Prof. Hein is running an ‘adopt-a-rat program’ ‘they are cute, with markings like little holsteins’

A Message from Prof. Rick Hein, Manitowoc Campus:

“It is that time of year again where I am running the adopt-a-rat program.  The Anatomy and Physiology students have been working with laboratory rats over the year, and we have 11 females up for adoption that have been raised since they were a few weeks old. This year they are a particularly friendly and fun bunch.

This strain of rat makes wonderful pets; they are docile (will not bite), friendly, social, and very intelligent. They are not the albino laboratory rats you may be familiar with, but have black and white markings and are quite cute (like mini Holstein cows, see picture below).  They make much better pets than either hamsters or gerbils due to their docile nature.  The only drawback is that they only have a lifespan of about 2-3 years.

Since they are social, they are best adopted in pairs or more (they are currently housed in groups of 2-3).  If you are interested in providing a good home to a pair (or more) of rats, please let me know by email, heinr@uwgb.edu.

Since we are still under the Stay-at-Home order and social distancing guidelines, we can arrange a place and time to meet off-campus and outdoors if you are interested in adoption. Adoptions will be on a first-come, first-adopt basis so let me know early.  Please also feel free to forward this message to anyone you think might be interested in providing a good home. The rats and I thank you!”