The Low-Maintenance Pet

A few months back (around the time Mira P. got her rats) I also got a few rats as well. It was a pretty tough decision because we wanted them to be absolutely healthy, and happy. So we decided to get them from a rat breeder (little did we know about  rat shelters). We did hardcore research and even measured cages to see what would fit them best. I guess all the work was worth it, but in the end the rats are usually sitting on shoulders or laying on your lap. They are not playing with any fancy toys, they are playing with their brothers.

This is a reason why I appreciate rats so much! They would rather be social. Lots of people want social pets, but they overlook rats because of their tails and think of them as sewer rats (even though they have been raised and bred by humans since the 18th or 19th century) and instead they choose dogs. But the problem with that is dog are lots of hard work and aren't a very good first pet, that's why so many of them in shelters. People can not handle dogs. But rats are a lot like dogs, they are social and so friendly. When I open the rat cage the rats come running up to me and start licking my hand. They love being with you and being handled. Rats can be trained, and also potty trained as well. They are also low maintenance pets.

So please, the next time you want a pet... at least consider a rat. They are fantastic pets, and are a perfect first pet.

Thank you, Miranda J.

Oh, Rats! Update

By Mira P. (with new font!)

So, a few blog posts ago, I got two new rats, boys named Buster and Gob (pronounced "Jobe"), though they were previously named "Willy & Wonka".

I described their traits and personalities, but I had gotten them recently and didn't go into too much detail, so how about an update on how they're doing? (I can't upload any pictures, though, I apologize)

Gob is a little bit of a pain in the butt, but he's worth it. My mother and I take him and Buster up to my (rat-proofed) room for play-time, for at least an hour, sometimes more, and he always climbs up on my bedside table. It's not safe, since it contains many little toys and a lamp, so I always have to pick him up and take him down twenty times. 

He likes to be tickled, though. Mostly around his neck and his belly. He'll always put his mouth on my finger, but he never bites (he doesn't have that problem when I look like food, though). He also rides on my mother and I's (or is it me's?) shoulders more.  

Buster kind of reminds me of the brother of the spaztic one, the one who's always like *sigh*, Gob, stop it. He's a little less active and easily-entertained than Gob, but when he's up in my room he bounces around happily. He's a dumbo (did I mention that in my last post about them?) which means his ears are rounder on on the side of his head, which I think is adorable. My mom isn't too keen on his ears, though.

He loves cheese, but he isn't too big of a fan of anything else. Cheese is the only thing it seems like he likes. Gob, on the other hand, will eat anything, but he especially loves pasta. He does this bouncy run when he gets some.

They seem to squabble a lot, though - kind of sad. They love each other, though, you can tell. They'll snuggle together in their hammock, and Buster likes to groom Gob. It's kind of sad, though, Buster wants Gob to groom him, but Gob is so clueless, he doesn't know.

The last thing I want to say, I had to delete my last Tiny Cages gmail account, so my new one is tinycages2@gmail.com. Thanks!

Oh, Rats!

by Mira P.

I have been planning on getting rats ever since I found out just what wonderful pets they make. I have been researching, and hoping, and saving money, and today it all paid off as I just adopted two wonderful boys. They are very happy in their new home (at least, as far as I can tell) and have been wandering around and chewing up their bed basically all day.

One of them is a dumbo, a rat which has rounder ears that are more on the side of their head. This one, which is recently-named Buster, is a bit sweeter and relaxed than the other one. The other one, recently named Gob (pronounced "Jobe") is sweet, however a bit more nibble-y and eager to escape. He also seems to enjoy the treats a bit more than Buster does.

Buster and Gob - Arrested Development, anyone?

They are, admittedly, a bit bigger than we expected, and our before huge cage is now looking a little smaller. (to be clear, it is not small) However, they appear to be more than happy, and love exploring, though Buster is now laying down for a nap.

Rats, as many rat lovers will tell you, make fantastic pets. I can tell you that right now, and I've barely had these ratties for a day. They are intelligent, loving, and extremely cute. Boys tend to be slightly calmer than girls, preferring to sit in your lap instead of explore the bathroom. Of course, it all depends on the individual rat's personalities; boys can be excitable and adventurous, and there are girl lap-rats.

Another thing rat lovers will tell you is that rats are like mini dogs, and yes, this is also true! They can be just as smart as dogs, just as playful, they can come running to the door to greet you, and, you can train them! You can train them to come when you call, to fetch a ball (hey, that rhymed!), to walk on hind legs, use a litter box, anything! Teaching them to come when they call is slightly important, as it can come to your aid if your rats go missing - and they can be little Houdinis when it comes to getting out of their cage.

I am very excited and grateful that I was able to get rats, especially ones as sweet and cute as Buster and Gob!