These boys came to us on 12/17/23 because of a change in their owner’s home status.
Fostered by Alisa in Allston, MA.
#2023779N, “Fat Joe”, Rat, Grey and White, , Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 06/01/2022, Spayed/Neutered?: No
#2023780N, “Geoffrey”, Rat, Brown and Black, Variegated, Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 06/01/2022, Spayed/Neutered?: No
Seniors
UPDATE 2/8/24:
“We have two boys who I’d say are a complete ying and yang to each other. They have different wants and things that make them happy, but they are strongly bonded, with Fat Joe always grooming and topping over Geoffrey, with Geoffrey just laying on his back accepting his fate of being groomed by Joe. They almost always sleep together in their hammock or hang around and eat something. I find their interactions interesting to observe.
Fat Joe is really living up to his name, as he is incredibly food motivated. I have a tendency to come by the rats’ cage to give them a treat in the morning or evening. If Joe is awake, he will get out of the hammock and stand right next to the cage entrance, mouth open, hands sometimes stretching out for the good treats. Once he gets his fair share, sniffs your hand several times to make sure there is in fact, nothing there to eat or store, he scoffs, and walks away, as there is no longer a need for you. He is also very systematic about building a nesting space. He loves to be given parchment paper, especially after cage cleaning, and then proceed to neatly arrange it around in a comfortable space to lounge on. You know Fat Joe absolutely loves whatever is given to him, if he grabs it and pulls on it with lighting speed. He doesn’t absolutely hate to be pet or picked up, but he is clearly not there for it.
Geoffrey is very shy at first, and perhaps on an initial encounter, you’d think he’s terrified of you, as he tends to freeze a bit while observing new people. However, in reality he is incredibly explorative. Once he gets to know you even on the same day, he would want to climb you and use you as a way to get places, look for new hiding spots, burrow, or just wander around. Definitely don’t look away from him when he is exploring though, as he will try to disappear in a newly found hiding location. When he is nuzzled in your arm, he appreciates pets and back scratches, sometimes he is getting into his submissive pose on the back, assuming you’re the new Fat Joe. He is definitely an interesting fellow, he also spot marks a lot when being initially picked up, so if you’re not a fan of being sprayed a bit, don’t let him climb on ya. As he got more comfortable, he would pull on my sleeve as I’d be giving them treats to make it easier to climb my arm, he is incredibly fast when it comes to climbing and exploring, and thus gives a lovely company. He likes snacks, but after a few bites, he would prioritize climbing you, also if given snacks while exploring he settles in and eats them.”
Fat Joe
Geoffrey
Fat Joe (left) and Geoffrey (right)
