First of all, I recommend getting rats hand-raised by breeders and not from pet shops like I did. Same reasons as you get birds (and any animals really) from a breeder rather than a pet shop- health, history, temperament and for the betterment of the species/ breed. I was silly and went for colors and convenience, but also made sure I checked the more important aspects.
There were two black ones so I chose the one that didn't leap out of my arms and try to run away! I did a health check as best I could and he seemed ok for a pet shop rat, if not a little dirty with "wood shaving dust" in his fur. The white one I chose was more friendly than any of the other white ones, he had beautiful dark maroon eyes instead of that bright red and he didn't have a runny nose like some of the other white rats.
They are settling well into their new home. They are pretty timid and run into their house and frighten easily. All the babies need is time. They are starting to learn that my hand= treats! I am proud to say they eat from my hand and do not bite, not even if they mistake my finger for food. The "wood shaving dust" I noticed on the black male? Lice eggs I'm pretty sure. I guess I can't see them on the white one but I'll have to treat them both with revolution. Lucian was sneezing today- I'm hoping it's because of their sensitive respiratory systems reacting to the wood shavings the pet shop kept them on rather than him having a cold or something.
Today I gave them a warm bath in diluted white vinegar to get their coats clean. They got dry crawling around and falling asleep in my warm dressing gown. We had a 'get to know you' session on the bed this evening. After a while they would come running to me when they got spooked, and hide in my lap
Opposites
Nom nom nom extra protein for growing babies!
Kornflakes with peanut butter! Yum!
Lucian making the cutest face and Vlad going exploring
In the water dish (they don't know how to use the water bottle yet!)
I love it when they stand up like little people! :)
You can see Vlad's white belly patch- meaning he is a "berkshire."
They both got a small drink of leftover cereal milk! Also, they live for their fresh fruit and veg! I don't think they had ever eaten it at the pet shop. Last night they had spaghetti (without sauce) for dinner and tonight they had peas, carrots, rice and chicken. They think they must have died and gone to heaven!
Goodbye! Thanks for visiting!
