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Restless Rat?
About a month ago I bought a 5 month old large female brown hooded rat. We hit it off nicely, she's very spunky and gentle and smart. Since then she's learned her name which is Tetra, she comes to me when called and learned to walk across a tightrope along with playing dead. For the last 9 days she's been very restless and constantly chewing at the wires of her cage. When I walk in the room she springs up and clings to the wires squeaking. It's cute but has gotten rather annoying since she does it for long periods of time until I take her out and or give her a snack. She stares at me constantly when ever I walk in the room. I recently got a new job so I leave at 6 am and get back around 5 or 6 depends on traffic. I am very worried about it. I take her out for bout an hour when I get home, it's just me living alone with her and my two cats and a dog. So could it be she's lonesome? She always has fresh water and food and I treat her once in awhile, more recently this past week. What can I do now that I've started this job. Her cage is quite big 30" x 18" x 36", I don't want to get another rat since she doesn't get along with others. She nearly killed my best mate's rat. Any help much appreciated.
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Maybe give some free advice about: Pets?
She is probably lonely and bored.
Does she have a wheel to run in? Rats love that. I have two, and they loveeee their wheel. Put things in there to divert her. Try playing music for her when you leave, or put on the TV. Sounds weird, but it might distract her enough from missing you.
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When introducing a rat (especially female) to another rat you MUST take specific precautions, as they will NOT get along right away. There are help topics on "introducing" your pet with a new "family member" online, so google it sometime. But, the way it sounds she has grown to be very fond of you, try taking her out for longer periods of time, as well as providing her with chew toys, as rats NEED to chew or it can be very hazardous to their health. It is also highly possible that she may be in heat. This is when the female rat begins to act strangely. (At least strange from what you are use to seeing). Perhaps do look into gaining her a male companion, so she is 1 - not lonely, and two - less annoying ;]. But remember, should you get her a companion, look up proper techniques in properly introducing your new friend with your old friend.
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