Rat mama update

Steve Touchstone wrote:
snip
I know it seems kind of strange to be asking for purrs for a rat, but
knowing the kind of folks here I'm going to go ahead and ask for purrs
for rat mama and any surviving babies. I'll let you know the news of
how they're doing Monday (or more likely early Tuesday when I get home
from work).

It's not strange to ask for purrs for any animal. Lots of purrs on the way.
--
Adrian (Owned by Snoopy, Bagheera & Shadow)
Cats leave pawprints on your heart
http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk

"Steve Touchstone" wrote in message
...

I have to admit I was totally clueless about what was needed. Since
mama was first noticed at the cat food bowl, I gave her more once she
was in the carrier. Now I know she would have appreciated some seed
from Tiger, my cockatiel.

Your instincts weren't far off! While cat food is a little too high in
protein for rodents, a little dog kibble is fine. I add a little Innova dry
dog food into my mouse food mix. The animal protein is good to help build
their immune system. Many purrs for the mama rattie and her baby.

Steve, you did good. Many people would not have bothered about an escaped
pet rat. If she was outside for more than 21 days her babies will have been
sired by a wild rat so maybe it's good that she only has one baby, it may
not be very tame as it grows.
If you believe in karma, yours has increased.

(I just love the kind people on this group)

Tweed

"Steve Touchstone" wrote in message


^snip*

I know it seems kind of strange to be asking for purrs for a rat, but
knowing the kind of folks here I'm going to go ahead and ask for purrs
for rat mama and any surviving babies. I'll let you know the news of
how they're doing Monday (or more likely early Tuesday when I get home
from work).

Comforting squeaks, pops and trills for Ratty and Baby.

Have friends who have pet rats. Theyre very personable little things, with
unique personalities, likes & dislikes. They're very smart, active and
inquisitive and love to play and explore. My friends even managed to toilet
train them so the go on tissues rather than 'wherever' when they're out and
about, so nothing ends up stinking. On in particular 'Wumpy' excelled at the
B*st*rd R*t Trick often enjoyng a game of hide & seek, putting the lowly
hoomin at a distinct disadvantage compared to rat. The only downside to
having pet rats is that Rainbow Bridge almost invariably happens within 3
years. I don't think I could cope with that.

Yowie
--
If you're paddling upstream in a canoe and a wheel falls off, how many
pancakes can you fit in a doghouse? None, icecream doesn't have bones.

On Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:11:21 -0500, Steve Touchstone
wrote:

I know it seems kind of strange to be asking for purrs for a rat, but
knowing the kind of folks here I'm going to go ahead and ask for purrs
for rat mama and any surviving babies. I'll let you know the news of
how they're doing Monday (or more likely early Tuesday when I get home
from work).

Poor little thing! You did the best you could for it... I'm glad it
was able to go to someone more experienced in rodent care, and I hope
all turns out well in the end.

purring immediately, Lee
"Steve Touchstone" wrote in message
...
Well, right after my post saying the rat was having babies I talked
with the girl at work to see if she had any experience with wee rat
babies. She had no experience or suggestions to offer, having only had
males, but did have a friend who she could call who has quite a rat
menagerie. She called up her friend, who was happy to take mama and
babies right away, meeting me at the store about 30 minutes after my
last post. So, I've found a home for them. She said that she'd be busy
tomorrow, but would let me know Monday how mom and babies were doing.

I keep saying babies, but so far there had only been the one live
birth when I passed them on. Something else I didn't realize about pet
rats is that they can be very heat sensitive, and poor momma was in
the Out during our hottest period of this summer - several 100+ days
with heat advisories. My new rat expert told me that it wouldn't be
surprising if she lost all the babies. She said the one live baby
seemed dehydrated and not nursing normally. As I understand it, with
baby rats you should see a "milk band" on their stomach if their
stomach is full. Also, the baby should have been doing lots of
squeaking demanding to be fed. No milk band, no squeaking, very little
movement. So the girl didn't seem to think the baby would survive.

I know it seems kind of strange to be asking for purrs for a rat, but
knowing the kind of folks here I'm going to go ahead and ask for purrs
for rat mama and any surviving babies. I'll let you know the news of
how they're doing Monday (or more likely early Tuesday when I get home
from work).
--
Steve Touchstone
Little Bit, Sammy, Spotty, Princess, Furby
and Rocky (RB)
Pix at http://tinyurl.com/22pfn8
Vids at http://tinyurl.com/4yb6nj