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Weapons-grade cuteness
Sep. 23rd, 2013 09:20 pmThe ratties are 7 weeks old, I have had them for six days, and they have GROWN. Just, so much, since I brought them home. I know babies grow fast but geez.
They also have names: the beige is Parker and the black hooded is Hardison.
Those of you familiar with the tv show Leverage will be unsurprised to learn that Parker earned them these names when he made a flying leap off my leg and hoofed it for freedom, very nearly making it before I scooped him up again. Hardison also spends all his time with his whiskers in the air, collecting information, and they're both little thieves.
They also require a huge amount of time right now, because they need some socialization. They don't bite and they're pretty tame, but tame is all I'd call them--friendly they're not, particularly. I'm spending between 1-2 hours every day with them on my person, just getting them used to the idea that the big hand from the sky dispenses treats and pets, not death from above. The work will be worth it--I'm looking forward to having rats who rush to greet me instead of rats who sort of stare at me warily--but right now it's a lot of work, and it's kind of sad.
This is one reason people should get older animals when they adopt. I know the rescue agency I worked with has a bunch of well-socialized older rats. These are rats who might be four months, or a year, or two years old, but who would be immediately loving and wanting to be with people. If you're a first-time rat owner--heck, a first-time pet owner!--an adult animal might be a better choice. I picked little ones because I wanted to do this, and I knew it would be work going in. I have the time, and it's going to pay off in a pair of wonderful pets. But if you don't have the time, the patience, or the experience, adults need forever homes, too, and it's often immediately rewarding.
So for anyone contemplating getting a pet, please consider an adult--many times they come pre-trained, pre-socialized, and prepared to love you forever.
They also have names: the beige is Parker and the black hooded is Hardison.
Those of you familiar with the tv show Leverage will be unsurprised to learn that Parker earned them these names when he made a flying leap off my leg and hoofed it for freedom, very nearly making it before I scooped him up again. Hardison also spends all his time with his whiskers in the air, collecting information, and they're both little thieves.
They also require a huge amount of time right now, because they need some socialization. They don't bite and they're pretty tame, but tame is all I'd call them--friendly they're not, particularly. I'm spending between 1-2 hours every day with them on my person, just getting them used to the idea that the big hand from the sky dispenses treats and pets, not death from above. The work will be worth it--I'm looking forward to having rats who rush to greet me instead of rats who sort of stare at me warily--but right now it's a lot of work, and it's kind of sad.
This is one reason people should get older animals when they adopt. I know the rescue agency I worked with has a bunch of well-socialized older rats. These are rats who might be four months, or a year, or two years old, but who would be immediately loving and wanting to be with people. If you're a first-time rat owner--heck, a first-time pet owner!--an adult animal might be a better choice. I picked little ones because I wanted to do this, and I knew it would be work going in. I have the time, and it's going to pay off in a pair of wonderful pets. But if you don't have the time, the patience, or the experience, adults need forever homes, too, and it's often immediately rewarding.
So for anyone contemplating getting a pet, please consider an adult--many times they come pre-trained, pre-socialized, and prepared to love you forever.