Introducing Doodles!

While we still feel sad over the loss of Ted, we also had Jack in mind, who lost his brother and cage buddy.

It seems a good idea to introduce him to a new friend and perhaps keep his mind busy, and help him get over the loss of his brother

We opted to go to the DSPCA as we learned that they had some ratties that needed a good home (and deprive the pet shops of our money)

So the choice was made on a younger rat (aprox 10 weeks) As Jack, always being an alpha, would not feel that much treatened by a smaller rat. This strategy worked very well when we introduced Bubbles to Shiva, so why break away from something you know that can work?

So without further ado, here's our newest member to our crazy family, Doodles:








Doodles already discovered that there is more to life then lab blocks, he seems very happy with that.

Currently he occupies the top level (which we blocked off from the lower level where Jack is) to get settled in and get used to his new mommy and daddy.

Meanwhile he can get used to the smell of Jack (and visa versa)

Jack's reaction so far is showing interest, with only an occasional huff (but we seen that with Shiva as well before we introduced Bubbles)

We'll take it slow, let this little guy settle in, give lots of atention to Jack as well and see how they will get on in a few days on neutral territory.

Doodles is a beautifull chocolate brown (I think Berkeshire) with a few white doodles on his belly.

He's sweet - he's a black berkshire I must say I'd have gotten two, not one... but I'm sure he'll be OK.

xx

Actually, you got a point there and did some research on it.

Since we don't want to rush the intro (knowing that with males you need to be patient) it would be unfair on Doodles to be on his own.

Also, it's very likely that Doodles will outlive Jack and then we would have the same problem again.

So we went back to the DSPCA this afternoon and rescued one of Doodles brothers.

We were thinking of getting the other Berskshire, as all the others were spitting images of Ted...

But the other Berkshire seemed reluctant and one of the huskeys was almost jumping into our arms, so the choice was made...

The moment we picked that little guy, the sun broke through.. so we will call him "Sunshine"


We have put them in their own cage, as Jack seemed a bit upset having to part with his top level, so we can take things slowly.

This article seems a good guide for intro's, so we decided to go with that schedule:

http://www.petresearch.net/2009/02/18/a-guide-to-rat-introductions


Here's some advise to anyone that gets into the same situation:

- Your lonely boy will morn the loss of his friend, give him time to adjust, don't rush an intro.
- Do research, better a day spent getting your head around facts and schedules that runing off to get a cage mate.
- Take you time... The loss of a ratty is emotional, and your worry goes to the one that is left behind, but keep in mind, the new cage mate(s) are just as deserving to good treatment as your lone rat. Don't forget that intros can be stressfull on them, especially if you try to rush!


And last but not least: Use this forum, get advice and research!

On a final note:

The DSPCA still have 4 gorgious boys. a Berkshire (or is it Irish?) and 2 huskies of about 10 weeks. Their dad is in there as well, don't know about his age, but he was a friendly fellow

He's adorable!!! I love him! Always fancied having a black rat for myself someday

Aww - I really am glad that you went back for Sunshine too! Lovely name, and here's hoping it goes really well!

xx

Aw he's beautiful! So glad these little guys got a second chance - and what a good home they've fallen into :)I know you'll keep us all updated