Ratty

Feeding the birds also means feeding the rats and squirrels, which I don't mind. I feel rather sorry for rats. It's their scurrying that upsets me, I think.

Same thing with muntjacs: they run with that curved back posture, or hunched back, which translates in my own body into a sensation of seeking protection... that running for cover, self-protective stance... it triggers my empathy.

My first pet rat, Ratty, was such a delight. So affectionate and playful. Clever too. It's a shame that they pee as they run along, which is not the most hygienic aspect of rodents. Aside from the pee, he was the perfect pet. That said, cages are difficult. After Ratty died, I had two called Busby and Babe. The first time we let them out, they hid in the electric fire and it was all hell to get them out. The only place Ratty ran to was up the stairs, onto my bed, and between the pillows.

These wild rats are a rather pleasing tawny brown colour. They look, to draw upon Manuel of Fawlty Towers fame, more like "Siberian hamsters."