Augustus got a new baby brother today! 
I got him under very ~strange~ circumstances, too. It's almost as if we were meant for each other.
For a few days, now, I've been actively searching for a little boy, so that Gus could have a brother. So far, I haven't found anyone, but folks here have been very nice about helping me.
Well, I happened to mention this situation to a friend who has (shudder) some kind of lizard. HE mentioned that he had a cute, young, male rat, but that he wasn't going to give it to his...whatever...because the rat was "too big."
I had misgivings, but I went over to check it out, and found myself looking at an adorable little face, with bright eyes, clean fur, and a (seemingly) happy disposition. He is capped, and he has dumbo ears. I tried not to let myself get carried away with his cute-ness, and spent some time with him, investigating how he reacted to my hand, listening to his breathing, doing a visual exam, etc.
After awhile, I realized that what we had, here, was a healthy baby rat who had not ~yet~ been socialized, but who was certainly young enough to learn. (NO fear of my hand - just some sniffs!) I'm guestimating his birthdate as June 1, 2007.
This is ~not~ how I had planned to get my rat, but this is the way it worked out...for both of us, and, eventually, for Gus, too, who gets a new playmate.
I've got an appointment booked at the Vet for the new baby, just to check him over. Right now, he seems curious and happy in his "quarrantine cage."
-----------------------------------
He hasn't told me his name, yet, but when he tells me, I'll tell you.
We also haven't taken any pictures, yet, because I just want him to adjust to his new home, but we will, and I'll post them soon!
I got him under very ~strange~ circumstances, too. It's almost as if we were meant for each other.
For a few days, now, I've been actively searching for a little boy, so that Gus could have a brother. So far, I haven't found anyone, but folks here have been very nice about helping me.
Well, I happened to mention this situation to a friend who has (shudder) some kind of lizard. HE mentioned that he had a cute, young, male rat, but that he wasn't going to give it to his...whatever...because the rat was "too big."
I had misgivings, but I went over to check it out, and found myself looking at an adorable little face, with bright eyes, clean fur, and a (seemingly) happy disposition. He is capped, and he has dumbo ears. I tried not to let myself get carried away with his cute-ness, and spent some time with him, investigating how he reacted to my hand, listening to his breathing, doing a visual exam, etc.
After awhile, I realized that what we had, here, was a healthy baby rat who had not ~yet~ been socialized, but who was certainly young enough to learn. (NO fear of my hand - just some sniffs!) I'm guestimating his birthdate as June 1, 2007.
This is ~not~ how I had planned to get my rat, but this is the way it worked out...for both of us, and, eventually, for Gus, too, who gets a new playmate.
I've got an appointment booked at the Vet for the new baby, just to check him over. Right now, he seems curious and happy in his "quarrantine cage."
-----------------------------------
He hasn't told me his name, yet, but when he tells me, I'll tell you.
We also haven't taken any pictures, yet, because I just want him to adjust to his new home, but we will, and I'll post them soon!
