Just got a group of 2.7 ASFs. They came from a much larger colony, and I haven't noticed any aggression between them... I've heard they can be pretty nasty with strangers. I love that they have hardly any smell. Is there anything that I should know about ASFs specifically, compared to norvegicus? I'm noticing that the ASFs are very similar to hamsters in some ways as far as personality goes, and they're very intersting to interact with.

Also.. I know this is not an ASF question, but I just decided to lump it into this post. I ended up with a rat pup that was considerably smaller than all his siblings. I've since moved him to another mom that had a smaller litter. Would you think he is a runt, or there's a chance he's a dwarf rat? He's been developing normally, healthy, active... just extremely small:

(next to his littermate)



Here are a couple pics from the ASF colony-

She is actually a light beige/fawn color with a white blaze down her forehead.. I apologize, I haven't learned all the ASF "proper names" for colors just yet =P


I've named her badger.. because of the markings on her face. She also is the first to come over and check out my hand, and the most tolerant of being handled. She'll hang out on my shoulder too =)