Drape Is Helped To the Bridge

Drape was helped to the bridge today. After a long bout of respiratory issues, it just became too much for the little guy. He was the last of his cage mates. His "wife" Sprite, passed earlier.

Drape was adopted when Chester came to Vermin Village. He and Chester were introduced and became best buddies. This was the first introduction I'd done with intact males. They did very well and I was most impressed. Particularly because they were both 6 months of age--not a good age to introduce intact males. I think they were both exceptional in that they wanted a friend.

They were soon joined by Eddie, Dumbo, Diego and Hades. All intact males. Eddie and Dumbo were a bonded pair as were Diego and Hades. Sadly Hades and Dumbo were the first of the group passed, Eddie followed and more recently Diego.

Rest in peace little one.

Diego Slips Away

Diego has sadly slipped away, leaving his cage mate Drape behind but joining his other cage mates at the bridge. Chester, Eddie, Dumbo and his brother Hades are already there to greet him at the bridge. He always looked at you as if deciding whether or not he wanted you to pick him up or if he wanted you to chase him--as a game. He was very gentle. I was crushed the day his brother Hades passed. I think it was made easier for Diego because
he had other friends to be with. He is survived by his last cage mate, Drape, who has also been very ill.

Rest in peace little one.

Ratties and Food

Well Hades and Diego are big boys, half brothers about 8 months of age. They are getting accustomed to their new digs. They were in a home without other rats and were not ill ever so they got to go right in the room. Both are big boys. I will post a picture as soon as the camera is charged!

Sam is doing ok. She greets me at the door of her cage for her food. Every time I think she is starting to move slower she shocks me and runs around!

I found out that Harlan has the 2018 diet available commercially as Native Earth through PetFoodDirect.com. That isn't the diet I really wanted, but it is good that there is one. I'll have to place an order for May/June to last until the September show when I'll run up to Seattle to get some more. (Sounds like a jaunt rather than a 180+ mile drive. :-)

Well, gotta go and get cracking on cleaning the last 2 cage parts and dismantle the shelves. After almost getting the room done I decided the shelving was going to have to be scrapped as it takes up too much room. Total bummer.