The dominant Pied gene has been worked for generations to create an animal lacking almost all colored areas, except for the ears and a few random spots on the back. And you are ready to use it. Frequently Asked Questions about Alberta, Canada. I should have taken a picture, but Ididnt remember to before she was euthanized and destroyed. ManfredReinacher, HermannMller, WolfgangThiel and RolandL.Rudolph I think shell quickly learn to associate you with yummy treats! When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. [1] The Natal multimammate rat is the natural host of the Lassa fever virus. Cohabiting with fancy mice Fancy mice can be highly territorial when living with others. Persistence of Mastomys natalensis papillomavirus in multiple organs identifies novel targets for infection But if that's ok with you, go ahead and adopt them. The African soft-furred rat exact population is not evaluated. This is most common in southern and western states of the US. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If you just want to replace an aging rat from a group, leave a youngster of the same sex in with the colony, and remove the rat you want to replace. Its cute, but takes a while to grab each rat even when you are grabbing two or three at a time to transport them to their clean tub. Moreover, these rodents frequently find shelter and build nests in barns, homes, and outbuildings. In fact, this is very comfortable bedding for African soft fur rats. African soft fur rats often live in the open Savannah, fields, and marshes. African soft fur rats are classified as a Least Concern species by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN). The white spotting can leave a small cape near the base of the neck covering the shoulder blades or can be as little as to touch just the base of the tail with some spots of white. The blocks are long 22s cut into 4 lengths. I got two female ASFs because two separate breeders suggested them for my male mouse who had been acting very depressed. Re: where do you get your african soft fur rats. Icant stress it enough! All members of the group will be protective of the young. In contrast, wild rats generally live for shorter periods of one to two years because of predators in their outdoor environments. Isuggest keeping rats for at least 9 months of age and hold back animals from colonies that are less susceptible to the tumors. The best way I can describe the problem is that the rats extend their legs at the hip joint, splayed straight out sideways instead of underneath them to walk. They start pale and the pinks have basically no color. Fingers Crossed Lol. I am always curious about the genetics with rats, and I bred my original male to two of his daughters. The Best Cages for Keeping Pet Rats: Ranked and Reviewed, See a Gator Bite an Electric Eel With 860 Volts, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, Discover the Largest Sea-Dwelling Crocodile Ever Found (Bigger than a Great White!). This is not an option, however, for pet owners who have no desire to breed. They sexually mature between 2-3 months. Brandon is the master behind my fantastic quality of ASFs because they all came from him! As you can see, they are both very similar and related, right down to the fact they are both rodents. Yes, they are known to bite so it is best to maintain a distance while observing them. Ideally, the African soft fur rat should have at least 12 x 12 x 12 of space to live comfortably, but a more extensive habitat is even better. Animal model: carcinoids and adenocarcinoma of the glandular stomach of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis. I am also the proud author of my memoir, My Sub-Lyme Life. Or instructions on how to tell? If I were to stick my head over their tub, I can definitely smell them. My stories are somtimes different. Do not use pine or cedar as bedding. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. They are widely used in the scientific community to study diseases that are also common to man, like degenerative joint disease, renal disease and carcinoid tumors of the stomach. Belly remains the lighter color and may have white spots or striping. http://www.sapphiretigress.com/Softfurs.htm (No longer available), If you are looking for ASF breeders in your state, follow this link. Male African soft fur rats can live together without any problem.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'oxfordpets_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-banner-1-0'); Moreover, fancy rats cannot live with mice. I feed my ASF colonies Doggy Bag Dog Food from Tractor Supply. ASFs love wheels. Adopting or buying an African soft fur rat is easy. Corn tends to mold so is best avoided. African soft-furred rodents weigh 1.5 oz (42 g). Yes! The tumors can be seen in the vaginal region as a clustered mass, along the tail as bumps, on the back and hind quarters as warty black growths, or on the face of the animal. 1. Will decrease with age. Q: Why do I keep finding half eaten' babies? When I clean their tubs, and the pee corner they use the most is scraped away, THAT right there is what I smell from them all the time, and it can make me nauseous. http://dels.nas.edu/ilar_n/ilarjourn1Unusual.shtml, KlausWayss, DenisReyes-Mayes and ManfredVolm They are considered a good quality source of protein for raising healthy reptiles. Will be bred again within hours of giving birth. A: Sure thing! Keep the sessions short and positive, and slowly work up to longer sessions. Lets just make that clear right here and now. African soft-furred rat breeding is simple. Common Name: African Soft Furs, Natal Rats, Multimammate Rat, (Mice is an outdated term) Average Lifespan: 2-3 years in captivity. M. myboys2 . The oldest rat in the world was Rodney, a domesticated rat, who was seven years and four months old before he passed away. ASF rats are high energy compared to regular rats. Adult male mice can and will fight to the death if housed together. Q: Why do I keep finding half eaten' babies? As adorable as these rodents are, you need some basic understanding of African soft fur rats if you want to keep them as pets. Litter Size: 3-17; average is 9-12 per litter. The female can give birth to as few as 4 pinks, or as many as 20+ her first time. Just be sure not to cross state lines with the animal or to import one from another state, as the Federal Endangered Species Act forbids it. It takes a little over a month for them to grow to the traditional feeding size of 40-60 grams. (Platinum in Europe), http://www.metalmonkeyexotics.com/?p=3106, (Pictures used with permission by M. Richter of www.blausucht.de), (Pictures used with permission from Stefan K. from ratfrett.jimdo.com). Many owners keep female African soft fur rats with male mice. Your privacy is important to us. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, urban areas, irrigated land, and seasonally flooded agricultural land. Unfortunately, Metal Monkey Exotics no longer keeps or breeds ASF rats! From then on I let them do their own thing and understood that my little family of ASFs were growing up and didnt care much for me trying to hold them. If you take their wheels away, initially they are highly stressed and destructive. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Joking aside, weve put a lot of work into each piece, and want to remind everyone that if you like what we do here, please make a link back to this page, rather than infringing on copyrights. Make sure that the tank is well-ventilated. African soft-furred rats are known for how rapidly they breed and this is beneficial for those who use them as prey for their reptile pets. They get as nasty and even try to nurse. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/j84058/abstract These animals will chew whatever you give them. 3. 4. The young will sit in one big pile in a corner with an adult spread eagle over the whole group. Yes, African Soft Fur Rats are legal in Alberta, because they are a different genus and subfamily as typical rats that Alberta actively keeps out of the Province. We speculated that the stress of being removed from his breeding group was overwhelming for him, and he had to release the stress some way. the people i know live in a state where it is legal to own / breed ASF. Therefore, you can opt for this size with different housings like wire cages, glass aquariums, and homemade cages. Notably, this species has long, soft, silky fur, which leads to the name. I've never seen mice of this color so I thought maybe they could possibly be African Soft Furs. Any advise is welcome. Chemical carcinogenesis by the two-stage protocol in the skin of Mastomys natalensis (Muridae) using topical initiation with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and topical promotion with 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate HISTOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON SPONTANEOUS RENAL LESIONS OF PRAOMYS (MASTOMYS) NATALENSIS Using the box cutter, cut out the inside. http://pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/bjdr/ab195628!8091!-1 Alberta is currently the largest rat free land mass on earth. You can go for multi-level, all-metal pet cages. Thank you for reading! I decided to stop offering these extras when all the rats were doing was sleep on the wheels, and pee on the wood rather than use them for their intended purpose. They were pretty jumpy and easily startled. Since they are still commonly referred to as Mastomys Natalensis, be sure to use both search terms when trying to find information about these animals. These soft fur rats are primarily omnivores and feed on mealworms and vegetables, seeds, and other food. Line breeding can be achieved in many ways. They are known to be very bouncy at times, and can even jump out of snake tubs if you do not close them in time. If you want to start breeding African Soft Furred rats, make sure these animals are not illegal to own in your state. (Link to small listing of US breeders). Although they have nothing to do with the rat genus. Rump near tail may also have spots and a more defined head stripe. Hobbyists feed their snakes frozen feeder mice which is a convenient way to feed them. I continued to handle them about once a day. My content writing covers diverse genres, and I have a business degree. Their face is relatively small compared to their body with a small nose and two eyes. You just have to shower it with soap and water. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'oxfordpets_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-leader-1-0'); The African soft fur rats go well at temperatures between 68 74 degrees Fahrenheit. The diversity of gastric carcinoma Make sure that the bar spacing is around half an inch to prevent escape. http://vir.sgmjournals.org/cgi/reprint/88/10/2670, Iris Helfrich, Min Chen, Rainer Schmidt, Gerhard Frstenberger, Annette Kopp-Schneider, David Trick, Hermann-Josef Grne, Harald zur Hausen, and Frank Rsl The Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. When cleaning a glass aquarium, you should allow sufficient time for it to dry, as this will help prevent bacterial growth that can cause your pets to become sick. Additionally, these rats resemble mice. The best way I can describe them is the Pink Eyed Dilute on an agouti striped hair. Thanks for understanding! The fact that the Norway Rat (Also known as the brown rat) is in the genus of Rattus, and the African Soft Fur Rat is in the genus of Mastomys, makes them different enough in the eyes of the Alberta Provincial Government to make one legal, and one illegal. Yes, I would say that the one in question is more than likely a Ruby eyed. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara. I find that the hets have white ears and are cinnamon. Persistence of Mastomys natalensis papillomavirus in multiple organs identifies novel targets for infection African soft fur rats can be tamed to live around people as well. They love to be around other rats and mice. Typically, their undersides are lighter in color than their backs. In short, for some people, the odor from ASFs is not as offensive as it is for others, but they do have an odor. Breeders breed them to feed their pet reptiles such as snakes, including ball pythons. They are also prone to stomach cancer, which is one of the main reasons these animals are used in research. These are available in the US from some breeders. I also give mine toilet/paper towel rolls so that can shred it, play with it, or chew on it. The best part about owning and breeding ASFs is they produce very little smell! Adult Weight: Males: 100- 130g; Females: 90-115g. First Litter: Approx 3.5 months of age. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. However, as far as African Soft Fur Rats go, are they legal in Alberta? Bring them small treats like a dog biscuit, seeds, yogurt drops, raisins, and work with the animal a few times a day, so they learn that you are safe, and even bring them yummy treats! It was disturbing to see the alarming rate that the tumors grew, she had just reached approximately 8-9 months of age when these tumors/warts developed. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! It has great value for researchers who focused on stomach cancer and spontaneous tumors. When young, the animals appear almost black, but as they age, the yellow banding will show up more prominently, especially on the sides of the animal. Other root veggies like parsnip, rutabaga, and potato are fine for them. Pets and Animals Sedan 1 $. Hence, make sure you bring at least two African soft fur rats home. However, the population of common rats is estimated to be around billions. If my landlord approves it, I might be bringing these little ones home! Read Full Affiliate Disclaimer here. They love coming out of the cage for one-on-one play time. The best way to solve this is to introduce African soft fur rats of the opposite gender. I am certain that the Ruby Eyed and Cinnamon are in fact two different genes at work. The ears are not pigmented, also being a light pink color. Mazuri Mouse Breeder; Kent Rodent Diet; Rodent bedding. Unlike wire cages, aquariums offer a clear view for the rats, which they cannot easily escape. http://www.metalmonkeyexotics.com/?page_id=1212. Please do your research before investing in a colony, Colors: Multiple Varieties The African soft-furred rat is a rat that belongs to the class Mammalia, family Muridae, and genus Mastomys. Many exceptions and qualifications apply to these exotic animal laws. A: I line breed my rats because I want to have the best quality. Clean out that soiled tub, washing is always a superb idea for cleanliness, and repeat steps 1 4 with the rest. For more relatable content, check out these Virginia opossum facts and langur monkey facts for kids. They can be fed any vegetables, including carrots or beans. You can make it as you want. I fed them off every week to my snakes, and out of 40 something snakes, only one girl shows any sort of preference and will ONLY takes ASFs. I no longer offer all of these extras to my ASF rats. African soft fur rats are classified as a Least Concern species by the IUCN (International Union For Conservation Of Nature). Common Name: African Soft Furs, Natal Rats, Multimammate Rat, (Mice is an outdated term) Female mice and female African Soft-furs can also be kept together. Only show this user . I know that he was from a different source than the two original females I purchased. Your done! Since they are still commonly referred to as Mastomys Natalensis, be sure to use both search terms when trying to find information about these animals. You can house ASFs in a cage, aquarium, or chew proof bins. Therefore, you can go for a bigger cage to provide good space for moving around. A forum community dedicated to Rat owners and enthusiasts. However, the wire cage must be large with multiple levels for the pack or colony to move around. [2] Mastomys natalensis is commonly known as the "multimammate rat" due to the female's multiple and prominent mammary glands I raise the african rats and sell them as pets, I have had no problems with them being nasty or aggresive or nervous. The porbeagle is one of the few sharks that jumps out of the water. But the general story is this: The main type of rat that is a pest and causes damage and disease in North America is the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Gestation: 21-23 days http://www.batwrangler.net/multimammate/, Ken-ichi Mafune, Kaiyo Takubo Induction of epidermal tumor growth in the skin of Mastomys natalensis by transfer of virus-containing tumor tissue from a squamous cell carcinoma Offering untreated wood blocks and paper products to gnaw and shred is favorable but not mandatory. They are very protective, and they are kept in harem groups continuously because they will kill any new rats introduced. ASFs should be given plenty of room to breed. Common Name: African Soft Furs, Natal Rats, Multimammate Rat, (Mice is an outdated term) Imiquimod treatment of papilloma virus and DMBA /TPA-induced cutaneous skin cancer in Mastomys coucha: an unique animal model system useful for preclinical studies This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, African Soft Furred Rat Interesting Facts, free printable African soft-furred rat coloring pages, Fun Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Facts For Kids. As a dietary alternative, some pet owners choose to feed their rats with dog kibble spattered with millet spray. I get feedback from the new owners and they are all very happy with their new pets. DO NOT USE CEDAR or PINE! In Germany, I believe they refer to Pieds as Check[ers]. These rodents are usually bred to be fed to ball pythons and other reptiles. I did interact with them daily to keep them used to me, but I didnt bother to hold them like a pet rat anymore. This means that many breeders have given them very reptilian names to describe the colors and patterns. . From reading various papers, the warty and ulcer like tumors known as keratoacanthomas and squamous carcinomas, are associated with a papillomavirus (MnPV). The only hazard with having a female heavy group is the possibility that the older pups will push the pinks down to the bottom of the pile removing them from nutrition and subjecting them to possible suffocation or crushing. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara. To p Live African Soft Furred Rats for Feeders, Breeders and Pets http://asfrats.info (No longer available), Russell Tofts Article on ASFs (A good read, although may be outdated.) Moreover, 3 African soft fur rats per colony is a good choice. I love African Soft furs for two reasons: No smell and they are CUTE! Six different genetic groups can be distinguished in different regions: one in western Africa, one in central Africa, one in southern Africa and three in eastern Africa. In Alabama, you cannot possess any member of Cervidae (deer). Moreover, you can be creative with patterns and colours. I think that giving them an enriched environment will curb their desire to chew on the enclosure or fight with one another. Will decrease with age. For most small companion animals, cohabiting different species is definitely a no. For more reading on keeping ASFs as pets, please visit the following link. A page for fans of the African Soft Fur Rats, also known as AFS's, African Soft Fur mice, Multimammates, & Multi mice. They're definitely not an interactive pet. This page was last updated: 11/19/2013. http://asfrats.info/viewforum.php?f=8& (No longer available), Or you can visit the ASFs breeders and information exchange forum of age. Introduce the new breeding group to each other. They dont smell as bad as Mice or Domestic Rats. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. tumors known as keratoacanthomas and squamous carcinomas, are associated with a papillomavirus (. African soft-furred rats live in forests and deserts in the wild. If they are removed before they are weaned fully, it may cause physical stress to the baby and stunt its growth. One thing I also found fascinating is that the weenlings if left in the cage help take care of the new babies. Unusual Laboratory Rodent Species: Research Uses, Care, and Associated Biohazards It has come time to socialize them and so far it is not going well. These pups are 4 weeks old and approx 20 grams. Interesting! In the wild, they fetch food by themselves. It's common for first time moms, A: When she is producing single digit litters, A: Their fur changes and isn't as soft or "fresh". Always keep the pups close to their parents to avoid stunting their growth. Sexual Maturity: 54-63 days They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Thanks for understanding! A: By the tail, Q: Can I keep these as pets? Moreover, you can also use recycled paper product litter. It is also the most important reservoir of Lassa fever virus.[3]. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. 7 Scientific Steps How Do Roosters Fertilize Eggs, How Often Do Rats Have Babies?+Rat Breeding Guide, Pied markings, cinnamon, agouti brown, etc, Buy the storage tub in your budget from a retail store. creative tips and more. Please do your research before investing in a colony African Soft Furs are also known as: - Natal Multimammate Mouse - Natal Multimammate Rat - Common African Rat Fun Fact: Female rats can get pregnant again 3 HOURS after laying their litter! ASF and mice will do everything together - eating, sleeping, grooming, and playing - just like they would with a member of their own species.. I do not support other methods, Iunderstand some commonly practiced methods may be approved by the AVMA, but only for qualified and supervised professionals in a controlled environment. The African soft fur rat needs a food bowl, water bowl, litter house, and bedding. Will decrease with age. I give them old toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Sometimes they are intentionally aggressive, although this seems to wane as the group ages. http://vir.sgmjournals.org/cgi/reprint/41/2/315, K.Wayss, E.Amtmann, G.Frstenberger, G.Sauer and M.Volm The white spotting gene has variable strength. So far, it would seem that the tumors develop after 9 -12months of age, although not, The tumor development can be very fast and spontaneous. It totally depends on your budget. They are widely used in the scientific community to study diseases that are also common to man, like degenerative joint disease, renal disease and carcinoid tumors of the stomach. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'oxfordpets_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); This is, in fact, good for the African soft fur rats. Scoops are your best friend for the pinks, scoop those babies and put them in the bedding where the females usually place their nest. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Their common African name (natal multimammate mouse) literally means many-breasted mouse, so-named because the females possess extra teats, (8-14 pairs rather than the usual 5 or 6 pairs that other rodents have). I just removed a male from his breeding group. None of the 'African soft fur rat' (multimammate mouse) species have been domesticated (afaik) a breeder I know reckons they'll probably not be domesticated in our lifetime. Are African Soft Fur Rats Legal In Alberta? I always have an extra tub on hand, either a temporary tub to hold one of the groups while Iclean, or a tub that is already made into a housing tub. http://www.springerlink.com/content/lg3430177178j132/, J. Nafz, M. Ohnesorge, E. Stockfleth, F. Rsl and I. Nindl The edging of the color is hardly ever straight, often with intermittent spots of white and color giving a very checkered, piebald pattern. Significance of gastric endocrine tumor and age-related gut peptide alterations in Mastomys They are also illegal to own in many states (like in GA where I live). http://www.springerlink.com/content/pw8826314054212w/, Julia Nafz, Anja Khler, Myriam Ohnesorge, Ingo Nindl, Eggert Stockfleth and Frank Rsl They dont outgrow Ball Pythons. right is a Amber, left in the back is a cinnamon, but before her on the left, is a young one. These rodents are primarily omnivores and feed on mealworms, vegetables, and seeds. However, these rats also inhabit human settlements. Average Life Span: Average is 2 - 3 years, Gestation Period: 21 - 26 days (average 23), Litter Size: 10 - 50+ (easy to be overrun). Female African soft fur rats cannot breed with male fancy mice. Increased Incidence of Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Mastomys natalensis Papillomavirus E6 Transgenic Mice during Two-Stage Skin Carcinogenesis They ovulate every 4 days. We Hope You Find It Useful. As with Norway rats, the males tend to be more relaxed, where the females are more high energy and stress easily. Images: 6. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. I do want to clear up a prolific myth: African soft furred rats are not odorless. They can also eat parsley, fennel, and fresh basil. They are not a deep and rich brown color like the Cinnamons, and that is often the only way to tell the difference when the eyes are very dark. Natal Multimammate Rat, Common African Rat, Soft-furred or African Soft-furred Rat. Male mice cannot be kept together. Wire cages give good ventilation, huge space to climb, and great opportunities to provide hanging toys. They almost always need to be doing something. Unless your African soft fur rat gets dirty, you do not need to bathe him frequently. Lastly, owing to their wild instincts, they can be aggressive, nervous, or excited. The animals appear a dark gray color when young, and lightening to a dark brown color as an adult, with a cool blue belly. They are known to breed rapidly so their populations remain quite stable. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Info@oxfordpets.comMcElroy Dr, Lafayette Springs, MS 38655, Oxfordpets participates in the Amazon Associates program, and get commission for sales referrals. However, you also need things that entertain them. So now you have a group that no longer needs to be producing for whatever reason, or you want to completely swap members. http://mouse-agility.com/asfrats.htm, If you would like to find ASFs near your area, this webpage has a small current listing of ASF breeders. and i heard you can keep female asf rats with a male mouse, but i havent heard much about a male asf rat with female mice. i heard that the male asf rat would be too big and hurt the mice, but ive also heard that it could be ok. so we're kinda stuck we've only had him for a day, so hes still very young so we have time, but id like get him a friend as soon as possible because hes probably very lonely and confused.