Zumbrota Rat Rat Saint Paul, MN

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

Estimated birth date: 1/29/2024

Personality: Aggressive (lunges, bites, etc), Curious, Energetic, Inquisitive, Smart.

Favorite treats: Dried meal worms, kale leaves, yogurt drops, cheerios, and above all else malt paste (furovite).

Current Diet: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food

Favorite toys and activities: Running on the wheel and building nests.

Potty trained: Does not use a litter box but only potties in cage.

NOTE: Rats, even when litter trained, use their urine to scent mark as they move around their space. This means that while they might not take a big pee when they’re free roaming, they’re still trailing tiny dribbles wherever they go to help them navigate and understand their space. Most people can’t smell these tiny amounts of urine, but some people’s noses are more sensitive than others, so make sure your space can be cleaned easily if needed!

This animal’s daily routine: She and her friend Wanamingo get fed twice a day, and in the evenings they get an hour of free roam time, with dinner after free roam so they go back inside of their own accord. They know that “inside time!” means it’s time to go back in their carrier so I can carry them back to their cage and feed them.

BFF: Zumbrota and Wanamingo are a bonded duo and must be adopted together.

Other species this pet has been exposed to and reaction: Has been in two cat homes without direct interaction, no fear of cat smells

Has this animal been exposed to children? What was their reaction? With a prior foster, but reaction unknown.

Health concerns: None

Behavioral concerns: These rats have not been exposed to children, but Zumbrota is NOT safe to be around children. She is aggressive, and requires a great deal of familiarity with rat body language.

10/28: Continuing to handle, and squeaking when she is rough

Other notes from Zumbrota's foster: Zumbrota is aggressive and not shy. She is very dominant, and wants you to know it. She is unafraid to approach and climb on people, but that doesn’t mean she won’t change her mind about wanting to be near you once she’s there! In trust training, I spend time in proximity of her where I am not initiating contact, and usually I read out loud to her whatever I’m reading at the time, so she is used to my voice and presence. If she comes up to me and begins showing aggression, I don’t pick her up or reach towards her, but body block her with the side of an arm. She will still be fluffed up and aggressive but I can keep her away from any body parts she can easily fit between her teeth. This lady is spicy! Her friend Wanamingo can handle her, and the two will occasionally scuffle, but don’t expect her to be your friend, at least not without a lot of patience and a very good eye for her changeable moods.

This is not a beginner rat! She needs a home with someone who is experienced in rat care and can read rat body language very well. I’m an experienced rat parent and she still manages to catch me off my guard and get a bite in with some regularity. I know she is territorial about the smells of other rats, so whether you’re introducing these girls to other rats right away or waiting until they’re older, make sure you know how to conduct safe intros.

Zumbrota & Wanamingo MNPPR as transfers from another rescue.

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: Zumbrota & Wanamingo have a combined adoption fee of $35.

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

Zumbrota's care while in rescue has not yet been sponsored. If you would like to donate to provide veterinary care, food, bedding, and enrichment for Zumbrota or other pocket pets in the care of MNPPR, please visit https://www.mnpocketpetrescue.org/sponsor-a-pocket-pet for more information.