New Home Guide
Carrier to Bring Your New Friends Home-
You must bring an appropriate plastic carrier. If you do not have one, the adoption will not go through.
If you need me to pick one up for you, I can, for an additional $20 on top of the deposit, and I must be informed ahead of time, with at least 48 hours notice before our appointment.
New Home Sneezes-
Sneezing when introduced to a new environment is completely normal, and to be expected for the first few weeks.
If, however, the rat seems to be honking, there is a wet lung sound or crackling when breathing, any coughing, producing excessive porphyrin (red gunk around eyes/nose or on fur as it can be spread around as they groom), or appears lethargic – they should absolutely see a vet ASAP.
Travelling to Your Home-
When bringing your rats home consider the temperature for travel. Sometimes the car’s heat or AC can trigger some respiratory issues. However, you also don’t want the trip to be too hot or cold. To be safe, be sure to block off any direct air so that it doesn’t blow on the carrier.
Transitioning once Home-
- Limit time out of the cage. Let them get used to their new home: your families’ sounds, smells, routines, etc. Give them a worn shirt you don’t mind getting chewed on a bit, and put it in their cage to get familiar with your scent.
- Sit beside the cage and read aloud so they get used to your voice, or go about your business as usual if the cage is in a common area you spend a lot of time in.
- Find time to put your hand in the cage with treats in your palm, or yogurt / baby food on your fingertips, so they get used to associating you with good things.
- Stellar Rats are used to being handled daily by adults and children alike, but it takes time to warm up in a new environment, and for the most part, remember: they are just babies, and will need time to adjust to such a big change.