Potential GPR owners, please read this!

[Ratatouille]

I went to pick up a tame GPR off Laura on Thursday, and ended up getting a bite on my chin, there are photos of it on the original thread on EKF. It just goes to show how unpredictable these animals can be, and even when you already have ecperience with them, you can never let your guard down.

All new owners need to be aware of this and make sure that feel confident to commit to these rats for their lifetime, no matter what And as they are capable of living for about 8 years in captivity, it is not something to be taken lightly.

[Ratatouille]

The bite to my chin

[madsmum]

just wanted to add the pictures show nothing compared to what its really like... it took forever to stop the bleeding! sooo much blood! also you wanna see me...i pulled her back as marie tried to stem the bleeding and my chest is covered in very deep scratches and my arms.... not for the faint hearted!

[blade100]

i know what you mean about the scratching of claws!

my queenie the other day got spooked by something whilst she was out and happened to me next to my chest.
she shot out of my hands and onto the bed but as she went she left such a huge claw mark infact 3 claw marks it bled and is very deep.

she didn't mean to hurt her mummy it was cuz she heard a strange noise.

[mackaskie]

Originally Posted by blade100

she didn't mean to hurt her mummy it was cuz she heard a strange noise.

I thought this was a good/serious thread, as these Rats can become dangerous in the wrong hands, then along comes a silly chat artist

[blade100]

Originally Posted by mackaskie

I thought this was a good/serious thread, as these Rats can become dangerous in the wrong hands, then along comes a silly chat artist

i trust queenie 100% she has been handled from day one,i had her at 7 weeks old,she is now 4 months old,never bit me or showed any signs of aggression.
the only reason she scratched my chest is 1.i had a vest top on and 2.there was a loud noise on the tv that spooked her.

she NEVER bit.

do you have a pouched rat????

[Rie xx]

Originally Posted by mackaskie

I thought this was a good/serious thread, as these Rats can become dangerous in the wrong hands, then along comes a silly chat artist

I think Blade was saying that not all gambians are nasty!
But i do agree with you.. These rats are extremely dangerous in inexperienced hands...

[Ratatouille]

I agree that not all Gambians are nasty, as I now have 6 and none of them can be termed as 'nasty', it is just that they can be very unpredictable in their behaviour and you have to remember that unlike fancy rats, this is not a domesticated species, so potential new owners need to be ready for the unexpected.

Anyone who thinks that they can cope with this and still stay committed to the animal for its lifetime should make a good pouchie owner.

Too many people seem to think that they are just a big fancy rat, but they are NOT, and need lots of time spent with them to form a bond and then to keep that bond with them. As I always tell people, they can make fantastic pets for the right owners.

And new owners should also be aware that there are a few who will never be fully tame.

[blade100]

hi rie hi marie

yes think someone got the wrong end of the stick on here (mackaskie!)
i know that they can be unpredictable but as you know rie queenie is just like her sister pam and has never be aggressive or nasty in anyway.

coming from parents that are both hand tame really shows through with queenie.rie is the breeder of queenie!!
and the only reason she scratched me was cuz of a loud noise.
plus gambian pouched rats claws are so much more sharper than any fancy rats,pouched rats are like razors.

i knew exactly what i was getting myself in for with queenie and her kind,she is handled daily,she comes out for 3 hours in the day sometimes more.
and as marie-ratatoullie says i fully understand and agree with.

[mackaskie]

Originally Posted by blade100

i trust queenie 100% she has been handled from day one,i had her at 7 weeks old,she is now 4 months old,never bit me or showed any signs of aggression.
the only reason she scratched my chest is 1.i had a vest top on and 2.there was a loud noise on the tv that spooked her.

she NEVER bit.

do you have a pouched rat????

I'm not doubting your rat is tame apart from the fact that Queenie has showed aggression and bitten your other half,but you forgot to tell us this, and this is the topic, the thread is to show people that there are some nasty behaved ones out there and you won't know straight away you have one, why don't you start a new thread, telling your nice stories, and leave this for the more serious side, Yes I do have pouched rats, plus other exotics, best mute tele in future as she can't be as bombproof as you proport her to be