Matt and Liz talk animal babies! Our foster rats, the DC eagles, and a rescued cow and calf. We also review Season 2 of Jessica Jones on Netflix and the ongoing season of Agents of SHIELD.

Ratty Topics – We finally introduced Momma Pinky and Sparkles (our newly adopted foster rats) to the big cage! There are a few dominance issues, which is normal, but no serious fights. We took our time doing introductions in the bonding pouch first and then did a group playtime in the Great Wall.

Check out podcast Episode 1, Episode 6, and Episode 11 for detailed information about how to introduce new rats to a pack. 

Our baby rat fosters are now 3 weeks old. They have escaped the hammock where Momma had them corralled and are running around the cage and eating solid food. Squee! They have all been spoken for by adopters and will go to their forever homes at 5 weeks. Remember, 5 weeks is sexual maturity for baby rats and you must separate the males and females promptly to prevent pregnancies.

Check out podcast Episode 8 for information about caring for rat moms and babies. 

In rat education, we talk about safe and poisonous foods for your pet rats. Many human foods are safe, but a few can kill your rats.

Avocado peel or pit will kill your rats – plain avocado won’t, but we avoid it because how can you be absolutely sure that no peel or pit pieces get mixed in? Other highly toxic foods are apple seeds, blue cheese, and poppy seeds.

Carbonated drinks can kill your rats because rats can’t burp. Peanut butter and dried bread can also cause fatal choking so definitely avoid these foods. Onions, garlic, and peppers are also dangerous or fatal.

Check out podcast Episode 18 for more information on what to do if your rat chokes.

Avoid dried corn which contain a cancer-causing fungus. Many dry mixes contain dried corn so don’t buy those. Rats love cooked corn, though, and cooked corn on the cob can be a special enrichment treat! Make sure it’s not too hot for your rats, though.

Here’s a thorough list of safe and unsafe foods for your pet rats. 

Local Animal News – The Washington, DC bald eagles have laid two eggs!

Here’s a video of momma eagle laying the second egg. The second egg drops around the 13 minute mark.

Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary had a recently rescued cow, Maisie, deliver an unexpected baby! He got seriously ill two days after being born, but is doing much better now. We’ll share some super cute photos on our Facebook page.

Nerdy Topics – We finished watching Jessica Jones (Season 2) on Netflix. It ended as poorly as it started! Ugh.

On a positive Marvel note, this season of Agents of SHIELD continues to be great! We share our thoughts on the developing storyline.

Matt finished playing Subnautica and is working on the hardcore level now. Liz is enjoying Fishdom, especially their Easter egg special event.

And, Matt is teaching Liz how to play Magic: The Gathering. OMG, Liz has her nerd gold card now! (Because, of course, she loves it.)

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting our two favorite charities.

Small Angels Rescue, Inc., is a Frederick County, MD based 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill, all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing and re-homing gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and rats.

Extra Life unites thousands of players around the world in a 24 hour gaming marathon to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Also, check out our Etsy shop if you would like to buy a rat bonding pouch handmade by Liz.

Email us questions and feedback at thenerdyrat@gmail.com !

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