The Rats Series 4: Vernon and Elliott

"We're pet rats. It's our job."

Vernon and Elliott are pictured together because I honestly can't tell them apart unless I'm handling them. Vernon snuggles, Elliott will try to kick you in the chest and get away.

These boys, probably brothers, are two more of the hoarder rats. They were in an unusual position in that they weren't in a dependent litter, but out on their own in that shed, among hundreds of mostly agouti rats, most caged, some not. They were still quite young and because they were albino, they were chosen for rescue. This was a hard choice, I know, but only a few could be saved and they had to be the ones with the best chance. Wild-colour rats are the hardest to rehome because they look, well, wild. Apparently when the RSPCA found them, they were not sure whether the rats were tame or not.

Now they're just over a year old and doing well. Both are quite well socialised; it's just that Elliott would rather you kept your hands to yourself. Vernon gets too friendly with the other rats sometimes, which ends up with him being chased around the cage by some irate individual. Rats are supposed to be quick to learn but there's always the odd exception.