Chestnut:

Conker peeking out from a cushion

Conker peeking out from a cushion

Since he joined our family Conker has been doing really well settling in, getting used to Derek and I and just learning what fun it is to come out and have a run-around.  He’s a really lovely boy, though he did develop one naughty habit of nipping Derek’s feet while he was out playing.  We were really starting to enjoy our new guys, even with the sad loss of Apple and Lime, Chestnut and Conker were very sweet and entertaining.

Sadly a few weeks ago we noticed a change in Conker, he suddenly stopped climbing and eating and he had become wobbly on his feet.  We dug out the baby food and started feeding him, while he was a bit clumsy eating it, he still managed to tuck it away.

Conker’s condition has improved slightly, though he can’t manage to eat solids and seems to have problems coordinating his front paws.  When he washes he tends to roll over, and he has a very short attention span and is easily distracted, which can be a problem when we are feeding him.  Despite all this he seems really happy, I don’t think he is suffering in any way, mentally or physically, he is just a bit clumsy and confused.

Chestnut is still doing well.  He has a strange respiratory problem, which he’s had since we got him, he can get a bit out of breath when he gets excited.  We’ve tried him on Baytril, which had no effect, but as with Conker he is bright and happy.  We are keeping a close eye on him to make sure his condition doesn’t deteriorate.  Both boys, and Bramble, seem to be enjoying all the baby food and attention they are getting.  So, for now, if they are happy then so are Derek and I.

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Chestnut and his new brother, Apple

Chestnut and his new brother, Apple

After the very sad loss of our ratties Pepper & Pippin, we couldn’t face keeping Chestnut and Conker in their old cage in their old room.  It was too much of a sad reminder of our much loved boys who had left us far too quickly, so we decided to move them.

Our three boys Apple, Bramble and Lime are very friendly rats, if a little bonkers and while they do have their health problems we know from their sisters that it is nothing contagious.  Plus with Chestnut and Conker being so timid and shy and having trouble understand that they are allowed to leave their cage to run about and play, we think it will do them good to have some confident and energetic brothers.

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We were planning not to add any more rats to our little family, but as usual things didn’t go according to plan.  It all started with our sweet guy Pippin, who was struggling on his own after the loss of his brother Pepper.  Pippin had gotten very down and wouldn’t eat or drink and his health had deteriorated rapidly.  No matter what we did for him, we could not make up for the loss of his brother.  It was obvious the only thing left to do was get him a new companion, so we headed to the RSPCA…

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