Hello, hello, hello,
Introducing ourselves is so exciting and such a pleasure.
Our names are Hagrid, Weasley, Dobby, Draco and Sirius. Yes we are Harry Potter fans, and maybe you are too.
We are extremely bonded and very attached to each other, often snuggling up like a big furry ball to snooze and snore, so definitely want to find a home where we can all be together.
We are absolutely charming three-year-old domestic rats - senior citizens in the rat world - but still spritely and healthy.
Perhaps you are thinking 'Rats? Who would want to adopt a rat? Let alone five of us!"
Well, plenty of people do and when you have read more about us, hopefully you will too.
When we were rescued, being such sensitive creatures, we were all anxious and showing signs of depression, just like humans do when they have difficulties in their lives.
With the love, gentle care and attention we have received at Southridge, we are now cheery and much more confident chaps, and - as is a universal trait in rats - inquisitive and playful, loving to explore our environment and have fun as a group.
As a species we are highly intelligent, have a wonderful sense of smell and touch and a sense of humour.
Did you know when tickled, happy or excited, rats emit high pitched squeaks too high for humans to hear, which is rat 'laughter'. And our ears turn pink when we are happy too!
Although we can be a little shy, we are sweet natured, affectionate and recognise the familiar voices and faces of our kind carers at Southridge.
We are extremely clean and spend lots of time having a wash and brush up, licking our paws, washing behind our ears and also giving each other a good work over to keep spotless and fresh.
Rats like us make fantastic pets. We do need a large enclosure, minimum size 3ft x 2ft x 5ft, but ideally larger than this, with lots of enrichment for us including ropes to climb, suitable digging substrates and tunnels and platforms.
Just like humans we need variety so we don't become bored.
So hopefully you now feel rats like us are wonderful. Can you make room for us in your home and your life?
Hopefully you can, we look forward to meeting you and are sure you will be charmed by this Hogwarts quintet.
To get in touch with RSPCA Southridge email southridge@rspca.org.uk or call 0300 123 0704. Visiting the centre is by pre-arranged, scheduled appointment only. The centre is located in Packhorse Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3LZ.
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