Okay, I'm the biggest weenie alive....

[wendyhoo9]

I went to the pet store to get Breena's meal this week...the clerk brings out this little brown hooded girl and I go..."Oh no, she's cute...but that's okay, she's a good size." I get my crickets and rattie bagged up and get home. On the way up the stairs I feel a little kick and think "CRAP!" I hoped she'd kinda roll around on the bottom of the cage since she wasn't moving, but once I popped her in she jumped up, sniffed some water and started checking things out...

Here comes the big weenie part...I saved her...Breena didn't even notice food was right next to her (she eats frozen thawed). Now I have a pet... She's adorably cute and sweet, but I'm not sure how old she is. I haven't seen her eat or drink yet (offered her water from a bottle, bowl, and my finger) and even a juicy grape but nothing. I'd hate to see her die due to lack of eating after I got all attached (she's grooming my hair right now...sheesh...). I'd post a pic but my camera cable is missing.

Her eyes are fully open and her ears, fully alert and walking (if a little timid...I attributed that to the gas...). She is small though, about 3 1/2 to 4 inches from head to tush (not counting the tail). Should I be feeding her replacement milk? Thanks for listening...and not mocking me too much...I hope!

Wendy

[tigerlily]

I think you forgot to clarify that this rat was supposed to have been prekilled by the petshop by way of gassing.... which obviously was insufficient.

Oh and you are such a weenie!! I'm STILL laughing at you.

EDIT - check out this link... it should help. http://www.afrma.org/rminfo8.htm

[frankykeno]

If her eyes are fully open and her ears are full upright she's a pup so at least 15 days old. She may well have still been nursing though but will probably adjust to a water bottle and food fairly quickly. Personally I'd pop back around to the pet shop and pick up a second cute one of the same gender for a buddy. Rats hate to live alone, no matter how much attention you give them and can get so upset at being alone they sicken.

[tigerlily]

Oh and get with the pics girl! (still laughing )

[wendyhoo9]

Completely forgot to mention that! That was the whole problem, I thought she was already dead (gassed) and she wasn't!!! If I had been expecting to feed her live, I probably would have been fine...sheesh...loser me....

Wendy

P.S. She's camping out in my hair on my shoulder now...I like her a lot...

[frankykeno]

Hmm I think you must name her Tinkerbell (follows the whole Peter Pan...Wendy...Tinkerbell theme) LOL.

[wendyhoo9]

LOL! It's a good name. None of the ones I have thought of fit, but I like Tink!


Thanks for the support Jo!! (and pseudo support Christie!!! )

Wendy