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2 rats together in cage, no playtime outside of cage How happy are they2007-11-24 21:57:12

I am really concerned about my 2 male rats. I used to have a bunch more rats not too long ago, but my allergies to them have gotten worse and worse. I noticed even if I spend like 10 minutes snuggling with one of them, I end up having to blow my nose constantly for the next few hours. That's why I gave 2 of them away to somebody who I know will spend time with them. I feel guilty for not spending the time with my rats as I should... I can't find anybody in my area who can't take those 2. How bad is it really for them if they are constantly inside the cage? Yes I feel really bad about that and guilty, but I really don't want to go thru 100 Kleenexes a day (usually can't sleep well after that either), and at least they got each other, so are not completely alone. My one rat is really overweight a lot and is lazy, so whenever I do take him out, he barely moves around at all... Is it really so bad for them or do I need to keep looking for somebody who can take them & spend playtime?

Answers:

You probably don't want to get answers like this but it seems it would be best to find them a home elsewhere. Perhaps with a friend of yours so you can still visit? Even though they have each other for company they'll still need lots of attention and cuddles. Rats need approximately 30 minutes of playtime with their owners a day, the more the better. Rats can get very bored of their habitat. Especially having an overweight rat, he needs to be out of the cage and encouraged to move around more. Whatever you decide to do in the end, good luck. If you still really want a pet rat.. have you considered getting a hairless rat, once you've found these two a new home?

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They should be alright if they have a friend and never <i>really</i> bonded with their human owner.