[Holly]

Hi! My real name is Holly, and, as it says, I live in San Diego, CA.

I'm still working on some details, such as putting the avatar that I like with my posts, but I ~was~ able to update my signature, so that you'll know of the animals that live in my "zoo." (I'll introduce Gregor, my rat, in the proper place, when I get the time.)

Gregor is my first rat, and he's a male hoodie, and I have to say that I never expected to be so excited about rats in general, and Gregor in particular! (He's REALLY smart!) Now, all I want to do is talk about rats!

I dropped into the forum to ask one question, and realized that I was around other people who wanted to talk about rats, and so I decided to make this a "hang-out."

-------------------------------------

I was born with two major gifts in life: Art, and Animals.

I pursued Art as a career, studying classical piano from five years old on, eventually working at hotels, in studios, music-directing plays, etc. professionally. I also expanded my art to include painting, composing (I've done some film scores,) and writing.

Animals have always been in my life, however, and whether they are mine or someone else's, I always seem to get along very well with them. Maybe it's because I'm paying attention and "listening," to see if the animal is trying to communicate something I should know.

So, that's the basics on me, except for one thing:

I was lucky enough to be born in the Year Of The Rat!

 

[hjkaga]

Hello and welcome!!!! As you will find out rats do better if kept in pairs. They are very social animals. You should get a friend for Gregor. Is Gregor a baby or an adult? Either way just get a baby male rat for a friend for him. Rats are like potato chips, lol....can't have just one. I currently have 6 myself, and am thinking of getting more.

 

[Holly]

I'm guessing Gregor to be about 1 1/2 years old. I'm not entirely sure, though...he is VERY active for his age, and seems very healthy!

Believe me, it won't take much persuasion from you to get me to bring home another furry cutie!

 

[hjkaga]

just make sure to get a baby rat as gregor will accept it more easily than another adult rat. that way gregor can be dominant from the beginning and their will be less fighting in the beginning.

 

[Holly]

I wonder if he would think it was his own baby?

Gregor is very devoted to our relationship right now. Do you think a baby would change that?

 

[hjkaga]

a baby wouldnt change that. just play with them as a group and also spend time with each one individually, that way you have a chance to bond with each.

its just twice the love

 

[JennieLove]

Hello Holly and Gregor!

 

[Holly]

Hello back at ya!

------------------------------------

I was going to cover this when I wrote the "meet Gregor" thread, but since so many people are encouraging me to get Gregor a Friend, I thought I'd cover it now, and probably also in Gregor's thread.

OK, first, I am an ANIMAL LOVER! Believe me when I say that I would be more than happy to convert a whole room to The Rat Room, buy every baby at the pet store, and bring him home.

BUT...

I live with my mom, and she really doesn't like rats, although she has come around enough to open Gregor's cage, and put watermelon in.

MORE IMPORTANTLY...

I am coping, daily, with extreme anxiety and extreme depression. Gregor is what is known as a "companion animal." (I learned this when talking to the Guide Dog folks.) A companion animal is any animal who focuses on comforting the human, and "taking care of" their human, but cannot perform physically useful tasks, such as helping someone across the street.

"Companion animals" get almost as much status as "Guide Animals," and some of them are allowed on planes and in restaurants. (Rats are not on this list of animals who get to go places, but I hope that will change.)

So, chiefly, I worry about bringing another rat home, because Gregor might start getting confused about what to do when the time comes to fulfill his "animal companion" role.

So...now you all know the basics of THAT whole thing.

Incidentally, if you happen to be in a position where you are in need of a "companion animal," I really recommend a Rat. Get in touch, if you like, and I'll try to guide you on the right track.

 

[hjkaga]

i still think you should get Gregor a friend. Rats are very socail animals and do best in pairs or groups. He will still love you just the same. Like I said, spend time with each one on one and they will both bond with you as well as each other.

 

[Holly]

Hmmm.....okay.

In all seriousness, though, I wanted to see what more experienced Rat Keepers would have to say about a multi-rat household, once they knew that Gregor has actual responsibilities.

I don't always say it, but I always think it: thanks so much for the input!

 

[hjkaga]

i have owned rats for years and have 6 right now. they are all very sweet and loving towards me, even though they live in groups. they all clean me and crawl on me and sit on my shoulder.