Welcome 2008

Well it's been almost a month since the last blog! Gosh, time goes by quickly!

The girls have grown (I'm sure) not only physically but mentally. Diamond is up to all Java's old tricks now - the two of them enjoy running amok and trying to escape of the barrier that protects the sofa! I'm have thoughts about just opening the whole room up - easier for everyone! At Christmas the rats received a mini Xmas dinner and presents. Java has been learning her commands and is getting more clever by the day. Diamond comes when called (v. useful!). Below is the simple run I taught Java, although now she has added "Jump" and "under" (video to follow soon):

I have also been helping out with some rats my boyfriend is looking after over the Xmas period. They are also two girls called Alice and Vivian. Below is a picture of Alice with Parsley the rabbit . ^_^

Since Java's digging excavations we've had to put pebbles around the plant - not that's stopped her!

They are still scraping but not as much so hopefully they'll grow out of it soonish. Diamond has amazed me beyond belief with her recovery and bravery - I'm just happy they can enjoy every minute well. I spend about 2 hours a day with them now.



Although orignially my ideas that Diamond was a complete albino I now have to differ my opinions. My dad had talked to a vet friend who named her different breed. This is becuase she is now starting to get darker markings on her nose and rear - even though she has red eyes. I decided to look into different names for breeds etc but it's so confusing and there seems to be no end of sub-catagories! So maybe I'll just ask an expert!



As they enjoy sitting on my shoulder a lot it wasn't much of a suprise to discover that they love sitting/ridding around in my hoodie hood! Diamond loves climbing the tree as well although she tends to get tired and has to jump onto my hand for support. A few days ago I put them in the smaller cage and took them up to my room. My sister didn't know and when she came had a small heart attack and ran down the stairs screaming to my mum what I had done! The rats enjoyed it smelling all the new smells and were eger to come out, but as I haven't rat-proofed the room I thought it wouldn't be fair.

On the last few trips to Pets At Home I have become more and more attached to the rats I see in there. I always want to take a few home - it's so sad to see them with not even half a meter square space to play in and it's not like they get any attention!

They have had their first taste of snow - January 3rd brought a flurry down and as their cage looks out over the garden they seemed inquisative. I don't think they'd have been impressed by the cold though.

A happy new year to you and I hope it brings happiness.
-Amy-