Ari, Falafel, Barabas and Akira Rat Rat Brooklyn, NY

Ari, Falafel, Barabas and Akira arrived to us alongside 9 other fancy rats from Long Island. A family had purchased a group of young rats to be used as live snake food, but as their snake left two alive, the rats managed to mate, and the numbers started growing. The wife started feeling bad for the rats, separated them by gender, and started a search of her own, in hopes to find them homes. Realizing she was fighting a losing battle, as none of her friends shared her compassion, and the rats outgrew the small tanks that they shared, she reached out to rescues asking for help. Her last resort was returning all to the pet store, where they would likely be used as snake food. Once we learned of this situation, we acted quickly to have all 13 rats in our care by the next day.
It took a few days for the young group (mom is around 3 months old, and the babies not even two!) to adjust to their new spacious setting in our foster homes, to new balanced diets, and different caretakers. But in no time at all, everyone loosened up, started exploring, and adjusted splendidly to the new surroundings.
Ari, Falafel, Barabas and Akira are young affectionate boys that would make any house a home. They are trusting, comfortable around humans and full of love to give.

Ari, the adventurous one, loves to explore and spend his time conquering new climbing heights. He is agile and fast, and will test your understanding on what you think he can climb on. A professional athlete already, the lovely Ari plays hard and cuddles harder.

Falafel, as the name suggests, is all about the food. Not as alethic as his brother Ari, Falafel will amaze you with his speed and quick maneuvers when food and snacks are presented. In his downtime, aka not snacking time, Falafel is chilled, and loves a good tickle and a nap.

Akira, the shyest of the group, takes a bit of time to relax, but is super sweet and cuddle ready once he gets to know you.

Barnabas, the most affectionate out of the four, is all about laying around, and waiting for his cuddles. He is a lap rat through and through, and will love nothing more then to binge watch orange is the new black while being hand fed snacks. A true Insta star in the making!

Deemed in great health by our vet, the boys are adoptable as a group of four, or as two pairs.
Email adopt@emptycagescollective.org if interested in adopting, and to find out more about our adoption policies, adoption fees, housing requirements, handling and care, as well as a link to our online adoption application.

Please note- it is ECC’s policy to adopt fancy rats in pairs or threes, or to homes that already have one or more, because rats are the most sociable rodents of them all. They thrive in groups, and immensely enjoy the companionship, and mental stimulation they get from others of their own species. In fact, in the wild, rats live in large, cooperative communities, and this instinct for company and socialization hasn't been altered, even with more than 100 years of domestication.