My current rental doesn't allow for pets. So, sadly, my cat Gherkin had to stay at my mum's house until I move (in Jan 2011). Life without "fur babies" is kind of lonely...so I got some rats. 2 male, dove hooded ratties: Motzie and Colby.
Yes, I have a food theme going with my pets, before Gherkin I had Pepper.
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| Colby...um, headbutting to floor in his sleep |
I quickly became a rat nurse as both suffer from a respiratory disease (Myco). I learnt that rats can smack syringes of antibiotics out of your hand. Motzie holds the record at 1 metre away. And, that it tastes really gross. I also became a doting mum. While waiting for the medication to kick in, I'd stand in the shower, clothed, with the hot water on to provide "steam therapy" to my congested rat babies. I now plate up a 'rat-sized' portion of most of my meals and have a stock of frozen peas, yoghurt, and berries for my "babies" who need extra nutrients.
It's also been a lot of fun! I'm limited by space so their current cage is small. So, they usually spend the day on my double bed with me.
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| Motzie and Colby snuggled up on my bed (with my heater) |
Usually, they look so adorable that I can't bear to move them back into their cage to sleep. We have frequent sleep overs.
They have also learnt that uni and study is a big part of my life. So, by conveniently sleeping near my books or playing with my stationery they secure play time when I am trying to work.
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| Hello mummy, I am on your books helping you study |
These boys always pop their heads up when I come home from work. Are eager to come out of the cage and play a weird rat-version of 'tag'. From what I gather it's sniff mummy then bounce off when she moves. Endless entertainment. They both jump up on my shoulders to go for a walk upstairs. This usually ends with cleavage diving and scratches in awkward places. My doctor often stares at the scratches, a little scared to ask how they got "there". They are supposedly very active pets...but my boys don't know that yet.
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| Gherkin (back turned), Sheba (nomming tree), and Figaro (black and white cat) |
