More Blackstaff Photos

	Heathcliff, a much loved rescue-rat.
Blackstaff's Rudy Bloom, an Agouti Blazed Variegated buck: he's a gentle giant.
	The beautiful Oonagh and her daughter Blackstaff Siun peep out from their flowerpot nest. Photos like this explain far better than any essay why rats need company.
A very pregnant Coco a few hours before she gave birth. While some does will become quite fierce around the time they give birth, most do not and we feel that only those does that are relaxed with people at all times -- including when looking after a litter -- should be bred from. Coco actually brought her youngsters to the side of the cage after whelping as though to say "look how clever I am!"
	Himalayan and Siamese rat kittens at about 5 days old Baby rats' eyes open 13-16 days after birth. Even before their eyes open the kittens will explore their environment using their senses of hearing, smell and touch.
Blackstaff Bisto, ever vigilant By two and a half weeks of age baby rats will be eating solid food. However they will continue to suckle from their mother for several weeks after this. The period from 2-6 weeks is a learning window for baby rats and they benefit from being socialised -- both with humans and within the litter where they learn from their siblings and their mother. Baby rats should stay within the litter they are six weeks old, although at five weeks the sexes must be separated as the boys will begin to be sexually mature.
	Buff and Black rat kittens Surprisingly, Buff rats are genetically black! A modifying gene bleaches the coat to a warm magnolia and give buff rats dark ruby (rather than black) eyes.
Cornucopia Leopold Bloom -- known as 'Leo'. 29.10.95 - 26.9.98. The best ambassador for rats imaginable, he made friends wherever he went. He was a TV star as well!

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