Gerbert Rat Rat Saint Paul, MN

Our adoption process can be found on our website here:
https://www.mnpocketpetrescue.org/process

Estimated birth date: 6/9/22

Personality: Curious, Funny, Inquisitive, Nervous, Quiet, Smart, Timid, but willing to do anything for a treat!

Favorite treats: Banana, peas, yogurt, grapes, cheerios.

Current Diet: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food, Fruit, Veggies.

Favorite toys and activities: Hiding in and chewing fleece, exploring. Loves fleece hammocks and hideaways.

Potty trained: Mostly poops in litter box, but not pee.

This animal’s daily routine: Sleeping/resting during day, Coming out for play/free roam in the evening.

BFF (Does this animal have or need a friend of the same species in their home?): No, this animal prefers to live alone..

Other species this pet has been exposed to and reaction: Rats- Gerbert was very anxious and aggressive. Dogs- Gerbert was curious, didn't seem threatened

Has this animal been exposed to children? What was their reaction? Yes, no problem.

Health concerns: Seems to get URI's a lot, but he has no trouble taking meds.

Behavioral concerns: Gerbert has graduated from our trust training program! He was previously in the program for shyness and nipping when approached too quickly. Learn more about our trust training methods at https://www.mnpocketpetrescue.org/trust-training.

Other Notes: Gerbert came to the rescue very fearful and somewhat aggressive, but he has come a long way and is much more comfortable around people. He's still timid but now allows you to pick him up out of the cage and will gladly eat treats from your hand!

His foster has also put clothing in the cage so he gets used to her scent. He used to try to bite her hand through the cage bars but now he only sniffs! He would not let anyone touch him for a while but now his foster can pet him for a few seconds while he licks yogurt before he runs and hides.

Update 9/19/23 - When he is playing outside the cage Gerbert will crawl on his foster's lap and take treats from her hand but he will then scurry away. He is starting to let her touch him when he's distracted by his favorite treats, but as soon as he's done eating he tries to bite or run away. His first reaction is still to bite.

Update 3/17/24- He seems to not like other male rats and seems happy living alone- however, that means he will need a lot of attention and free roam/playtime in his future home since rats are very social. He's also very smart and can remember where I put treats and can climb/jump up almost anything!!

Update 4/18/24 - Gerbert has a history of biting, but I've been trust training with him for a long time and he hasn't bit me for a while! Now I can stick my hand in the cage or pick him up and I have no fear of him biting.

Update 8/19/24 - Gerbert's foster has made multiple attempts to bond him with buddies but he gets too anxious. However, he is not anxious around his foster anymore and hasn't bitten for a long time!!

Update 10/24/2024 - Gerbert came to the rescue very fearful and somewhat aggressive, but he has come a long way and is much more comfortable around people. He's still timid but now allows you to pick him up out of the cage and will gladly eat treats from your hand!

Gerbert came to MN Pocket Pet Rescue as a transfer from AHS due to behavior concerns.

Due to our rescue being foster-based, not all foster homes are located in Saint Paul, MN. This animal's foster parent prefers to meet at the Petsmart - 1640 New Brighton Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413 for meet & greets, & adoptions.

Fee: Gerbert has an adoption fee of $20

We absolutely DO NOT SHIP ANIMALS! Please do not ask.

These rats have tested negative for the Seoul virus before being placed up for adoption.

A portion of Gerbert's care while in rescue has been sponsored by Jacob Carroll! If you would like to donate to provide veterinary care, food, bedding, and enrichment for Gerbert or other pocket pets in the care of MNPPR, please visit https://www.mnpocketpetrescue.org/sponsor-a-pocket-pet for more information.