Cupcake Rats

24/03/2024

Our lovely friends at Han-made Hammocks have some hammocks and ropes made up ready to go! Please message the page directly or find Hannah’s post in Rat Owners South West UK

01/03/2024

Well this week has been a wild ride. On Tuesday I had a doe birth and whilst she had fed her babies she seemed to struggle to regulate her hormones and unfortunately rapidly reduced her litter. I managed to save 3 of her beans who had been fed and were strong. I had a foster doe on standby but decided to wait it out (rats don’t ever like to do anything at a normal hour) and keep them warm as their Grandma was also due and showing signs of a nearing birth. I was balancing the beans strength against Grandma’s signs of wanting to birth and was very nearly ready to blue light them to the standby foster doe whilst they were still strong by luckily 22 hours after being removed from their own Mum Grandma came to the rescue.

Ethical rat breeding is not easy. I had 3 hours sleep in 48 hours to ensure everyone was okay alongside the rollercoaster of emotions.

Anyway I’m delighted to say the 3 beans are still with us, and have been accepted by their wonderful Granny 🥰

29/02/2024

Another one. When will people learn?!

DON'T DUMP YOUR PETS

I'm sorry but this is going to be a huge rant, because I've seen so many dumpings lately of domestic rats.

THEY ARE NOT THEIR WILD COUNTERPARTS.

Being outside is extremely dangerous for domestic rats, and exposes them to all sorts of pathogens and predation. It's a death sentence for them if they aren't found, captured and treated.

We were brought a dumped rat tonight by a lovely lady when he had been spotted and caught at a local hospital. He's underweight, has several abscesses and showing visible signs of pain. He will require a lot of care and medical treatment if he is to pull through. We will be doing our very best for him, and hopefully he will make it. We don't know if he was dumped alone or as a group but at some point he was someone's beloved pet as he's fine with handling and human presence.

He will now be in quarantine for a month with a long course of antibiotics and several other meds to give him the best chance he has. If the owner had brought them to me, I would have taken them in and prevented this animal suffering how he is.

The lovely people who found him are now on the lookout for any more in the area.

If anyone has any information on his owner, or would like to donate towards his recovery, please message me.

I pray for the day I don't have to see animals in this condition.

22/02/2024

💜

Just a little update RE those that have applied for Taunton rats. I have almost finished going through the remainder of the applications. I apologise if anyone has a duplicate email. However - if you have applied can you please ensure you have checked your inbox/spam. Have had very few replies :)

Photo of Somerset Baj who is a failed foster here with her (I assume) sibling - Blame

I will add the application form to this post shortly incase anyone else wishes to apply 😍

I will also add the PayPal fundraiser once again because they are eating our fosters out of house and home currently.



We are also still looking for any leads to follow up on in regards to whomever may be doing this.

Thank you everyone. Your support is just incredible. 💜

Side note: if you have filled in the Cupcake/Bay form for our own rats - we will get to you. These guys have taken priority over the last few months so I hope you understand. :)

Fundraiser: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91TDnYb2T9

Application form: https://forms.gle/xw6CKzuriDy1NKYSA

Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1YOFC2OS08ZU5?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR0rvS2zPRIQsxzUsydRXxaq7LdnNDQoAJz3oP4G7gOW75ztifSDSyG9m6U_aem_AYv_8ngYZrnP0510AiZUflzg4iEvkIQfgOTHzLYAr6SQKfuD-yC12MBH1AhCMVIkcZY

15/02/2024

The moon orbits the earth every 28 days.

Cheeky Charlie also took 28 days of running orbits around us.

Cheeky Charlie has now been caught.

I’d calculate his carbon footprint in fuel but that’s a little scary 😂

Fundraiser: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91TDnYb2T9

Application form: https://forms.gle/xw6CKzuriDy1NKYSA

Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1YOFC2OS08ZU5?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR0rvS2zPRIQsxzUsydRXxaq7LdnNDQoAJz3oP4G7gOW75ztifSDSyG9m6U_aem_AYv_8ngYZrnP0510AiZUflzg4iEvkIQfgOTHzLYAr6SQKfuD-yC12MBH1AhCMVIkcZY

13/02/2024

It’s that time again where our PayPal fundraiser link has expired and whilst we wish this rescue was over it currently isn’t.

Over the last four weeks 15 further domesticated rats have been caught - 14 bucks and 1 doe with skeletal evidence that some of their friends have not made it. The doe (now known as Kiri) has been treated with Alizin to prevent pregnancy.

We know there are at least 2 more rats who are proving to be very cheeky chaps and having us all wrapped around their little paws and testing our catching abilities (although we’ve successfully caught mice and even a robin!). We are determined to catch them but also recognise that we are against the clock as there is only so long they can survive out there with the weather and predators.

We honestly can’t thank you enough for your donations so far and the links for the fundraiser and application form can be found on the links below:

Fundraiser: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91TDnYb2T9

Application form: https://forms.gle/xw6CKzuriDy1NKYSA

Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1YOFC2OS08ZU5?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR0rvS2zPRIQsxzUsydRXxaq7LdnNDQoAJz3oP4G7gOW75ztifSDSyG9m6U_aem_AYv_8ngYZrnP0510AiZUflzg4iEvkIQfgOTHzLYAr6SQKfuD-yC12MBH1AhCMVIkcZY

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

05/02/2024

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=865671805566436&id=100063708724143

13/01/2024

Yesterday I picked up this beautiful creature. Whilst we’ve never met it felt like I was bringing home an old friend. His blaze is a mirrored version of Carpal’s (who won my stud name). His Grandma is Cupcake Skerry, Grandad Cupcake Mookaite, with all my other special favourite Cupcakes (including Sugar, Lone Ranger, Wonky and Martha) in there also.

Massive thanks to Lurelin Lauren who as if by absolute magic made a seamless rat train from Dartford to Cornwall organised and completed within a few days!

So here we have Halcyon Man in the Mirror aka Jackson

13/01/2024

3 months in - still ongoing. All leptospirosis screens so far have come back negative and waiting on the final two. Some rats have started to move onto their forever homes 🥰

17 surrenders have joined to even out half wildie to domestic numbers.

We still aren’t 100% sure if there’s still any rats remaining at the site.

We are aware there’s a bit of a backlog on applications due to being busy with the most recent surrenders that have come in.

Update can be found on the below link:

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/912tZKdj5W

11/01/2024

🥰🥰🥰

02/01/2024

Let's talk about pink-eyed rats!

PE rats DO have slightly poorer vision than BE rats, but then rats don't have the best vision anyway! This is why you see them swaying their head sometimes when they're having a good look at something - it helps with their depth perception.

PE rats AREN'T more skittish/nervous/unfriendly than BE rats. Rats are individuals, and their eye/ear/coat/colour doesn't impact that!

PE rats AREN'T evil. Though I would still be careful of the Lurelin martens, they may lick you to death!

We all have our own preferences when it comes to variety, but please consider giving PE rats a chance 😊 Here's Ch Hyjal Kiki's Delivery Service, who has won many people over to PE rats in the past! 🥰

02/01/2024

Let’s talk about the Savic Freddy Max

This reflection stems from seeing an increase in discussions around the ‘Savic Freddy Max’ cage which is the only suitable cage for rats sold in the largest pet shop chain within the UK and therefore more readily available within the second-hand market. I have also recently witnessed a national rescue speak negatively around the Savic Freddy Max cage indicating that this cage is not suitable for rats. Brand new this cage comes with two shelves, two ladders, a litter tray and hammock. This cage *is* suitable for rats; the shelves and ladders, however, are not. The shelves and ladders limit space for enrichment, stimulation and the space to provide a challenging athletic layout.

The shelves can be useful in some situations I.e., rescue rats who lack muscle tone and require the additional support whilst developing fitness, in some situations with post op, old or disabled rats and in some situations the shelve can provide a ‘roof’ to provide a nesting area for pregnant or nursing Mums (but this must be situation specific). The plastic shelves are notorious for becoming a litter tray and end up smelling.

As a blank canvas the Savic Freddy max is a robust cage with good space to provide an enriching layout to support natural behaviours. It comfortably fits and supports a 14-inch Tic-Tac wheel (bearing in mind wheels don’t have to be close to the floor for rats to access – they can access via branches, perches and ropes). Creative foraging opportunities can be provided through an additional box on the floor, or drilling holes in a planter or box and cable tying to the side. Ropes, branches, perches and parrot toys provide opportunities to climb and balance whilst still providing space for a couple of beds i.e., igloos / huts and hammocks. The cage door can be attached to ‘chains’ to create a ‘draw bridge’ providing it a platform for rats to come to the door to engage with their owners.

These cages are of good quality, robust and if looked after can last for many years. They are readily available on Facebook Marketplace for under £50 (and sometimes even free!).

Further reading on cages, enrichment and care can be found here: http://www.isamurats.co.uk/cage-enrichment.html

13/12/2023

💖Somerset Rescue Rats 💖

50 adults have been caught from the locations and 110 babies despite most of the girls being prescribed Galastop to try and prevent pregnancy.

We have a large amount of half wild babies – we are shouting out for anyone who has experience of half wildies and would like to adopt some. They’re the same species as our domestic friends but given their genetic background can be very ratty rats with quirks. They have all been born within foster care however and will be spending time with their domestic friends.

There are some adults who are requiring ongoing care towards health problems, these health problems don’t appear to be linked but as these rats were in poor condition when caught its likely that their immune systems were weaker making them more susceptible to infection.

We do however have ongoing costs including food (110 babies eat a lot!), bedding, ongoing vet care and leptospirosis screening.

I would also really like to be able to source / purchase some second hand TicTac wheels so we are able to offer these to prospective homes of the half wildies and we would ideally like to source some more all metal cages.

PayPal fundraisers only last for 30 days and the last one raised £866 which we cannot thank you all enough for! We have set up a new PayPal fundraiser to roll over from the previous one with the new link here:

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/909QhhZlqA

With lots of love from the Somerset Volunteers and rats 💛

10/12/2023

Nimbus' cupcake jewelry collection is now on the website 💞

Necklaces and earrings painted by little miss Nimbus are available and ready to ship 🎂

10/12/2023

📖🐀TODAY IS FINALLY THE DAY!!📖🐀

You can officially buy Pet Rat Care on Amazon!

You guys are amazing- I can’t believe how many of you were there at midnight ordering when it went live! 🥰🥰

Please don't forget to review it on Amazon once you've read it! If you think it's the book that new owners need to read, then we need reviews to make sure owners know that this is the one to go for!

Find it here: https://amzn.eu/d/eBOLv7w

04/12/2023

Today my Somerset Fosters received a lovely care package from Ratcessories 💚🥰💜

28/11/2023

This girl makes me smile 💜

Happy 1st birthday to my fluffy little cloud, Cupcake Nimbus! 🩷

This girl is the sweetest little soul and I'm so grateful she came to live with me.

To celebrate her birthday, we are offering 15% off all orders until Friday! Use the code NIMBUSBDAY at checkout 🥰

18/11/2023

Breeze passed away last night.

Breeze was one of the Somerset does who despite being treated with Galastop to prevent pregnancy went on to have a litter of babies.

She was identified as an older doe who looked like she had been a breeding machine for her whole life. She handled having her litter of 14 like an absolute pro, she was so sweet, gentle and kind. She moved to a good friend last week for baby socialisation but started to show a couple of soft signs of deterioration with a rapid decline within 12 hours. She has now left a litter of 3 week old babies without their Mum, and whilst they will be okay with nutritional support it is not okay.

When we say within the pet shop, feeder breeder and the back yard breeder trade does are bred back to back with little thought to health and welfare we aren’t lying. When you purchase from a pet shop it just creates space for more and yes I have also seen ‘old stock’ in the pets at home adoption centre. I’m not against that rats are a nutritional need for some animals, but I strongly believe in quality of life for those animals also.

And here’s to whoever dumped those ✨domesticated ✨ rats which ✨Did Not Need To Be Dumped ✨ there are now 50 adults and 100 babies so good job 👌

23/10/2023

💚 Taunton Rescue Rats 💚

Application form to apply to adopt can be found here:

We are conscious that the concept of a homing questionnaire can sound quite daunting however it is the complete opposite. This form allows us to get to know you and it ensures us that the animals that we are homing are going to the best homes possible. The rats within this rescue have been caught ou...

18/10/2023

Steph over at Sceville Rats has set up a fundraiser for the recently dumped rats.

So far, 13 have been caught with 11 safely settled in temporary homes quarrantined. Some of the does are pregnant - too far along for galastop so litters pending.

The rats are underweight, malnourished, affected with parasites, wounds, dirty, in generally poor condition. Our main focus at the moment is getting as many of these rats as we can, safe and begin the treatment they need.

In terms of helping - there are 6 of us at present working to capture/quarantine/transport/care for the dumped rats. Any financial donations towards their care are gratefully received. Foster homes will potentially be needed in the future.

If anybody wishes to donate, here is the link. This will be distributed between everyone who is helping.
https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8YyyJPcuFP

Thank you 🧡

18/10/2023

There’s just no excuse for this.

These rats are filthy, they’re riddled with lice, mites, ticks.

They’re malnourished, underweight and super lightweight feeling.

I just don’t understand how people can dump animals in rural areas but can’t dump them (in the middle of the night if you have too!) outside of a rescue / pet shop / vets.

17/10/2023

Dumping domesticated animals into the wild needs to stop. Any ideas how to get this message out there because I’m royally fed up of it now.

07/10/2023

Cupcake Nimbus (who lives with with the Sceville’s) has been painting at Toogoods Tiny Paws HQ 🎨🤭🍁

(The paint is animal safe!)

18/09/2023

Zoom zoom beep beep coming through 💙

17/09/2023

16/09/2023

This is a good read written by Jem on why variety matters 💚

This is something I’ve thought about writing for a long time. I realise I’m biased – as a breeder, as a judge, and as someone who wanted to learn everything they could about rats from the moment I got my first pair of boys – but hopefully there are some points in here which people will consi...