We got a plea for help from a woman in Nashua, NH whose neighbor dumped a pregnant rat in her yard. Suddenly there were rats everywhere as the babies were breeding and giving birth to more babies!
These ratties came into custody on 10/20/2015.
These 2 boys are being fostered by Kerry in Londonderry, NH.
UPDATE 12/8/15: “The boys are still mostly the same. When in their cage they are pretty shy and jumpy but it’s not too hard to get them out, and once out they are amenable to petting and hanging out, especially in a warm pocket. They still love eggs, dried fruit, mashed potatoes, their Suebees mix, even lab blocks…they are like little rat vacuums. They also like chewing on apple sticks. I gave them each a piece of French fry a few days ago as a treat and the two solid tan boys just carried their pieces around in their mouths, seemingly unclear on the protocol for handling a French fry. Mun is probably the ringleader of all new expeditions.
A few brave explorers have started dozing in a hammock! I’m making them some bigger ones this weekend to really envelope them in fabric. They are very easy rats, not demanding, they aren’t really too destructive to hammocks (they nibble at boxes here and there), and just do whatever you want them to do with minimal fuss. They like their wheel and the big cardboard tubes (like from the industrial rolls of bubble wrap). They may be too young yet but there are remarkably few squabbles among them.”
First update from foster mom: “These boys are former orphans, found outside, but are very docile for their modest beginning. They are startled by loud noises and prefer boxes to hammocks, but they will use a hammock if it has plenty of folded fabric for them to surround themselves. They sleep in a pile, which is a really adorable sight even as they get bigger, and they are very good about being picked up. They will often crowd the edge of the cage when they see you. When you open the door, they will scatter at the sound, but can usually be picked up easily without much fuss. They are cautious but not panicky. They have never shown any aggression at all and take scratches and rubs gratefully while sitting in a warm spot on your lap. Mun and Pan are the most adventurous, while Kale and Skoll aren’t too sure about new experiences. Nix is the only one who has tried any type of acrobatics to avoid being taken out of the cage, but once out he likes to explore. In general they are very low-maintenance boys who like nibbling on apple branches and running on a wheel when the mood strikes, and enjoy human contact. Since they are sometimes a bit hesitant about new experiences, I’d give them a few days to settle in before asking too much of them, but they are genuinely sweet boys and given enough time to accustom themselves they’ll soon be happy to receive your head scratches and take a delicious hard boiled egg.
They are all very sweet when settled in and I have absolutely no concerns picking them up even when they are jammed in a box and I have to pull them out. I think they would be suitable for homes with (quiet) children, safe for all children of a reasonable age but sudden noises do make them a little stressed.
These boys love the wheel so a large wheel will be a must in their new home!”
Here are the descriptions of them:
Mun is the most adventurous of the group. He is a little ham and to me he usually looks likes he’s laughing (except when the photo flash goes off). When he was very young (3 weeks), I’d have him out with me in a pocket or hood for hours and he’d sleep in there. Now that he’s older, he’s a bit more energetic but he’ll still hang out in a small dark space.
Kale is a bigger guy than the others, and I think he may have squish potential as he gets older. He is more reserved, but still happy to accept your scratches and sniff a few treats. It takes him a bit of time to warm up but he is a sweet boy once he feels comfortable. He likes soft, calm voices and purposeful movements.
Puck was the middle guy, not a baby and not a bigger boy when he came here. He is a very low maintenance guy who can amuse himself on the wheel or make a great box fort. He comes out without any fuss and goes back in without any trouble. He likes head scratches and hard boiled eggs, and he has a bit of the mischievous in him at times.
Nix was also 3 weeks old when he came here, and was so tiny! He’s bigger now but still the same spunkiness. He has a bit of flair for the dramatic and sometimes is the only one to play the you-can’t-catch me game but once caught he gives up easily. He likes to run around outside of the cage although he loves a good warm spot and head scratch.
Pan looks just like Skoll, but Pan is usually hanging from the cage top while Skoll is peering out of a box. Pan likes doing cage gymnastics and running on his wheel. He likes exploring outside of the cage.
Skoll is a bashful guy and likes to be covered if possible. He is fine being picked up and likes head scratches. I’ll have him in my hoodie pocket and scratch his head for most of an evening.
RESERVED
ADOPTED!
#2015353N, “Pan”, Rat, Beige, Self, Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 09/15/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes, 12/23/15
#2015350N, “Nix”, Rat, Beige, Hooded, Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 09/29/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes, 12/23/15
#2015352N, “Puck”, Rat, Beige, Hooded, Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 09/15/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes, 12/23/15
#2015347N, “Mun”, Rat, Beige, Variberk Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 09/29/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes, 12/23/15
#2015351N, “Kale”, Rat, Beige, Hooded, Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 09/15/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes, 12/23/15
UNAVAILABLE:
#2015354N, “Skoll”, Rat, Beige, Self, Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 09/15/2015, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes, 12/23/15
Nix
Pan
Skoll
Mun
Puck
Kale
