Juju and Paolo are a pair of beige hooded brothers who are pretty special little guys. They are sweet boys who love to play with one another as well as with people.

What makes them so special is their size. Born June 2nd 2009, Paolo and Juju only weigh about 70 grams each at 4 months of age! This is about 1/3 of what they should weigh at this stage in their life.

The term “Dwarf Rat” comes to mind but we cannot be sure if they genetically are dwarfs or if  there is another reason for their small stature. They boys act and appear completely normal, other than their eyes being a little bulgy and the rest from their litter are normal size rats.

Because of their tiny disposition, unknown lineage and medical history, we do not consider these boys surgical candidates and will not offer neutering in their case.

Before you consider adopting these rats, please keep several things in mind:

1) We have no idea why they are so small or what their life span will be.

2) We do not know if they will have any medical issues because of their size.

3) They will have to live in a cage with 1/2 bar spacing, probably for their entire lives.

4) We have no idea how well a normal size rat(s) will get along with them.

These rats are currently being fostered by Michelle in Portland, Maine.

01/02/10 Update on the boys:

“JuJu is a shy boy and is not very adventurous. He will follow his brothers lead though, which helps him to be less scared. He will happily let you pick up/hold him and loves to climb into your clothes. He will stay there indefinitely if you let him. He is my sweetest little boy and just needs people who are calm and patient with him.

Paolo is a sweetie but like his brother is fairly timid. They both take about 15 minutes to venture out from my shirt when I take them out to play, but with Paolo always being the leader. His curiosity beats out his shyness every time. 

Both rats need a calm, fairly quiet home with patient people who take their time with these special boys.”