These boys came to us on 4/10/22 because their owner no longer had enough time for them. When Pride came down with a case of severe edema, both were made Sanctuary animals with their foster.
Fostered by Julie in Milford, NH.
#2022137N, “Pride”, Rat, Black, , Standard Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 07/01/2020, Spayed/Neutered?: No
#2022138N, “Drive”, Rat, Grey, Hooded, Dumbo Ears/Standard Coat, Male, DOB: 07/01/2020, Spayed/Neutered?: No
UPDATE 4/19/22:
“They do not like to be picked up. I want them to have time outside the cage, and I’m willing to give them a few minutes to decide to come via shoulder, bonding scarf, carrier, box, whatever, but I don’t have the patience to stand there for 20 minutes while they decide. They do like to come sniff all over my hands, then sniff my arms. If I can catch one or both hanging out in a box, I can transport them that way.
I gave them some snap peas, and they liked it. So I gave some more, and they didn’t like it. I switched to carrots, and they liked it. I offered more carrots, but they’d already had a carrot, so meh. This has been the pattern. They’re interested in whatever they haven’t had recently. We just picked up a whole slew of fresh veggies to keep them interested.
I’m working with them to understand that human hands are neither solely for treat-giving nor for picking up ratties against their will. My daughter is teaching them “kisses”, where they touch noses with you and get a treat for it. She’s been warned about the potential for overly eager rats to bite.”
UPDATE 5/5/22:
“They’re both still a bit grabby with food, but they’re learning not to snatch food from me while I’m feeding them and not to nip fingers. They eat a lot. I’ve put a plastic bin filled with bedding in with them. Today, Pride let me pet him for a short time while he ate a lab block in there. Later, when I rested my arms at the front of the cage, Pride got brave enough to come out and greet me. Drive doesn’t like to be pet, but he’ll come right up to me.”
UPDATE 6/6/22:
“Both of them have become quite polite boys, and can be given treats by hand. They’ve never said no to a cucumber. Pride continues to prefer places with a roof, with a space pod being the favorite. Shoulder rides are fun, but are best when there is something to hide under, like a bonding scarf or long hair.”
Pride
Drive
