br>thanks
Zarie

Avoid clay litter, as this clogs up their noses
and throats and may be one of the causes of
'snuffles' or 'rasping breathing'. <br>You can get a
hay-based cat litter, or recycled paper litters are very
good also. <br>These are also easier to dispose of as
compost in the garden, as they rott better than
clay-litter.<br>Avoid rice-hull litter too, as this give them runny
poo.<br><br>I hope this has helped.<br><br>Rebekah.

Is it safe to use kitty litter for bedding, I
have been using shredded newspaper, but my brother got
a cat (don't worry the cat can't get into the mouse
room) and I heard somewhere that I could use kitty
litter for their bedding. Is it okay?<br><br>Jennifer
:[...

"It is much easier to arouse sympathy for dogs,
cats and primates....but ultimately it may be the
lowly rat who turly tests if humanity is worthy of
extending its presence to new realms. There may be no
greater example of the withholding of compassion to a
whole species than our present treatment of the
domestic rat" - Daniel Van Arsdale, Buddhists Concerned
for Animal Welfare.

This will certainly be helpful when people
contact me for mice.<br> I'll get back to you with
contacts in a few days.<br> I'm looking for rescue
shelters (well, people who take on unwanted domestic rats,
mice, guinea pigs and rabbits in a non-kill situation
to rehouse them).<br> I am willing to take unwanted
domestic rats, mice and guinea pigs to rehouse to sincere
loving homes. I rehouse them at a small cost to cover
care and keeping, and in some cases veterinary
care.<br> Those I cannot rehouse, or rehabilitate are kept
in spacious homes or, on veterinary advice only, are
euthanised. I have a retirement home full of cuddly old
rats....They really are just adrorable - everyday is like an
elderly citizens home at my house.<br>They have their
likes, dislikes, favourite people, mood swings, social
events etc....They like their independance, yet still
need to reluctantly except a little extra pampering
and care. I have more fun with older rats than the
young ones.<br><br>Anyway, my details are on this clubs
"Founders Homepage"<br><br>Try the webrings there
too!!!!<br><br>bye,<br>Rebekah.

Hello, I just joined this club to give everyone a
bit of information and hopfully get some help.
<br><br>I'm starting a new Australian Mouse Breeder
directory. I know there are several around already, but I'm
hoping this one will be much bigger than the others, and
I already have a larger breeders list that most of
the ones I've seen.<br><br>At first, it will be
merely for australia, with a classifieds area and
possibly a message board or similar. As soon as I've got
Australia mostly under control, I'm going to start a new
zealand section, and possibly even the same for rats
although it will be much harder. However, for the moment
the difficult part is finding all the breeders,
especially those that don't have the internet
yet.<br><br>Thats where you people come in. If you could, could
some of you send me some contacts? Since it covers the
whole of Australia, they can be from almost anywhere.
Just their e-mail address or mailing address will do.
- and if any of you are breeders, dont forget to
include yourselves! MY e-mail is mcglew@...
.<br><br>Oh, and dont be surprised, but this message is
probably going to turn up almost exactly the same in the
other Australian mouse clubs. heh.<br><br>Thanks for
your help,<br><br>Matthew.

hi there,<br> my names ben and im writing to you
because a couple of days ago<br>something happened to my
mouse. shes a doe who had just given birth to
11<br>healthy pups. The day before the conception, I separated
her from the buck<br>as I placed her in an average
cage about 35cm by 25cm in my garage so no<br>ants or
unwanted insects could get at them. Her bed was mad out of
paper<br>strips which she had torn up herself in her previous
environment, and her<br>flooring was kitty litter. I made sure
she had a proper water bottle hanging<br>at head
level so there was no way she couldn't reach it. On the
day I<br>noticed the tiny pups in the cage, I was
very excited and quite proud<br>because I had
continously given her a nutritional diet and worked hard
at<br>making her environment fun and peaceful. At the time,
the mother and her<br>babies looked very calm,
however, the next morning I went in to see how
they<br>were doing and found the doe dead in her cage with
blood on her mouth, ears,<br>and leg. She had killed 5
of<br>the pups, it seemed she had trampled them in a rage
to escape the<br>cage. What I found extremely hard
to believe was that she had chewed off the<br>top
bars of plastic grates on the lid of the actual cage,
which would<br>explain the blood on her teeth. It
seemed something had spooked her but i<br>doubt
something scared her that much. At first i thought
something broke<br>inside, but after further analysis, that
seemed ridiculous. So the only<br>thing I could think of
was that she must have over heated in my garage
and<br>died due to this. But the pups that were not trampled
were fine in their<br>bed. They didnt seem too
distressed at all. I'm really confused because I'm<br>not
sure what has caused this disaster. I tried to keep
the pups alive and<br>rang an emergency vet who told
me they had a slim chance of survival but to<br>try
dripping lactose free milk into their mouths every half
hour. They didnt<br>even try to drink it. They died
over the next 24 hours and I felt horrible.<br>If you
can find out why this has happened to my mice, or can
think of a<br>logical explanation i would really like
to hear from you. I would so much<br>appreciate it.
I really don't want this ever to happen
again.<br>Yours Sincerely,<br> ben.

If you are not a student.<br><br>Talk to your
children about their life science classes. Encourage them
to request alternative projects if the curriculum
includes dissection. Offer to contact the school teacher
or principal.<br><br>Work with students to introduce
alternatives to dissection at your local schools. For
information on alternative projects, contact the National
Humane Society.<br><br>Contact your local elected school
board officials as well as the superintendent of your
city/country schools to alert them to your concern about
dissection. Request a change in the life science curriculum
if dissection is included.<br><br>Talk to your
children, grandchildren, and the neighbourhood kids about
the importance of respecting all life.

If you are a student:<br><br>By exercising your
right not to dissect, you can help create an
environment where respect for animals is the standard. before
your life science class begins, ask your instructor
whether dissection or the use of live animals will be
required. Find out exactly what the project will entail.
Tell your instructor of your intention not to
participate in experiments involving dissection as soon as
possible. This will give you and your instructor time to
work out a suitable alternative project. If your
instructor gives you a negative response, talk to the head
of the life science department or the
principal.<br><br>In California, Florida and Pennsylvania, students
have a legal right to refuse to dissect.<br>Maine and
Louisiana have policies (not laws) against dissection. If
you need help or information on alternative projects,
contact the National Humane Society.

Fortunately, every year the number of educators
who reject dissection as an educational device is
increasing.<br> Some find that it dosen't meet their objective;
others say they can better prepare their students for
college with more concept-orientated experiences.
Teachers who do conduct dissection in their classes are
becoming more receptive to students' requests for
alternative assignments.<br> This trend against dissection is
not just limited to secondary and senior high
schools. Some colleges now offer medical and veterinary
curriculums which do not require the use of animals.<br><br>
Although there are many logical and scientific reasons for
abandoning the practice of dissection, perhaps the most
important is reverence for life. At home, most parents
teach their children to treat their pets with respect
and kindness. But dissection teaches students that
animal life is expendable and unimportant.<br>Our
educational system should reinforce the message of kindliness
by forsaking a practice that conflicts with the
basic, human instinct of compassion for living
creatures.

She is fine, I seperated her from her sister for
a few days (if she was sick I didn't want little
girl to get it as well) the diarrhea is gone and she
is back with her sister, playing happily.
<br><br><br>Thanks everyone!

I once used a tiny drop of dried Agrigomy herb
mixed in water to help a rat with
diarrhea.<br><br>Crush a quarter of a tablet of pure Agrigomy, mix it in
200 ml water, to thin it out, and then add a drop
every day to their water until the diarrhea begins to
harden.<br><br>But only try this if cutting back on fruit
fails.<br><br>I tried it only because my rat was sick through
other means and the diarrhea threatened to kill her
ultimately - (being a symptom of something other than
diet).<br><br>Gloucose syrope in a little soy milk, or water can help
keep energy up.<br><br>Cut out diary food altogether
also.<br><br>Hope this helps too!!!

The scope and variety of modern alternatives to
dissection eliminates the need for this antiquated
practice.<br><br>One of the most popular alternatives is Operation
Frog, a computer simulation of a frog dissection.
Students can actually move organs using this program, and
it teaches them structure and
function.<br><br>Models of human anatomy are effective because students
don't have to transfer information from one species to
another.<br>Plastic models, charts, and other resources are readily
avalible from biological supply houses.<br><br>Videos of a
one-time dissection are also avalible if a teacher
believes students must see actual dead frogs being
dissected. Teachers can also obtain videotape of actual
human operations that graphically illustrate the human
heart, the cardiac cycle, and more.Students can also use
books that depict animal physiology.

He looks so loveable and cuddly.<br>He looks just like a sleeping baby.<br>I
have a 2 year old human, and I know now that a rat can be just as cuddly and
curious as human kiddies.

Thanks Tysha, I'm glad you like my rattie. Solo's my baby, and I've spoiled him.
In a good way though. :)

I have just been looking through DeZzle's photo
album at one of the cuddliest little ratties have I
ever seen. <br>If you have not seen the albums yet,
please have a look.<br>Also - there is a new album for
wildlife rodents and rabbits. If anyone knows what species
they are, which country they come from - please let us
know!!! (something to ponder in the club)<br><br>catch
you all again soon,<br>Tysha.

Diarrhea is easily caused by any change in the diet.  If she still has it in 3-4
days then cut back on the fruit and examine her for other signs of ill health.

Thanks for the help, but I have one more
question. My crystal has the runs. Could it be because of
the change in diet. They were feeding them hampster
food, and I am feeding them mice food which has fruit
in it. do you think it's cause there getting fruit
for the first time in their lives?

When I worked in Pets Paradise (Eastlands
Shopping Center Ringwood Victoria Australia 3134)<br>other
animals besides puppies and kittens suffered.<br>Mice,
pregenant females mostly, suffered. males who were
overcrowded bit each other, and the females had to give birth
in overcrowded conditions.<br>After many complaints
from customers my employer finally allowed me to take
home the mothers and the young and injured.<br>I had
mouse maternity wards in my open wardrobes and on my
dressing table. I had a lovely veterinarian in North
Ringwood who euthanased the seriously injured male mice
free of charge - the same with guinea pigs.

Assuming the top is a female, this is a well documented social behavior
displaying dominance. i

Humping is not a bad sign, it just shows mild aggression.  So long as no one is
biting anyone.  Or the top female is a male!

I have 2 females. I bought them at the same time and they are from the same
litter. but recently little girl has been humping crystal, is this normal or
should I seperate them. <br><br>Jennifer

Rabbit Information Service:<br><a
href=http://www.wantree.com.au/~rabbit/rabbit.htm
target=new>http://www.wantree.com.au/~rabbit/rabbit.htm</a>