Lisette & Lollipop came to us on 10/19/23 because of a change in their owner’s home status. Penelope came to us on 2/5/24 because all her cagemates had passed away. Penelope was introduced to Lisette & Lollipop and they became fast friends.
Fostered by Nancy in Hampton, NH.
#2023661N, “Lisette”, Rat, Black and White, Hooded, Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Female, DOB: 06/16/2023, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes 12/19/2023
#2023659N, “Lollipop”, Rat, Pink-Eyed-White, , Standard Ears/Rex Coat, Female, DOB: 06/16/2023, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes 12/19/2023
#2024061N, “Penelope”, Rat, Pink-Eyed-White, , , Female, DOB: 09/15/2023, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes 02/27/2024
UPDATE 3/4/24:
“Three’s Company!
Sweet Penelope has recently joined Lissette and Lollipop, and she’s the perfect addition to this fun little mischief. Lissette and Lollipop have become much more confident and socialized during their time in foster, and have started climbing on their foster mom during play time. They even allow gentle pets on their backs and behind the ears. They are less fearful and less likely to bite, although they still prefer not to be handled. Penelope, who is slightly younger and very friendly, sets a great example for them, so they should continue to become even more social.
Penelope is the most handleable of the trio. She does not bite, other than playful nibbles on your fingers once in a while. She is very curious about everything and is always in motion. She absolutely loves out-of-cage play time! She came into foster by herself, so she is extremely excited to have new sisters! And as a little sister, sometimes her exuberance can be a little too much for the older two. But they tolerate her well.
Lissette is a master nest-builder and hoarder. She pulls every available scrap of fabric into her nest until she can just barely squeeze in. She also builds a daily stash of high-value treats and fresh food tidbits, conveniently located right next to her nest. She has gotten bolder about jumping in and out of the carrier to be moved between the play area and the cage. She and Penelope play chase games from time to time, but they are getting used to each other.
Lollipop has become more mellow and more comfortable around people, and she is very tolerant of Penelope’s antics. With very poor eyesight, she can be a little jumpy at sudden noises or movements. But she enjoys taking treats from your fingers or a spoon. She happily hops in and out of the carrier for play time or to go back into her cage.
Favorite foods: Top 3: cooked / mashed butternut squash, sweet potato puffs, thawed frozen peas (do not ever run out of these foods!) Also cucumbers, eggs, snap peas, chicken, and berries. These girls are very willing to try new foods.
UPDATE 2/13/24:
“Lissette and Lollipop have become much more confident and socialized during their time in foster, and have started climbing on their foster mom during play time. They even allow gentle pets on their backs and behind the ears. They are less fearful and less likely to bite, although they still prefer not to be handled.
Lissette is a master nest-builder and hoarder. She pulls every available scrap of fabric into her nest until she can just barely squeeze in. She also builds a daily stash of high-value treats and fresh food tidbits, conveniently located right next to her nest. She has gotten bolder about jumping in and out of the carrier to be moved between the play area and the cage.
With very poor eyesight, Lollipop can be a little jumpy at sudden noises or movements. But she happily hops in and out of the carrier for play time or to go back to her cage for dinner. Cooked / mashed butternut squash is her absolute favorite.
Favorite foods: Top 3: cooked / mashed butternut squash, sweet potato puffs, thawed frozen peas (do not ever run out of these foods!) Also cucumbers, eggs, snap peas, chicken, and berries. These girls are very willing to try new foods.”
UPDATE 1/1/2024:
“These two girls are looking for a special adopter. Someone who is patient and understanding. Someone who is willing to give them the time they need to be comfortable in a new situation and with new people. When they came into foster two and a half months ago, they were so afraid of people they were hiding most of the time. Now they come to the cage door eagerly anticipating treats when their foster mom comes into the room. They take treats from fingers, and enjoy eating baby food and other yummy foods from a plastic spoon.
Lollipop hops right into her carrier to come out of the cage or go back in. Lissette takes a little more time deciding if the carrier is a good idea. Sometimes she has to wait awhile and then go into a separate carrier from Lollipop.
These girls have come a long way, and are much happier and more comfortable than they were – but they need time and patience to keep progressing at their own pace. They will both bite if they are afraid, and are not yet willing to let hands touch them. But they are funny and curious and active and enjoy exploring new things. They just need to be allowed to be themselves.”
UPDATE 12/4/23:
“These cute girls have been through a lot of changes in their few short months of life. They started out in a pet store, and were brought home by a kind and compassionate person who wanted to give them a good life. Unfortunately, she became ill after she had had the rats for only a couple of months, and she could no longer care for them. During their time in foster care, they have gained confidence, and have really come out of their shells. They are curious and love to explore. They run to the door of the cage if they think treats are being offered, and will happily take treats from your hand. Recently, they seem to enjoy escaping from their cage or carrier and running around the room, so free roam time in a play area is a must. They can be fairly easy to catch if you offer an open carrier door. They have started to explore their new playpen and all of the toys and hiding places inside it. New situations, noises and items can make them a bit skittish until they are used to them.
Although they still do not like to be held, they are easy to transport from cage to play area by using their carrier. With time and patience, these sweeties should continue to become more confident and trusting. They would do best in a home with experienced rat owners and no small children.
Lollipop had a difficult start in life as a snake food rat in a pet store. She was not treated very nicely, so hands and humans have not been her friends. She will bite if she has access to fingers or hands. Since being in foster, she has become more confident and trusting. She will take treats from your hands and will hop in and out of her carrier while the cage is being cleaned or to go into the playpen.
Lissette is very shy. While Lollipop will hop into a carrier to come out of the cage while it is being cleaned or to go into the playpen, Lissette might join her, but will often stay in the cage and watch what is going on. She has begun to be more trusting, and takes treats from your hand. When she does come out, she seems to enjoy free roam time in the play area.
Both of these girls need time and patience to feel comfortable with humans and in order to be handled.”
Lisette
Lollipop
Penelope
Lisette (top), Penelope (middle) & Lollipop (botom)
