The next issue that may come to your mind is that he is indeed the epitome of a red-eyed white rat. Which, of those who may have previously spoken with me regarding my expectations of rats I was looking to take in, that was at the bottom of the list in terms of appearance. However, as the universe is oft times desirous to inflict harsh humor, this was what was presented. But please do attempt to recall that when there are those peoples that I meet throughout my days I judge them not by their appearance (despite the fact many people I see are deserving of such judgement), but rather I take people for Who they are. The same applies here.
If you are among the ilk that hold fast to the idiom of "the red eyes creep me out", bear in mind that you are intentionally avoiding the truth of WHO this creature is for a shallow brief assumption based on appearance. Given the poor eyesight that is attached to all red-eyed rats, I'm certain that he would just as soon not have them. But, insomuch as we cannot determine our eye color without prosthetic, nor can he. But, I digress...
We have now had him for a couple of days and he has been getting himself settled in quite well. His skills at shoulder surfing have proven him to be quite the capable socialite. He is far more willing to meet new people from his perch on myself or Rayne, where is showing he is very comfortable, than he seems to be otherwise. He is also beginning to exhibit signs that he recognizes his name, but this will still take a bit more time before it has fully settled in. A similar inkling of success is beginning to show with the litter training - the first signs are there, but he is far from being trained.
A point of specifics to note - his current home. While I have mentioned that we are in process of constructing a three story rat-mansion from steel shelves, this is not yet ready. What with the soon introduction of at least one, if not two more rats (this is still in discussion now, as we had only planned for two), we decided it best to wait to complete the palace and open it for tenants until such time as all occupants could move in. This is a small part of an attempt to help prevent territorial battles. We shall see what, if any, effect this will have.
Eddie's current home is in a "Luxury Rat Pet Home". Which, in and of itself is quite a nice home for a py-rat. I would venture to say that it would comfortably hold 2, but likely be a bit crowded for 3. You can take a closer look here:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4470997
We removed the wheel (it is on it's own stand, and so in reality, we just never put it in), which left the base open for a nesting box, which we supplied strips of cloth for, and the litter pan - a shallow plastic storage container. Inside the hammock we placed a small old towel, which he seems to like, and has even curled up inside the towel for privacy.
If you happen be considering a rat home, this is definitely worth the looking. Upon the grand opening of the py-rat palace (to be aptly named "The Bilge"), this cage will be come the travel home when we vacation or take weekend trips. It will also serve well as a quarantine area should the need arise.
In any event, here is the home d'jour:
His cage currently resides in a "free-range" area that we have put together. This will explain to you why a keen eye promptly caught the fact that the lower door is open during this picture. Previously, we had set him on end-to-end banquet tables and used that for the free-range area, given that py-rats in general are not inclined to jump from unknown heights, and given the poorer eyesight of the red eyes made this even less likely. However, we knew it was not ideal for a permanent play area, and the edges were a constant source of concern for both him and us. You can have all of the knowledge and facts on your side, but one ancient adage always holds true - children and small animals will make liars out of you.
He is not yet comfortable with the free-range area. Our current belief is the vast expanse of open area. I can verily see the instinct kicking in and causing him strife of the various unknown dangers that may lurk from above or across the open field that his poor eyesight cannot focus on. On eyesight, the thought had also occurred as a possibility that the solid color of the carpet may not register as a floor, but rather an unknown distance below him. In an attempt to relieve this, many of his toys and sundries have been moved close to the cage entrance by Rayne to give a sense of depth as well as nearby areas of cover should he want it.
At the time of this writing he has forgone any further ventures from out of his cage and has resigned himself to his day-time nap. Which, we are inclined to allow him, as his schedule is starting to adjust more to ours. It serves us all best if he is in the habit of waking in the morning before Rayne and I leave for our respective jobs and then sleeping for the duration of the day until we return in the evening.
So, this is the extent to which Eddie is settled into for the time being. Quite contented and happy, but with many more adventures ahead of him. I do promise that this will not become a volume of literary tripe, full of nonsensical anecdotes regarding the endearing every action that one may feel to be as "cute" or "adorable". A simple view upon his visage tells you that those are a constant, and in truth only most relevant to those in the moment - and oft lose the value upon the retelling for all those, save the one reliving the moment. I will instead save this space, and your time, for the more pertinent information regarding the actual useful information in py-rat husbandry, and the occasional tale of true adventure that is worthy of retelling and can be found to provide amusement or entertainment to any who hear it.
Questions and comments are always welcomed.
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