(skip to bottom for cute baby pictures)

*ahem* A cautionary tale: Never go it alone when adopting out a litter. I fostered a litter for a breeder and, due to sudden severe healthy problems, she ended up unable to help me in choosing adoptive homes for the babies. I still have two and the mom, and I found homes for everyone else. But, sadly, trying to do this by myself with little guidance and having only had rats for about six months myself, I did not make good choices. Four of the kids I adopted out already lost their homes and were rehomed with wonderful Goosemoosers who I know will love them for life- one pair because the kids got too involved in sports (why an adult should always be the primary caregiver, as I know now!) and the other two because of a family member's allergies sending him to the hospital multiple times, even after bedding and food changes.

Now, two more boys from that foster litter need to be rehomed. These two were really my favorites, next to the two I kept, and I adopted them to what was a perfect home. Their mommy is a vet student and gave them hours of free range time every day, and even worked on clicker training with them. She has truly been a great owner, and nobody would ever have guessed she'd need to give them up. Sadly, some severe health problems have left her unable to live on her own for the time being, and her parents, who she'll be moving in with, will not allow any of her pets in their home. She needs to find a place for them ASAP- parents want them gone and her moved in by the end of the month. That's only a few days away!

If necessary, I will of course take them back, as I know the original breeder is no longer in a situation to do so and likely her house wouldn't be a great place for them anyway. But I cannot keep any more permanent pet-only rats, and putting them through quarantine and intros twice, once to come home with me and once to a forever, home, is something I'd really rather not do. I haven't seen them since they were babies, but I have heard from the adopter regularly and they are well loved and socialized. They are 13 months old, and I do know who their parents were, although the parents aren't NARR registered. Mom (Goldie) is 25 months and doing fine, and Dad (Chewie) lived to over 36 months with only slight hind end degeneration bothering him. One is a mink boy, who is very laid back and relaxed, and the other is a mischievous champagne rex who is into everything!

I could possibly transport to NE or KS, and I'm open to looking for a ratty train to get them farther for the right person. I wish they could stay where they are until NIRO time, at which point I'd be able to take them as far as IL, but sadly they can't. The current owner is also advertising for a new home for them and using my adoption application then sending apps to me for review, so I'm hoping they can be in a new home ASAP. Also, if anyone would like to take them but needs them to be neutered, I have a vet who does neuters for $65 and is a very apt surgeon, so I could take them in for neuters before bringing them to you.

I don't know exactly what cage she has them in now- I think it is a ferret cage? But I am sure it would go with them.

Here are baby pics- waiting on grownup pics from their current owner:

Mink boy:



Champagne rex:



(yes, I know his eyes look ruby in this picture. It's the light, not him. I have some pics of him older that show the pink eyes- just like his mama!)

If ANYONE within 6 hours of Lincoln wants these boys - speak up!  Yes, I will give them a lift, they need a home!

I don't need the stamp, it's tattooed on my forehead - didn't you see it before?

I send the pics to my FI and told him I was getting these poor helpless little boys, even if one was mink.  They are 14 months old now, who knows if they will even be up for a move - and even then, 26 month old male rats, in my experiences, are best defined as lazy slugs.  He said "sigh, fine.  But no more brown rats."

Many, many HUGE thanks to Saydrah and her SO for keeping these boys until I can get out there and pick them up!!!!!

Hey, he can't have my boys   Ok, if he wants them.....

Psst, what are their names?

Ok, so I can change names?   Then the champagne boy is going to be Goose.  The mink boy is going to be Moose.  I'd never have found them without goosemoose, so they will be named in honor of the site.  Now I have half way normal rat names.

My fatso Smeezies aren't soo pushy.....  Usually.  Unless it involves food.  Or the best place to sleep.  Umm, yeah, ok.

Yup, I think this needs to go to rat tails

Goose and Moose - Perfect!

Wished I was closer and could help.  Philadelphia is a bit far (and w'd REALLY need a sucker stamp - I already have 18!)

I'm sending the camera home with Tai tonight to take pics for you, SGB- lost my oldest girl yesterday, their mother at almost 27 months, so it's been a little bit of a rotten week, and with him doing QT he has to spend three hours away from his house and change before coming over to get the camera. Luckily, he sees this as a great excuse to play poke every night for three weeks!  Okay, not EVERY night, but most weeknights. He even qualified for a big tournament! So, apparently quarantining rats is good for your gambling skills.

I have some pics of them at 4 weeks on my home computer that I'll post, too.

Your chocolate moose is becoming a bit fat living with Tai, I'm afraid  It's hard enough to get him to limit the treats at MY house, much less when he has rats at home with him!  By the way, if you've ever wondered, rats prefer Denny's smothered cheese fries over a bite of a ham sandwich.

BIG SQUISHY MAN RATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  2 handers even I can't wait   Are they DUMBOS even?

I'm getting dumbo ears, I'm getting dumbo ears........  *does her happy dance*

Eh, abcesses are NOTHING

Sigh, I wish I could help out and get them sooner, but as you know, the first weekend in June (after the 31st/1st) is going to be the first time I can make it work

I'm sure Tai won't mind keeping them a little longer. Just keep fingers crossed that neuters go perfectly tomorrow!

Give the boys some extra smoochies for me, please?  Or have Tai do so.  I'm really worried sick about them going thru surgery already.

PS to Goose and Moose - Daddy said he does think you two are very cute, but to Moose - no more brown rats and to Goose - he looks like a dirty PEW    Actually, he first said "sigh..."  I said "You are going to tell me you don't find those dumbo ears to be about the cutest thing ever???"

Wow! Thems is some beautiful boys!