And with that, pretty much all of the badger kittens have flown the nest (1 rat train at Bradford left)! Thank you so much to everyone for making the process nice and smooth and for giving the beans lovely homes.
As I continue to breed over a longer period of time, I've had people come back multiple times for their new additions. It's nice to catch up, watch children grow, and chat about what the rats have been getting up to. I'm just so blessed to have met such lovely people and be connected by the love of rats. It's nice to sit with that sometimes 🥰
Here's a few videos of the beans playing and having Christmas dinner bits 😀 at one point there was a kitten on the wrap and they were being dragged around; it looked like they were on a magic carpet ride 😆 they've been a lot of fun and each kitten has such a distinct character. I hope they bring their new homes a lot of happiness and mischief!
Breeding Masterclass: How to Make Rexes
Sam would also like you to know that the technical term for a rex is "fluzz"
🔊
The tatties also have their traditional Christmas treats of chicken wings and banana dipped in chocolate fondue, but here are the girls, the buck kittens then the bonkers doe kittens with a sprout stalk ❤️
It's been a busy couple of weeks for the babies! I've spliced together some videos so I don't have to spam post; a lot has changed since peepers and even since this video :)
Mipha's litter loves exploring (tbh a bit too much, they're the first litter I've had to escape the play pen). Perda has constantly wrestling and nummie-demanding nutters! Toots's kittens are in that “everything is new” stage and, while absolutely bananas, are surprisingly calm when you have them out.
As I mentioned before, Mipha decided to have 4 dwarfs. I knew her mum Impa was a carrier as Caroline (Bluethorn) had one from another of Impa's daughters. It's not the end of the world as it's not a harmful variant of dwarf (it's in the process of being standardised), but it's just so so funny that I've been breeding for 2 years, have barely had the varieties that I've been breeding for, then when I finally get them almost half are dwarf 🤣
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! 🤣
