So I've been having my babysit Retriever over quite regularly.
His puppy-like playfulness that distracted himself from the rats was a benefit. However, now he grows mature he is more "prey-focused" when the girls are active and making their usual noises.
I'm struggling to distract and redirect the dogs attention away from the cage and the noises, but it keeps being too interesting.
The girls were at first quite scared whenever the dog came close to the cage. I learned the dog he cannot come near the cage. Not even to sniff the spilled food. And that all goes quite well. However, when the dog is more noisy (when playing) the girls are really scared and won't come out of their hiding.
Even when I offer treats they are very shy and run for it at any sound or movement.
----
I've had some improvement with the girls. they would come and show themselves while the dog is in the house. They come up to me like they always do in expecting treats.
They would of course receive some, and even sniff the dogs smell of me with interest.
Hera is more bold than Juno. But that is completely normal within their personalities.
---
As the weeks progress and the dog is over frequently, the girls are used to the smell and most important, most of the noises the dog makes.
I even managed to take Hera out of the cage while the dog was asleep, and put her on the couch with the dog a mere meter away!
She was very tentative of course, but also somewhat curious. And approaching the edge of the couch to sniff the dog (while he was still sleeping).
I put Hera back in the cage before the experience turned negative for her so I really am happy with that. I think it is a big and important step in their mutual acceptance.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Slow progress
Hello again my lovely readers.
We've already started our 3rd week! Time really flies =)
The progress of being around us and out of the cage slowly but steadily keeps going better.
The girls still have a bad habit of peeing and pooping on the couch when they are out with us. Still some anxiety I suppose. I'm thinking there is little we can do what we don't do already to keep them comfortable, with a blanket for shelter and treats for distraction. I hope that the perseverance from our side will eventually pay off.
On Saturday brought is puppy retriever over for me to babysit, as I do more often. I was really curious how both the pup and my girls would react to one another.
Fortunately, things went well. The puppy had mostly interest for the smells of food near the cage. The girls were comfortable up high, at first, but as the evening progressed and they turned more active they could roam about the cage as usual, without being spooked by the dog.
The dog slept through most of the active hours of the girls, which is positive of course. When he woke up, he really was curious, but kept his respectful distance. So I'm really happy with that.
Coming week will be another puppy-sit day for me, hopefully, it will be as nice.
I took them out the cage this morning, and got all scratched up on my arms and in my neck (because my fluffy cardigan is really fun to climb onto). One of them even managed to climb onto my head. O.o
I'm not sure why they were so hyperactive. All I know is, I'll have marks all over me this week =P
We've already started our 3rd week! Time really flies =)
The progress of being around us and out of the cage slowly but steadily keeps going better.
The girls still have a bad habit of peeing and pooping on the couch when they are out with us. Still some anxiety I suppose. I'm thinking there is little we can do what we don't do already to keep them comfortable, with a blanket for shelter and treats for distraction. I hope that the perseverance from our side will eventually pay off.
On Saturday brought is puppy retriever over for me to babysit, as I do more often. I was really curious how both the pup and my girls would react to one another.
Fortunately, things went well. The puppy had mostly interest for the smells of food near the cage. The girls were comfortable up high, at first, but as the evening progressed and they turned more active they could roam about the cage as usual, without being spooked by the dog.
The dog slept through most of the active hours of the girls, which is positive of course. When he woke up, he really was curious, but kept his respectful distance. So I'm really happy with that.
Coming week will be another puppy-sit day for me, hopefully, it will be as nice.
I took them out the cage this morning, and got all scratched up on my arms and in my neck (because my fluffy cardigan is really fun to climb onto). One of them even managed to climb onto my head. O.o
I'm not sure why they were so hyperactive. All I know is, I'll have marks all over me this week =P
Monday, February 8, 2016
Week 2
Hi lovely readers =D
Here's some of my notices all ready for the 2nd week of our rat-experience =P
The sputnik is very popular! I put in some scraps of fleece I had left from DIY-ing hammocks and rugs. They really like to burrow in it, and snuggle up together really cute.
It seems that the hammock is losing =P
Over the weekend we made real progress in terms of getting used to us taking them out of their cage.
Saturday evening we had some great relaxed moments of them being on the couch with us.
We've also practiced coming out of the cage.
Usually when one of us stands in front of the couch, the girls would climb up our arms (because they think we're taking them back to the cage =P).
When we would put them back, they'd usually want to escape right out of the cage if you have it open long enough. We used this opportunity every time like this:
When we would put them back, we keep the cage open for a bit, and hold our arm in front of the opening. Then then would climb in and out of the cage and onto us several times.
This non-stressful way of entering and leaving the cage ( especially after a, sometimes, frighting couch experience) ends the ritual pleasant, and makes them still curious for us.
They also become more comfortable eating treats while out of the cage. I usually give them after they have been out. But now also some pieces of rice crackers are happily munched with us.
Another fun thing I did this Sunday, was putting some small pieces of treats inside a toilet roll with some toilet paper. I then rolled the whole thing inside some toilet paper like a wrapped sweet.
They had allot of fun nibbling their way to the treats.
I left the roll and tissue paper in the cage overnight, and found it everywhere this morning =P
So it was a big hit.
Here's some of my notices all ready for the 2nd week of our rat-experience =P
The sputnik is very popular! I put in some scraps of fleece I had left from DIY-ing hammocks and rugs. They really like to burrow in it, and snuggle up together really cute.
It seems that the hammock is losing =P
Over the weekend we made real progress in terms of getting used to us taking them out of their cage.
Saturday evening we had some great relaxed moments of them being on the couch with us.
We've also practiced coming out of the cage.
Usually when one of us stands in front of the couch, the girls would climb up our arms (because they think we're taking them back to the cage =P).
When we would put them back, they'd usually want to escape right out of the cage if you have it open long enough. We used this opportunity every time like this:
When we would put them back, we keep the cage open for a bit, and hold our arm in front of the opening. Then then would climb in and out of the cage and onto us several times.
This non-stressful way of entering and leaving the cage ( especially after a, sometimes, frighting couch experience) ends the ritual pleasant, and makes them still curious for us.
They also become more comfortable eating treats while out of the cage. I usually give them after they have been out. But now also some pieces of rice crackers are happily munched with us.
Another fun thing I did this Sunday, was putting some small pieces of treats inside a toilet roll with some toilet paper. I then rolled the whole thing inside some toilet paper like a wrapped sweet.
They had allot of fun nibbling their way to the treats.
I left the roll and tissue paper in the cage overnight, and found it everywhere this morning =P
So it was a big hit.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Week 1
Week 1
Day 1 (Friday)
On 29-01-2016 we took our baby girls home.
As it was evening, we decided to let them be for the day to let them settle in their cage, and not take them out immediately.
The first night they practically tore their whole place apart. I had made some blankets from pieces of fleece so they wouldn't have to lay on bare wood. But when I woke up the following morning, everything had been dumped to the bottom of the cage. Except for my hammock, which was a hit right away.
I also had put a chew-stick in the cage with seeds and honey to treat them. they ate half the thing in the first night already =P
Day 2 (Saturday)
We took them out separately to getting used to us and being out of the cage. We tried to give them banana chips as a snack, but they are not very interested in them. Not even when they were calmly in their own cage. So we needed to search for something they will enjoy, so that they will trust us as food-providers =D
Day 3 (Sunday)
We have figured out that they like cheese. A lot! But it is not very healthy for them so we still need to find a better snack.
They are still a bit scared to come out of the cage. Being lifted is not their favorite thing. But as they need time to get used, we will keep on trying.
The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at the white spot of Hera on her belly. But as they are not easily hold still, we did't know for 15 minutes who was out of the cage with us :P
Day 4 (Monday)
As I was alone in the morning I had some time to be patient and wait and see if they would come out of the cage by themselves.
I achieved that at least Juno is willing to climb into my hands and onto my arms out of the cage. Which I thought a great improvement.
I tried feeding them carrots and raspberries as treats, but they quickly lose interest in them, and leave them laying in the cage.
A bit of pasta and dried bread they yank right out of my hands when I offer it to them inside the cage.
The like to climb on our shoulders, as they can sniff a whole range from there.
I haven't got many good pictures of them, because the are damn fast =P
Day 5 (Tuesday)
Today I practiced the thing again where they climb into my hands and onto my arms. Juno is getting used to it, but Hera rather climbs from my hands onto the cage which I can get her of with difficult, because she does not want to be picked up.
Once out of the cage they are really busy and running around on the couch (and me) sniffing everywhere. They don't seem to be very relaxed once out of the cage. They will not take anything outside of the cage. But there is still the problem that we haven't found anything (except for cheese) the really really like.
In the evening I tried to coax Hera out of the cage with some porridge. They seemed to like it, but rather grab a blotch and run of with it =P
Haven't tried porridge outside of the cage though.
It is getting a little bit easier to tell them apart. we've noticed that Hera is a little darker then Juno, so next to each other we can see. Also I've notices that one has a bright tip on her tail. But I still don't know which one LOL!
Day 6 (Wednesday)
Juno really likes to run out of the cage and on to me, which is good. But Hera is still more apprehensive. Not that she won't come at all, but she rather sniffs a bit and then quickly heads back inside. While Juno wants to sniff everything everywhere =P.
I made some hanging sacs, and when I went to put them inside the cage, both girls were all over my arms, while inside the cage.
Day 7 (Thursday)
Some notes on the girls social skills between the two of them. I've noticed that they usually sleep in separate places, one in a hide-out in the bottom, and one in the very comfy hammock. I've put some soft fleece in the hide-out so they don't have to sleep on the cardboard bedding.
But yesterday I saw them cuddled up together in a corner behind one of the cuddle-bags I put up yesterday. So besides bickering they also cuddle, which makes me happy.
Today on the other hand they have been squabbling more. Hera, who eats more and is more tentative to come out of the cage seems for now the more dominant one. But every time Hera pins Juno down Juno goes after Hera the second she lets go. So it isn't really decides who's boss yet.
I watched them from a corner of the room for a while whilst they were bickering. Afterwards, I was pleased to see that they groomed each other for a bit. Which I hadn't seen before now (although I'm not watching them at night of course =P )
Day 8 (Friday)
Today I decided to clean the cage, as it was getting a bit smelly.
After I took the girls out and put them on the couch with me to run around, I put them in the traveling box with a bit of fleece that came from the cage. After trying to find a way out of it. they accepted their fate and settled down.
Instead of the cardboard pellets I had for litter the first time, I now put in some of the "finacard" shredded cardboard I go from the rattery. Except for the toilet, which I put in some of the pellets again (and a little poo I saved, so the smell will be recognized as a toilet).
They seem to poop less outside their toilet, which is great. I still move all poops to the toilet the leave elsewhere, to remind them.
They seem to find the shredded cardboard interesting to dig in.
As I had to dismount the cage, I put in a basket and a sputnik so they have a little more hiding places.
I'll write coming week on all the news I can =D
Thanks for reading!
Day 1 (Friday)
On 29-01-2016 we took our baby girls home.
As it was evening, we decided to let them be for the day to let them settle in their cage, and not take them out immediately.The first night they practically tore their whole place apart. I had made some blankets from pieces of fleece so they wouldn't have to lay on bare wood. But when I woke up the following morning, everything had been dumped to the bottom of the cage. Except for my hammock, which was a hit right away.
I also had put a chew-stick in the cage with seeds and honey to treat them. they ate half the thing in the first night already =P
This is them literally minutes into our home =D
The Hammock, I proudly say, I made myself!
Day 2 (Saturday)
Day 3 (Sunday)
We have figured out that they like cheese. A lot! But it is not very healthy for them so we still need to find a better snack.
They are still a bit scared to come out of the cage. Being lifted is not their favorite thing. But as they need time to get used, we will keep on trying.
The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at the white spot of Hera on her belly. But as they are not easily hold still, we did't know for 15 minutes who was out of the cage with us :P
As I was alone in the morning I had some time to be patient and wait and see if they would come out of the cage by themselves.
I achieved that at least Juno is willing to climb into my hands and onto my arms out of the cage. Which I thought a great improvement.
I tried feeding them carrots and raspberries as treats, but they quickly lose interest in them, and leave them laying in the cage.
A bit of pasta and dried bread they yank right out of my hands when I offer it to them inside the cage.
The like to climb on our shoulders, as they can sniff a whole range from there.
I haven't got many good pictures of them, because the are damn fast =P
Day 5 (Tuesday)
Today I practiced the thing again where they climb into my hands and onto my arms. Juno is getting used to it, but Hera rather climbs from my hands onto the cage which I can get her of with difficult, because she does not want to be picked up.
Once out of the cage they are really busy and running around on the couch (and me) sniffing everywhere. They don't seem to be very relaxed once out of the cage. They will not take anything outside of the cage. But there is still the problem that we haven't found anything (except for cheese) the really really like.
In the evening I tried to coax Hera out of the cage with some porridge. They seemed to like it, but rather grab a blotch and run of with it =P
Haven't tried porridge outside of the cage though.
It is getting a little bit easier to tell them apart. we've noticed that Hera is a little darker then Juno, so next to each other we can see. Also I've notices that one has a bright tip on her tail. But I still don't know which one LOL!
Day 6 (Wednesday)
Juno really likes to run out of the cage and on to me, which is good. But Hera is still more apprehensive. Not that she won't come at all, but she rather sniffs a bit and then quickly heads back inside. While Juno wants to sniff everything everywhere =P.
I made some hanging sacs, and when I went to put them inside the cage, both girls were all over my arms, while inside the cage.
Day 7 (Thursday)
Some notes on the girls social skills between the two of them. I've noticed that they usually sleep in separate places, one in a hide-out in the bottom, and one in the very comfy hammock. I've put some soft fleece in the hide-out so they don't have to sleep on the cardboard bedding.
But yesterday I saw them cuddled up together in a corner behind one of the cuddle-bags I put up yesterday. So besides bickering they also cuddle, which makes me happy.
Today on the other hand they have been squabbling more. Hera, who eats more and is more tentative to come out of the cage seems for now the more dominant one. But every time Hera pins Juno down Juno goes after Hera the second she lets go. So it isn't really decides who's boss yet.
I watched them from a corner of the room for a while whilst they were bickering. Afterwards, I was pleased to see that they groomed each other for a bit. Which I hadn't seen before now (although I'm not watching them at night of course =P )
Day 8 (Friday)
Today I decided to clean the cage, as it was getting a bit smelly.
After I took the girls out and put them on the couch with me to run around, I put them in the traveling box with a bit of fleece that came from the cage. After trying to find a way out of it. they accepted their fate and settled down.
Instead of the cardboard pellets I had for litter the first time, I now put in some of the "finacard" shredded cardboard I go from the rattery. Except for the toilet, which I put in some of the pellets again (and a little poo I saved, so the smell will be recognized as a toilet).
They seem to poop less outside their toilet, which is great. I still move all poops to the toilet the leave elsewhere, to remind them.
They seem to find the shredded cardboard interesting to dig in.
As I had to dismount the cage, I put in a basket and a sputnik so they have a little more hiding places.
I'll write coming week on all the news I can =D
Thanks for reading!
Introduction
I'm writing a blog on my new pet rats to keep progress and let you lovely readers enjoy my rats with me!
Since my sister got her first rats some months ago I fell in love.
I convinced my husb. to get rats too, and so the process begun.
On December 31th. I contacted a rattery to reserve two baby girls for me.
Four litters were born between 18 and 20 December, of various colours and gene pools.
Since there were many people whom wanted girls I had to wait and see if enough girls had been born for me to take two of them.
Fortunately on January 14th I got some good news. Two Russian blue girls were available for me, and the 17th we could come and meet them. The litter consisted of 7 males and 6 females.
The owner of the rattery had some concerns whether the little rats had functioning bowels, and put them all separately to check their stools. Luckily everything was just fine.
When the rittens gained enough weight (so that they weighed at least 100 grams) we could bring them home.
So after some cuddles we had to wait for two more weeks before the good news came.
The weights as the rattery noted them:
Hera: Juno:
Week 4: 59 gram 72 gram
Week 5: 81 gram 114 gram
Week 6: 112 gram 122 gram
Below some pictures taken by the rattery owner:
Daddy Nexus
Mommy Jolein
Baby's 19-12-2015 (day of birth)
23-12-2015: day 3
Hera
We've considered several names and options. We thought it would be neat to name them after Gods or Goddesses. as there are many of them. I didn't want a too complicated name, because one they are used to us handling them, I wish to teach them stuff. Responding to their names would be the first.
We came up with Hera as she is the wife of Zeus. To keep things leveled we went for the Latin version of the 'same' goddess, which is Juno.
Since my sister got her first rats some months ago I fell in love.
I convinced my husb. to get rats too, and so the process begun.
On December 31th. I contacted a rattery to reserve two baby girls for me.
Four litters were born between 18 and 20 December, of various colours and gene pools.
Since there were many people whom wanted girls I had to wait and see if enough girls had been born for me to take two of them.
Fortunately on January 14th I got some good news. Two Russian blue girls were available for me, and the 17th we could come and meet them. The litter consisted of 7 males and 6 females.
The owner of the rattery had some concerns whether the little rats had functioning bowels, and put them all separately to check their stools. Luckily everything was just fine.
When the rittens gained enough weight (so that they weighed at least 100 grams) we could bring them home.
So after some cuddles we had to wait for two more weeks before the good news came.
The weights as the rattery noted them:
Hera: Juno:
Week 4: 59 gram 72 gram
Week 5: 81 gram 114 gram
Week 6: 112 gram 122 gram
Below some pictures taken by the rattery owner:
Daddy Nexus
Mommy Jolein
Baby's 19-12-2015 (day of birth)
23-12-2015: day 3
27-12-2015: day 8
03-01-2016: day 15 (with mommy)
09-01-2016: Day 21
Juno
We've considered several names and options. We thought it would be neat to name them after Gods or Goddesses. as there are many of them. I didn't want a too complicated name, because one they are used to us handling them, I wish to teach them stuff. Responding to their names would be the first.
We came up with Hera as she is the wife of Zeus. To keep things leveled we went for the Latin version of the 'same' goddess, which is Juno.
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