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, Friendly toward humans, Funny, Hesitant, Nervous, Quiet, Smart, A little shy, sometimes does not want to be picked up but he tolerates it.

Favorite treats: Yogurt, peas, lima beans, grapes, bananas, "Sunseed Animal Lovens" pretzel sticks.

Current Diet: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food, Fruit, Veggies, Currently on Mazuri rat food.

Favorite toys and activities: Loves fabric hideaways/beds. Likes climbing and exploring outside cage.

Potty trained: Litter box trained

This animal’s daily routine: Is most awake/alert in the evening and that's when I take him out for free roam time!

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: Other rats- Gerbert gets very anxious and upset

Has this animal been exposed to children? What was their reaction? Didn't seem to be bothered by children- just curious

Health concerns: Has been on meds for URI three times in the last year.

Behavioral concerns: When the foster first got Gerbert he would not let you touch him without biting. But with patience and a whole lot of treats, he now lets his foster pick him up and hold him! He is not very cuddly but he will sit in your hand or lap if he has a treat to distract him.. Learn more about our trust training methods at https://www.mnpocketpetrescue.org/trust-training

Other Notes: He currently needs a quiet, calm environment and he is easily frightened by strange noises and movements. However, he is slowly getting used to his foster and once he learns that people are friends we think he'll be a great pet.

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!!

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.