These 3 boys were originally bought as therapy rats for an autistic child. The family quickly realized that a few of the members, including the child, were allergic to rats.  They came into custody on 3/16/16.  These boys must be adopted together!  They were neutered on 3/31/16 and can live with ladies on 4/21/16.

Fostered by Phyllis in Hollis Center, ME

ADOPTED

#2016038N, “Spencer”, Rat, Black, Hooded with blaze, Dumbo Ears/Rex Coat, Male, DOB: 08/16/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes

#2016039N, “Jackson”, Rat, Fawn, Berkshire, Dumbo Ears/Rex Coat, Male, DOB: 08/16/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes

#2016040N, “Bowie”, Rat, Pink-Eyed-White, Standard Ears/Hairless Coat, Male, DOB: 08/16/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes

 

UPDATE 3/18/16:

“These are a trio of very very sweet boys. They were initially very nervous, but I am seeing a huge change today. I took them into the bathroom for some playtime. They are still a little apprehensive with me, they only came here Wednesday evening and this is Friday, so not surprising.  But they were checking me out, and checking out the surroundings. There are three distinct personalities going on here.

Spencer is the ringleader.

Jackson is bold but not quite as daring as Spencer.

And darling little Bowie, the hairless one, is a little shy but extraordinarily sweet. He has some vision issues, but once he figured out the set up of their cage, you really would never know it. I just make sure I speak to them when I come into the room, or when I am going to handle them. And of course that’s what I do with all rats, even if their vision is not an issue.

All three are easy to handle, friendly,  and really really cute! I think for someone who is a seasoned rat owner, these guys would be such a pleasure to have in the family.”

UPDATE 3/22/16:

“Bowie definitely will need someone who is very patient and understands that since his vision is so limited, he explores with his mouth, rather than his eyes. He does not bite, but he does check things out by ‘tasting’ them.”

UPDATE 3/29/16:

The settling in process is a bit longer with these guys, but they are coming along. Bowie remains the most cautious of them. Spencer and Jackson have gotten to the point where they will climb on me during play times. They are all still very easy to catch in their cage. They are very inquisitive and like to watch me from the hammock or one of the shelves in their cage while I am working.

These boys need a rat savvy home to continue bringing them along.  They are very sweet, as I’ve said all along, and easy to catch in the cage, but they all do the “mouth-tasting” thing when checking you out. They do not bite but they check you out with their teeth. It is never done to being nasty, there is not a mean bone in any of these rats’ bodies. They have never bitten in defensiveness, they just use their mouths to check things out, which may not be a good match for families with young children.

I think they will do very well with someone who is extremely patient. That person will be rewarded down the line with some wonderful little pets. If you get enjoyment out of being the one to bring them along from shy to outgoing, these are the boys for you. I believe that after they have been with their new family for a while, it will be a case of everyone saying, “wow remember how shy they were when they got here?”. They certainly have the potential of coming out of their shell with just a little time and love. Plus they are just so darn cute, who could resist them??

UPDATE 4/5/16:

“Since their neutering, they have really blossomed. We are having playtime in the bathroom and I am the center of attention! This is big! Even Bowie is climbing on me. This just goes to show that with some patience these boys will make fantastic family members. They still do the “tasting” thing, but I am noticing it happening less and less now.

I think these guys are ready to go to their forever home.  They are funny, cute, sweet little youngsters.”

 

Spencer:
Spencer photo image_zpssq8t1qjj.jpeg

Jackson:
Jackson photo image_zpsgzx2aty1.jpeg

Bowie:
Bowie photo image_zpsnkhvp1tu.jpeg