Science came to us on 12/16/23 because her owner no longer had time for her. Due to behavioral concerns, she was given Sanctuary status.
Fostered by Jordana in Somerville, MA.
UPDATE 8/6/2024:
Science is really very sweet, like most rats. She does bite, but most are gentle and meant as either affection or as warning. So far she’s rarely broken skin, and I know the worst bite happened because she was trying to work out how hard she can bite without hurting me.
She’s nearly always there to greet me if I open the cage door. She takes food with extraordinary care, even through the cage bars. I believe this is in part due to her sight being poor, so she’s careful to be sure that anything she grabs is good and not finger. I also have a method of teaching rats to take treats and food through the bars without becoming finger biters. It’s not always effective with sight challenged rats, but Science is a smartie rat.
I’m still working on convincing her that scritches are good. She gets nervous when a hand goes past her face in the cage. Luckily she’s observing other rats and lets me pet her if I’m already petting them. Science loves to groom my face and hands, and allows me to give kisses if she’s already approached me.
Science loves all her cage mates and tends to visit everyone regularly to give snuggles. Sometimes the other rats (Parsley and Bubblegum primarily) will end up briefly battling her, but she usually rolls on her back and squeaks, then goes back to trying to nuzzle.
UPDATE 4/6/24:
“Science doesn’t bite while outside of the cage – it really seems like she just chooses ‘bite first, ask questions later’ when touched inside the cage. It really doesn’t matter if she sees you coming or not, she’ll at least nip. I’ve tried hard to get her out of this habit, and she has improved a bit, but I’m not sure I can get farther with her myself. She is VERY amicable when baby food is offered! I take her out on the couch with me regularly via a fleece sack, and she often will just sit in my lap and nap, or slowly explore.”
Science
