New Toys

Today I went to Pet Mania to get some bedding and found this lovely little tunnel for my rattiecakes! She really likes it - both for hiding and for chewing. I also got her a cute little harness and leash for walks but she wanted no part of that. After about 15 minutes of ratabatics as I tried to put it on her and she kept Houdini-ing her way out I put it back in the bag to be returned.

We also discovered that the bathtub makes a fabulous play park. She ran and ran and played wit a feather on a string cat fishing toy. She lost interest when she finally bit the feather though so I'm wondering if I could rig something similar with Cheerios on the string instead of feathers!

Flower Cottage

Today I covered a box with scrapbook paper to make Willow a little cottage. She loves to hide in it and pull her little fleece blanket inside!

Sleep Tight

~Magickal Graphics~

Snail Mail for Rats?

I was just browsing the web and found this unique idea - I'm pretty sure if I tried it I would win the Crazy Rat Lady award, but man, it's cute!

I used to have this rat who would take treats from my hand. Then I started to give him paper "letters" from a rat sized mailbox that I had made him. I recently have a male rat who takes treats from hand too, so I made a mailbox and letters for him yesterday. I was going to put a small treat in each letter for him so he would like it. I made the letters from paper. I made 28 of them so he wouldn't run out quickly. I made the mailbox from cardboard and tape. Try it with your ratties! Lauren

Bruxing

So baby rattie wanted to come out and watch tv with me. She snuggled right up in her pouch and let me pet her. After about an hour she started bruxing! That's the rat version of purring, and involves grinding their teeth. It made me so happy that she was happy and comfortable!

Welcome Home Willow!

I went and picked up the sweet rattie girl this afternoon!! She is a doll. She was curious and outgoing when I lowered my hand in to let her sniff me. We got home and I've been mindful of not overwhelming her. She ate some celery, broccoli, and cheese and seems tucked in for the night in her little box house. I love her!!

Cuddle Pouch

Bonding pouches can be used to help rats get used to you, or just to take them along as you do your thing. I decided to take a stab at making a pretty one for Willow and this is the result. I can't wait to see if she will actually sit in it - some rats are too adventurous to be corralled by such things.

If you want to try your hand at making one, I used the free No-Sew Hobo Bag pattern on fleecefun.com. Super fun & easy project and materials cost a whopping $4.32 at Joann. I used the pattern for the child-sized purse but lengthened the handle so I can wear it around my neck.