Is mise Darragh

Hi everyone,

I posted a question today, without even saying hello in here first. How very rude of me!

My name's Darragh, but some folks call me Dak, because of a TV show I always watched when I was a kid. Anyone remember Clarence the cross eyed lion? I live in good old rainy Mayo. I've never had any rats in my care, but have wanted some for years. I recently decided it was time to take the plunge, and I'm lucky enough to be on the waiting list for a pair of Bongo Fury bucks. I can't wait!

It was really refreshing to find this forum, and to see that there were at least a few people in Ireland who weren't totally repulsed by the idea of keeping rats as pets. I've gotten quite a few strange looks (and strong words) when I've told friends about my interest. It turns out a lot of them have rat phobia. Well they'll just have to get over it!

I look forward to getting to know everyone and their rats.

Keep Smilin'

Welcome Dak!
Or do you prefer Darragh?
I've had the same issue, but generally limited to a look of confusion or general. platonic enthusiasm from friends.
My family were the worst, and still don't understand.
But once you introduce people, explain how different they are to wild rats, and let them cuddle the fuzzy fellers; they all fall in love.

My landlord actually keeps them out of mind as best he can, but when we let his girlfriend hold Indy, and he gave her a little lick, she told him the bad news (that she might want some herself)

Best of luck with your new lads, and I can testify that Laura has the most magnificent attitude, and her little fuzzies are so, so amazing

Aww guys! I'll get a huge head! ;D

Lovely to have you on the forum Darragh look forward to getting to know you more, and hopefully having some boys available for you soon!

You think it's bad when you only have a couple of rats? Try the response you get when you tell people you have anything from 30-50 at any time! ;D

xx

Thanks for the welcome

Either name is fine Tribble. I've no preference really. I've been called Dak for as long as I can remember.

As for 30 - 50 rats Laura! I can imagine the looks. It hasn't been all bad though. Quite a few friends have been open to the idea, and a little excited. The strong words came from a friend who grew up helping his neighbour with horses. Being sent into the shed to get feed, at 10 years old, and seeing big rats running around, well fed on oats! I can understand why his mind can't handle the thought of them. Hopefully I can help him get over it.

Welcome from me!!!

We have 4 of Laura's lovely ladies, they are amazing girls....you'll love em!!!

Good luck with it all......

Thank you Abdou

I'm really looking forward to it!

Welcome!! I'm new to all of this too and got two Bongo Fury boys before Christmas. I'm loving them! So much fun and amazing little personalities.

Aha! You were the one that beat me to it

Thanks for the welcome. Glad you're having fun with them.

Hi Darragh,

Welcome to the forum, looking forward to seeing pics of your new babies when you get them

Thanks Katherine

I'm getting a little more excited about them every day...

dakbie wrote: Aha! You were the one that beat me to it

Thanks for the welcome. Glad you're having fun with them.

Oopsie, maybe I was? They are well worth the wait though!

No harm, no foul. When I first contacted Laura, she still had two does available from that same litter. I decided to hang on for some boys though, as I wasn't quite ready...

HI welcome to the forum Dak.... I am now the proud owner of my 2nd pair of Bongo Fury bucks which I got in early December and can honestly say they are the sweetest, most affectionate cute little critters. And I have the same problem with my family and some friends not taking too kindly to me having them as pets, especially my mother who has told me quite a few times that if I ever brought them out to their house she'd let them free back into the wild where they belong. YOu cant win them all . Gladly I don't live at home so they have their very own room away from the dogs

Thanks Rizzo
Yeah, I've started gathering supplies here and there to make a nice home for them. The sweet anticipation of it all... Good to know you're havin' fun with your boys
My friends, I'm afraid shall just have to man up, and my family will warm to them, once they get to know them My cat on the other hand. I'll just have to keep her away from the catnip, and occupied with heat, food and piece of paper to chase!