04/04/2024
I’m really disappointed but on reflection, not surprised that people who have never even acknowledged any of my other rattery posts feel it’s ok to jump on this post and give their unsolicited opinion regarding exactly how Dougal died.
If I wanted opinions, I’d have asked for them. I didn’t. I simply wanted to make other potential owners aware this happened in order to prevent further possible incidents.
This post was not meant for the subject of general debate and speculation! If I’d posted on a rat group page I would expect some speculation/opinions/debate. However, I purposely didn’t because I see daily how arrogant people get, newbies being humiliated and shamed. Whilst other overbearing commenters have a complete disregard for reasons for the original post just because their truth or lived experiences do not align with that of the author’s.
My grief is not clouding my knowledge or my truth of why Dougal died! Neither am I in the habit of providing drama or material to generate disagreements for those of you that have nothing better to do than entertain yourselves at others expense.
If you cannot respect that feel free to unfollow my rattery page. You will not be missed 😏
Comments are now turned off.
Edit: I have identified and messaged the maker. The first error is the item was attached to the side of the cage, not the top. Over time and with the weight of my 3 boys who would often cram into it, the wire has bent thereby halving the gap that would have been at the top. The maker is going to add an advisory label advising they should only be hung from top bars. I’ve removed the other one in the girls cage with a view to using it only hanging from the top bars in future (if at all). If you do have a similar item and it’s attached to the side bars, I’d recommend moving it to the top only. I don’t need to name the maker, you’ll know if you have this item or not and where you got it from. If you do have it, I hope this post identifies steps you may need to take if it’s connected to side bars x
WARNING***
***Images may be distressing for some***
Tonight I found Dougal trapped in this cage accessory. I can’t remember where I got it from but I do know I’ve seen lots of them around.
Sadly for Dougal I didn’t discover him until it was too late 😢 I was completely shocked to see what had happened.
The first 2 images show the indents created from when he got stuck. The other 3 shown in comments show how he’d got stuck. I tried to work out how to mark the pictures as sensitive but couldn’t. I feel it was important to share nonetheless in the hopes other accidents can be prevented.
Dougal was born as my 1st Gen and went on to produce 2 litters himself. He will be missed so much and was the gentlest buck I could wish for. Thank you for playing such a vital role in establishing me as a breeder.
Run free Dougal, until we meet again at 🌈 bridge 💔
