The rat castles!

We built a new cage from two big guinea pig cages we got off local classified ads. One of them had a removable top panel, so we took it out, staked them up, and wired them together! The result was a new, huge cage.

We had originally planned to put Chili in the big cage with the other five boys, but we tried it out, and it was clear that six growing boys in there was just too many! Scooter and Chili get along the best, so we put them in the new cage.

We think the cage will be big enough for three (easily, in fact), so we're going to go pick up Scooter's brother from Adelaide's Rattery because he still hasn't been adopted. Ten boys! We're trying to find a new home for Poof and Ninja, though, because they don't get along with anyone else.

I haven't posted pictures of any of the rat cages, so I thought I'd show where they all live!

The new rat castle for Scooter, Chili, and Scooter's brother

Scooter hiding from the camera

Can you find Chili?

The big cage--Twist, Bolt, Soda, and Tank

Twist and Bolt sleeping in what was supposed to be a litter box!

Poof and Ninja's cage. Where are the rats? Check the big bump in the middle of the hammock!

Poor Mr. Spoon!

On Monday, we moved all the rats and their cages into one of our spare bedrooms which wasn't getting used. The living room was getting pretty crowded!

We had all the rats out to play (except Poof and Ninja, who get kind of rough if they're out with everyone else), and Spoon came out from under the big cage, acting totally normal, but Bryan noticed an inch-long gash in his skin! The muscle was visible underneath, so we whisked him off to the vet right then. He didn't bleed much at all. The cut was extremely clean but very deep. We still can't figure out how he did it. We've felt around all the places he could have played, and nothing is sharp!

We didn't get a before picture, but this is Mr. Spoon after getting his stitches!

Looking a little sleepy after the anesthesia

He doesn't let it stop him!

Extra treats for Mr. Spoon

Hi! Do you have more treats?

Chili, or "The Baby"

So, we're not sure what this guy will end up being called. We named him Chili because he devoured a piece of bell pepper that was in his cage when we picked him up from Addicted to Rats Rattery, but because he is SO tiny, and SO young, he's always getting called "The Baby." Who knows, it might stick! We'll see. ;)

This is what Chili looked like just before we got him (Tiny!):

We took these pictures when we brought him home:

He looks like a little elephant with his big oversized ears and gray fur!

He loves to sit in his food dish to eat!

I took these today. He's definitely getting bigger! He has gone bald on both of his flanks... whether that's how he'll look or if he's just shedding as he grows, I don't know!

"Hi! You got any more carrots?"

"'Choo doing?"

"Whassat thing you're flashing at me?" Cute, but blurry. He was really interested in the camera and the noises and lights it made.

Introducing Poof and Ninja!

These boys were rescued from some college students who decided they could no longer give them the care they deserved, so we took them in.

Poof and Ninja are father and son. You can see it when they give you a ratty smile, because they both have crooked bottom teeth--must be genetic!

Poof is huge, and definitely the daddy. He is patient and friendly, and inquisitive. He weighs a pound and a half--big guy! He's such a lover. He likes to have his head and belly rubbed and is more like a dog than a rat! He is an agouti hooded rat with standard ears.


Ninja's a big guy too, like his dad. He is a little more skeptical of people, but still very sweet. He has discovered that their new hammock from the Rat Attack Team (click here!) has a hidey-pocket and spends most of his time in it. He is a black broken-hooded rat with dalmatian spots.

Ninja on a rare venture out of his hidey-pocket.

More pictures!

Poof chilling by the food bowl.

Ninja checking out the camera.