Howdy everyone - I joined up a while ago but didn't get around to
introducing myself. I think it is great that there is somewhere for
all rat (and other rodent) lovers can get together, share pics,
stories, and advice. I am the proud carer of two lovely little boys
(well not so little actually!) who were both adopted from a rat
adoption centre of sorts (a lovely lady in Melbourne who rehomes
unwanted rats). They are not my first, I was first besotted with the
species after rescuing a darling little girl (Daphne) who was bred to
be fed to owls (!) and she became the apple of my eye but sadly died
of cancer at the ripe old age of 2 1/2. I then purchased two pitiful
looking creatures (Ash and Elfie) from a squallid pet shop (as much as
i hate giving money to pet shops, I couldn't leave them there!) to
find that they were malnourished and suffering from a chronic
bacterial infection which cost me zillions in vet bills however they
lived a good life for just over 2 years before succumbing to their
illness just over the age of two (they died 2 weeks apart).
My two boys, Petie and Templeton are the best of friends and have
*such* differing personalities, they compliment eachother so well. I
love nothing more than to watch them have a 'spazzy' which involves
lots of playing and wrestling - it cracks me up. Unfortunately they
both have Myco which means they're relatively high-maintenance and
almost constantly on antibiotics - from what I have heard this is a
condition that is becoming more common amongst rats and mice now.
We're managing it well so far, but if anyone has any tips or advice
about how to better manage this condition I'd love to hear from you!
Anyhoo I look forward to chatting with all of you - ciao for now!