My classroom gerbils (George and Gino) have been living in a split cage since I got them. Every time I try to put them together, they fight. I don’t think they will ever be able to live together.
I spoke with my coworker Linda about it. She is the one I got the original George from. She said she’d be willing to take a gerbil back. I told her I’d be looking for a pair of gerbils from the store, so I could give her George or Gino and euthanize the other one. She asked me not to do that, but to just give her both gerbils. I said I would.
Then it occurred to me – since I’m starting from zero, I could even get a different kind of rodent. I started doing some research. As it turns out, gerbils are almost the best rodent for a classroom – they’re easy to care for, have the least odor, and have a good temperament.
But from my research, there is a rodent that is even better. It, too, is easy to care for. It has the second lowest odor. It has a good temperament, but it is more intelligent, curious, and outgoing than gerbils are. This rodent will climb on your shirt, sit on your shoulder, or snuggle on your lap. What is this amazing pet? It’s a rat!
Yesterday, I spent almost all day driving around looking at rats and rat supplies. I met store worker who is a rat lover. Her enthusiasm was contagious and convinced me to get some rats. We were chatting about the rats and the rat lover said: “You’ll have to give them good names.” The worker next to her said: “Megan and Corrin are good names.” As she said it, I looked at her name tag. It said Megan. The rat lover’s tag said Corrin. Ha! Awesome.
Here is Megan:
Wide-eyed and curious.
And here is Corrin:
Such a cutie.
They look similar because they’re sisters, but Corrin has a spot on her back near her tail.
Identifying mark.
I got a cage on clearance that they could live in. Corrin started climbing all over the place right away. Megan went into the little hidey house and cleaned herself. They had gotten poop on them in transit from the store, so I washed them under some running water. Megan didn’t like it very much and was pouting.
I put the cage next to my desk in the back of the room.
Now you have to read Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.
I can’t remember if I actually read the book, or if I just saw the movie. Either way, it’s been a long, long time.
Well, saying ‘rats’ when something goes wrong will not be possible in your room, eh?
The only thing I currently know about rats is that 1) one in New York was able to drag a piece of pizza 6 inches and got famous for it, 2) I’ve watched 60% of Ratatouille, 3) your rats are surprisingly cute.
In regard to number three: I looked at some male rats at another store, and they were less attractive. Their fur was rough and dull, and they looked much more rat-faced (in a bad way). I don’t know if the difference is diet, gender, or breeding, but Megan and Corrin are much cuter.
I have never seen Ratatouille.
I have a one word comment-yuk! Lived with their cousins in NOLA.
I agree with your mom…..Although I don’t remember the farm very well, I think there were some there and I have other “Farmer” relatives & friends who had have rats in their grain bins and other areas around the farm….”YUK” it is!! 🙂