Spec me a pet!

-westy-

-westy-

-westy-

Soldato
Joined
7 Nov 2002
Posts
12,666
Location
Snorbans, UK
Hi,

I'm looking at getting a pet. Now normally I'd get a cat or a dog without hesitation, however, I live above the pub where I work, so can't have either of them.

So I was thinking along the lines of rat/hamster/daygoo(sp?) etc.

I work a lot of hours, so something which doesn't need a lot of attention would be ideal, but something with a bit of interaction would be nice.

Preferably something that's quiet at night too, but not essential. And hopefully not too smelly :/

Am I asking too much?!

Can anyone provide some tips and basic start-up costs for something like rats etc?

Cheers :)
 
For starters all those animals need a lot of care to be sociable. My rats get out for more than 2 hours a night. An hour a night is recommended. Unless you could give them that I wouldn't suggest you got them.

Rats and Degu also need to be in groups and you'd need a cage large enough for the group, obviously.

I'm on the phone so will breakdown the cost of rats in a little bit but if you can think of any specific questions fire away.
 
when i used to have rats the strtup costs were literally
sawdust(from sawmill) £8
cage £80
accesories £25
food £5
rats £20
 
_dogma_ said:
For starters all those animals need a lot of care to be sociable. My rats get out for more than 2 hours a night. An hour a night is recommended. Unless you could give them that I wouldn't suggest you got them.

Rats and Degu also need to be in groups and you'd need a cage large enough for the group, obviously.

I'm on the phone so will breakdown the cost of rats in a little bit but if you can think of any specific questions fire away.
Click to expand...

The problem is, working in the trade I do, I work evenings and weekends, and I don't spend every night at home (over girlfriend's etc).

I do however have a good few hours off during the afternoon, which is a good opportunity I suppose for cleaning/getting them out.
 
-westy- said:
The problem is, working in the trade I do, I work evenings and weekends, and I don't spend every night at home (over girlfriend's etc).

I do however have a good few hours off during the afternoon, which is a good opportunity I suppose for cleaning/getting them out.
Click to expand...

ok then how do you feel about amphibians, reptiles ect the right species can be very handleable and interactive.
 
-westy- said:
I don't mind them, I'm not squeamish at all. However, I don't think I have the budget for that kinda stuff.
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it would probably cost about the same as rats for geckos or a frog, my gecko cost about £150 for everything incl gecko, tank, sand, heating, ect
 
I have two rats, Once you've got the cage, toys, bedding etc you're pretty sorted ( Cant state a price as i got mine for free )


Excellent pets, they love to be out and about, very adventurous.
 
-westy- said:
The problem is, working in the trade I do, I work evenings and weekends, and I don't spend every night at home (over girlfriend's etc).

I do however have a good few hours off during the afternoon, which is a good opportunity I suppose for cleaning/getting them out.
Click to expand...

Rats aren't nocturnal so are willing to come out during the day for cuddles and a play. And like I said it should be at least an hour each day they get out. Mine are allowed out on the sofa but any room where they can't get to wires/get lost is ok, rat balls are never a good idea!

They can't be kept on sawdust as it gives them respiratory problems. Should be spot cleaned every 1-2 days and properly cleaned every week.

I have 8, 4 girls and 4 boys but 2 or 3 is a big enough group. I'd advise you no matter what animal you choose to get never go to a pet shop, it's best to get them from a breeder or a rescue.

My cage cost £120 but can hold 12 rats. You're looking at something between £60-£120 to be suitable for them. And you're looking for a cage that has a bit of height as they love climbing.

Foodwise, mine are kept on a mix of food based on the Shunamite Diet and it costs about £10 a month to make a batch up. But they also get some fruit/veg if I'm having some.

Out the cage my lot don't really bother with toys and they can be as expensive or as cheap as you'd like. They're happy chewing up a box of tissues or cardboard and to make hammocks for in the cage a tea towel works just as well as a specially made one.
 
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Kippers make pretty good pets. 79 pence a bag from Asda and you don't need expensive cages - just keep them in a pan of boiling water.
 
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