The Joys of Boys
We often see more male surrenders than females, and a preference for adopting girls. We love them both, but did you know this about male rats?
— Boys more recommended for kids and first timers
— Males rarely get reoccurring mammary tumors that plague females
— Boys are generally more laid-back than girls
— Males enjoy being pet and chilling in your lap
— Boys tend to stick to a smaller area when free-ranging.
— Some people don’t choose boys because of their testicles. It is possible to neuter males, but should most often done if a “teenage hormonal upheaval” causes aggression. (Not too common, but can happen)
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One Last Rat
by Any Rat Rescue Director Jenna Lillibridge
We have noticed a recent trend in families contacting us to surrender their remaining older rat after the others have passed. Regrettably, they’ve become convinced that keeping their remaining furry friend at home alone is cruel and they do not wish to get more rats
We disagree. We know that rats are mentally and physically healthier with companions, especially during their first year. However, they are incredibly “in the moment” and adaptable. Most rats respond perfectly well to living their remaining time in their home as solo rats.
Is discarding them to the unknown really in their best interests? They will go through quarantine alone, in a completely different home and cage. They will wait at a foster home for adoption, although most adopters do not want a pet who will die soon.
There is no guarantee a rat will get along with a new friend at the rescue or at an adopter’s house; if or when that may happen.
Rarely, a rat may show signs or grieving, and Any Rat Rescue will be happy to discuss options. In our opinion, the best thing for your last rat, like any family member, is staying in their home where they are most known and loved.
(Cute rats snuggle in a hammock. Photo by Noah Benson.)
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About Rescue’d Rats
A letter from our Director, Jenna Lillibridge
Many people still believe animal rescues are full of “rejects” due to health or behavioral problems. However, nothing could be further from the truth. A vast majority of rats are surrendered due to poor planning and decision-making on the part of the people who are entrusted with their lives.
In spite of the relatively short commitment (a domestic rat’s life span averages 2-3 years), the small amount of space that rats need (no backyard required), and low maintenance costs, we still continue to see a steady flow of unwanted pets for many reasons, some of which include but aren’t limited to:
- Moving
- Too many pets
- Kids got bored, stopped taking care of them
- Accidental pregnancy; rat obtained from pet store/breeder/Craigslist and didn’t know she was pregnant; didn’t know rats were a boy and girl (we’ve actually heard that one!)
- Found as a stray in a park or backyard
- Roommate or family member moved out and abandoned them
- Alleged or perceived allergies, which are actually rare. Many people are actually allergic to the mites on their rats but are unaware it is a simple fix.
- Dog barks at them too much.
- Can’t afford them anymore.
- Don’t have time for them anymore.
- Parent, spouse, etc. doesn’t want the rat because it nipped once or chewed a favorite blanket; threatened to dump the rat outside.
- Snake wouldn’t eat it.
- Removed rat from a snake tank at a friend’s or party.
- Purchased rat to “save” it after seeing somehow attempt to buy it for snake food.
- Abandoned at pet store, even if not purchased there.
- Scheduled to be euthanized at a larger pet shelter.
- Debilitating, long-term illness making physical requirements of animal care difficult.
- Admission to a nursing home where pets aren’t allowed.
- Can’t afford vet care.
A majority of rats turned into the rescue are young and healthy. Some have sneezes and parasite issues, but the owners are completely unaware of these minor symptoms. Over 95% of rats are cleared of these conditions through our quarantine process.
Only occasionally, do we get calls regarding rats that bite. A majority of the time it is either a young male going through puberty who can be calmed by a neuter, or simple training in more respectful handling that cures the issue. You’d be surprised at how many times we get rats who have an alleged history of biting and we never witness such behavior.
As the rescue Director, I would like you to know that one of the real pleasures of rat rescue is how easy it is to rehabilitate a rat! Rescue work involves a lot of disappointment and heartache on many levels. Yet witnessing the unique qualities of each individual rat blossom in foster care keeps us going. Rats, like most animals, are quick to leave the past behind, ready to enjoy new experiences, forge new relationships (with humans and other pets), and create unique bonds with each individual in their household. They respond well to medical care and are always amazing and inspiring us with their will to survive. Just ask one of our wonderful foster homes!