* Tootsie and Pixy Stix found their forever home with awesome people! Yay! *

Hamilton Animal Services contacted us when four rats came into the shelter who needed immediate rescue. The rats had been dumped outdoors, and they had likely been alone out there for some time. Thankfully the kind property owner who noticed them was aware that they were domestic rats, and began live trapping them to bring to HAS. All four rats had cuterebras (bot fly larvae) embedded in their skin. (See this page for (graphic) photos and a description of cuterebras.) The females had them embedded in their undersides, one male rat had one next to his penis, and the last one had a cuterebra embedded in his scrotum. The vet tech at HAS was able to remove the cuterebras from the females, but the males needed vet assistance for removal. We were able to get the rats out of the shelter and to the vet right away. We named them Gouda, Casu, (females), Monterey Jack and Muenster (males).
Gouda and Casu’s wounds were cleaned up, and Monterey Jack and Muenster were put under anesthetic to remove the cuterebras and to be neutered. They were treated for parasites, and started on medication. Monterey Jack and Muenster recovered perfectly and they were adopted.

Casu gave birth to 6 babies on September 13th, and Gouda gave birth to 10 babies on September 16th. Casu and Gouda were protective and attentive moms, and they raised the babies perfectly.
Pixy Stix and Tootsie were adopted, but unfortunately had to be returned to us a couple of months later through no fault of their own. They’re now ready to find their forever home!

Pixy Stix and Tootsie are very active little rats, and they will need lots of room to explore, burrow and make nests. We recommend Critter Nation cages for ample space and safety. Though they’ve been handled lots in their foster home, the babies take after their moms as far as being a little bit flighty and afraid of certain noises. They’ll need patient and loving forever families who can give them the time they need to settle in.
We’re asking that Pixy Stix and Tootsie be adopted as a pair.

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IS A RAT THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU?

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Ladybird recommends Critter Nation cages. They are hands down the most spacious, and best quality enclosure for small animals on the market. They come in single and double sizes, and can be modified and customized to create enrichment and provide comfort. Their design and solid manufacturing almost entirely eliminates the possibility of accidental escape. Critter Nation cages are available (or can be ordered) at most local pet supply stores.

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Can’t adopt but want to help?
Monetary donations are always needed, but if you’d like to donate something specifically for the rats in our care, donations of rat food, small pet blankets (used for cage lining), rat hammocks and fleece liners for Critter Nation cages are very much appreciated!
Options for donating items:
🐁 Dundas Pet Valu – 86 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario. Purchase items in-store and leave in the donation bin.
🐁 Purchase items and have them delivered to us through our Amazon Wish List
🐁 Order from Tiny Paws Emporium (ask for items to be delivered to Ladybird Animal Sanctuary)

Visit this page of our website to see all the ways to donate.