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Old 01-26-2021, 06:57 AM   #11
Amethyst_ice
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

Rats are like pringles... once you get them, you can't stop!
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Old 01-26-2021, 09:16 AM   #12
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

I can definitely see them being like pringles, even with these two being my first I've honestly fell in love already! Unfortunately they did not come from a breeder. I will definitely have to get in more handling and out of cage time at some point today, and lots more in general in the future as well of course.

One of the things I noticed early on was definitely Rosie's head swaying. I didn't expect that and I was very confused & concerned, but I quickly found out it was just a fairly normal thing she was doing and it became charming to me!

I also had discovered they climb willingly into paper bags. I'd imagine they'll respond similarly to a snuggle pouch. They may not be the best solution but so far they seem to work well enough since I already have some.

I might have to work with some kind of DIY playpen(if I can figure one out) or plastic storage bin for a bit, at least until the room they're in is clear from hiding spots which I can't get to and things like that.
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Old 01-26-2021, 09:33 AM   #13
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

The start of my rat journey wasn't great, I picked up two shy boys from gumtree.. they were very scared and I was scared so for weeks it wold be them hiding under the wardrobe and me pleading for hours for them to come out. It was only through finding some help via a local rat club they came round slightly and I met other rats and learnt how to handle them, but I noticed the huge difference when I got my first breeder kits. Sadly they just don't get the socialisation and handling in a pet shop, but that isn't to say they can't become absolute cuties! It just means you have to put a bit more work in, and with rats, i'd say the quicker the better.

The reason I said about a smaller cage and not overloading it with things, is you want them to be interested in YOU. You want them to get excited when you come to them, not just for the prospect of food! If they have lots of toys and enrichment you may seem boring in comparisson! So resisting the urge to fully pack out the cage and give them lots of freedom will actually pay off.

My kits haven't had any free range yet (apart from a night of fancy on new Years Eve when I left the cage door open and found them next day behind the sofa!) So I wouldn't worry about that yet. They have been on the sofa but I like them to learn the boundaries early on.. im quite a strict rat mum now! They are currently learning that I dont respond to having my sleeve tugged for attention.. and learnign that the cage edge is dangerous!

I also get them used to having health checks and nails clippedd at this age... it really all does pay off to put the work in as kits because they can be stubborn things and habits stick!

Your main focus now is getting them used to handling and not running away. They will be hyper but you know the difference between excited and scared.

A paper bag maight be too rustly, you want to create a safe, warm space. A old fabric tote bag with some fleece in can work,they are quick to make, you just want a bag like patttern, just a square and sew down 3 sides will do.

Looking forward to following both your progress Any questions just ask x
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Old 01-26-2021, 09:35 AM   #14
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

In terms of playpens, many people use the plastic modular cube systems, people use them to make guinea pig enclosures too. I just use my hallway. Mine love the cat tree I got them and I also have it near the sofa so they can climb on... still learnign the boundaries to not go wandering at the bottom when its in the living room, but they do train well with things.
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Old 01-26-2021, 10:55 AM   #15
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

That is a good point on the paper bag being too rustly. I'm hopefully going to be able to work on getting them used to nail clipping soon too. These two already seem very interested in humans luckily, but I did admittedly let Bloom get away with less handling initially compared to Rosie. My priority is definitely getting them where I can handle them reliably though.
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Old 01-26-2021, 11:40 AM   #16
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

We all fall prey for favouring the more confident kit! But try getting them out together, they will help each other. X
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Old 01-26-2021, 12:23 PM   #17
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

I will definitely try that next time I handle them. It does sound like it would help a lot - they seem to enjoy doing a lot of things together and often when one tries something the other wants to as well.
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Old 01-26-2021, 01:26 PM   #18
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amethyst_ice View Post
We all fall prey for favouring the more confident kit! But try getting them out together, they will help each other. X
I agree with this. Splat is the more confident out of my two, Inky hangs back and watches. But it's monkey see monkey do. Where one goes, the other follows and it does help in regards to taming too
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Old 01-26-2021, 02:01 PM   #19
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

My rescue ratty has even gained more confidence since the kits joined, they are social animals and as Engel says..little sheep monkies lol
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Old 01-26-2021, 02:07 PM   #20
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Default Re: Rosie & Bloom

I knew they were social, but I didn't expect that. It is very sweet though and quite entertaining!
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