Hi everyone. I'm Crystal and I'm really new to the forum of ratties. In fact, I was rather anti-rodent for a rather long time. But...I started working in a fantastic pet shop a couple of months ago and my boss (the store's awesome owner) wants us employees to get to know basically every species we sell. Its not hard for dogs and cats, but let me say the small animals, birds, and reptiles were a whole new world for me.
I have a couple of questions, but after reading so many wonderful stories here (and some that made my skin crawl) I want to share how Iris came into my life.
A couple of weeks ago, I was at work happily feeding the birds/small mammals as I always do. Some people might think it weird, but my boss insists we always spend several minutes (minimum) talking/interacting with every animal. I had no problem with this, really. Granted, I haven't "handled" small mammals since my brother's ill-fated Tooko (A hamster) about 15 years ago. In any event, I reached into a cage that I noticed was now occupied and marked "Baby girl rat". Curious, as we hadn't had new ratties in since I started, I peeked inside. I found the sweetest little white and beige fluff ball in the corner. Immediately, I couldn't stop staring!
Then I noticed something was wrong. Red mucus around the eyes. I called my boss over and he said "She's having some issues. It's probably the bedding. Take her out, clean the cage completely and restock it with CareFresh." I gaped at him. Me? Handle a rat? Was he crazy? However, the rat was sick and even if I wasn't used to rats, I knew I had to help her feel better.
After he instructed me on how to pick her up, he walked away. I reached in, scooped up the little angel and held her to my chest. I don't know why I held her so close so quickly, maybe because the word "sick" does something to mothers. Anyway, as I held my little timid bundle, I looked down at her. All the thoughts of "I'm holding a RAT" melted away. Looking up at me was this gorgeous, adorable rattie that reached out and captured my heart. It took everything in me to transfer her to a carrier so I could clean her cage. When the work was done, I resolved that this rat was coming home with me.
It took two weeks of fast talking to my husband (we live in an apartment and it came down to "You don't want a dog, cat, or a new baby so get me something to mother!") but finally I wore him down. I had been in the store when our vet (she works for a nearby hospital but comes in regularly) gave her a clean bill of health, stipulating that the baby rat was very sensitive to dust. (Her brothers in a different cage with the same bedding had none of the reaction, which I was vigilant in watching for.)
To make a long story...well, longer, I brought home my new baby after much obsessive research. My little girl has been named "Iris", the ancient messenger goddess whom traveled in a rainbow, because my new baby brings me so much delight. I'm tearing up just writing this. I want to rush to her cage and pick her up. My kids adore her and though my husband is a dog/reptile enthusiast, I think Iris is stealing his heart as well!
But...I do have a couple of questions. Iris is eating well (the girl LOVES peas and green beans, holy cow), and she already rushes to the top of her cage if I appear. She jumps up to be let out, which is just the cutest thing I've ever seen.
She still seems a bit timid, but I've read here (and everywhere) that this is rather normal. I've only had my girl a few days. But she doesn't seem to like Yogurt drops at all. She'll pretty much crawl all over me for a pea though. Are there any other "treats" I could give her that she might enjoy more? I've read that the Yogies are preferred by most rats, Iris just doesn't have any interest. I want something other than her preferred foods when we start training.
Also, she doesn't seem to "gnaw" much yet, though she has wood chews. Is this just because of her age?
And one last one, I'm intending to get another female (all we had in the store were males and I really didn't want to get into that just yet as a newbie) will it be easier to introduce Iris to a playmate while she's still a baby?
Thank you all so much in advance! I absolutely love this place and I'm sure any advice will only make my beloved Iris even happier!
~ Crystal (and Iris of course)
