You know me, I do a lot of thinking and that's a bit dangerous 😜
I've always said that if I can only home a new owner a pair of rats then, as a compromise, they have priority for my next 2 lots of litters to add another pair. I'm finding that the people who take this route seem to have an even easier time of intros in general, which is helpful when it's your first time doing them! I've experienced this when starting new groups myself as well. It also gives people a bit more time before adding in another pair/trio later on and, in my opinion, creates a really nice group dynamic.
People usually recommend a trio to start with and I do understand why, but I believe there are also benefits to starting with a pair then adding a second pair a few months later. So instead of offering a pair and priority as a compromise, going forward I'll be offering it as a legitimate starting option for new owners. As long as you keep going with a rolling group, both options are fine 🙂
This is also a reminder that if you only have 2 rats and would like to continue keeping them then adding another pair/trio should be your priority. There are a range of rescues and breeders in the South East and further afield. If you do not intend on keeping rats long-term, then you will need to start making a plan for when you have a lone rat.
Here's Marnie being daft for rat tax 🤭
"HUEHEHEHE THEY'LL NEVER FIND THE SQUASH HERE" - Tingle
ETA: They have found the best home ever and I'm so excited for the boys 🥰
🐀👀🏠 Huck, Linebeck & Acorn
This is a very painful post to make, but I'm looking for a new home for Huck, Linebeck and Acorn as they are not part of my breeding plans going forward and they deserve attention that isn't as divided.
H&L are both 1 in October and have been 100% healthy. They are half-brothers and were wrestling buddies growing up (Linebeck always let Huck win, it was adorable). Linebeck is the quieter but more dominant one, and Huck is excitable, playful and cuddly. Both are friendly and easy to handle.
Acorn is 1 in February and has also been 100% healthy. He shares a grandad with Huck and Linebeck, so is their cousin. Acorn can be a bit shy at first, but loves being tickled, playing, and cuddles and kisses. He sometimes pretends he's above all of this nonsense, but he's not ;) He's very adventurous and brings a lovely balance to the trio.
Annual updates for their birthday are essential, and any others are very much so welcomed. My husband and I will miss them dearly. I'm also happy to offer priority for kittens from my next litters to help kickstart a rolling group for them.
The usual home checks apply. I'm happy for them to go to someone who is experienced with intros, or to someone who is starting a new buck group. The main things are that they'll be treated like kings and that I'll have updates. If I had all the time in the world they wouldn't be going anywhere, so please bear this in mind when enquiring.
First play pen time with Arri beans last weekend!
Arri beans sharing a homemade pizza crust "nicely"
It's dressing gown season, which can only mean one thing...
If you've been following my page for a while you might remember that Totoro, the silver agouti buck that I gave Katie, HATED mint. Well, Groose hates basil! 🤣
I was trying to sort out doe allocations on Wednesday and turned my head to see a little face peeking at me over the edge of the show tank! The pen of shame was brought out after this 🫠 Good luck with this little lady, Lesley 🤣
If you've reserved does then please check your messages/email. I'll be allocating bucks late next week.
🐀 GENERAL UPDATE 🐀
You might have noticed that I'm taking interest for these litters later than normal. That's because I'm being very indecisive and I've been waiting to see if these little beans would arrive! I'm planning on getting my act together soon, so the EOI post and email will go out at the end of the week. I'm also going to have some adult bucks looking for a new home soon, but more info on them next month.
I was recently made Hon Secretary for the NFRS. This simply means that I'm doing a job to help the smooth running of the society and doesn't mean anything in terms of the "quality" of my rats. I know I can be on the opinionated side, but I'm really passionate about the society and what it does for rats and rat keepers, so I hope people feel they can approach me if they need something and that I do a good job.
Now that my lines are more established I'm going to be spacing out pairings a little bit more. I'm really proud of how far I've come and I'm in a better position now than when I started, but the past 2 years have been a lot! I've really appreciated the feedback that I've had along the way from other breeders and pet homes too; it's been so helpful with my decision-making.
The 13 beans are Lurelin Arrietty (marten) x Lurelin Legolas (agouti) when they were 5 hours old ❤️💚
Playing with the bananas after work 🥰 I've muted this video as I'm so embarrassing to listen to 🤣
Hana chewed the rope down, a bean went walkabouts outside the cage (they came back when called thankfully) and we all had a good wrestle (bean won against Hana too!)
I'm really chuffed with this litter; they're so engaging. I took a chance on Acorn as a stud buck and I hope it continues to pay off. Hana has done an amazing job too, they've been weaned since this video ❤️
I nabbed some apples from the breakfast buffet while I was away for work and the rats loved them! Of course, your sibling's/mum's apple piece is always the tastiest, so there was much apple politics 😆 I tried to get a video of it but they stopped and came running for cuddles, which I took as a big compliment!
Here's Berry hiding under a toy with her piece 🤭
