What to do when pet rats – or Thanos – becomes a bully? We talk the answers in this week’s podcast episode where we review Avengers: Infinity War and deal with severe bullying in the rat pack.

Ratty Topics – It’s a war in the pet rat cage! Oh, no! We end up splitting our rats into two packs due to Sparkles being excessively bullied. Rat bullying can be severe – Sparkles was being slowly starved. She had lost weight and at first we thought she was sick. She is with a devoted snuggle pack now including her Mama Pinky, Toro, and Annie and we will keep our packs in two separate cages from now on with supervised joint playtime.

Local Animal News – We saw our pal Otis T. Squeaks at a local community fair! He stopped by The Nerdy Rat’s booth for a photo op. Check out our Instagram account (thenerdyratpodcast) and our Facebook account (thenerdyratpodcast) to see the meet and greet.

Nerdy Topics – We talk The Flash and Agents of SHIELD as the two series approach their season finales. And, we review Avengers: Infinity War! In TV news, DC is planning to revive the Swamp Thing series when they start their new streaming service. Speaking of streaming, Matt discusses the bizarre case of bullyhunter.org

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 !

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Our foster pet rats (Momma and 10 babies) went to two loving forever homes.

We review our favorite 80’s video game-turned-movie, Rampage! 

Also, Lost In Space, Magic: The Gathering (MTG), and local beavers and squirrels wreaking havoc in the neighborhood.

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 !

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

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 !

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Matt and Liz talk about losing a rat, rat babies, A Wrinkle in Time, Magic, and Jessica Jones.

Ratty News – A listener ask how long to wait after a rat’s passing before introducing new rats to her remaining rat. In general, after 24 hours have passed, it’s fine to introduce a new rattie. Make sure to do intros slowly and have a separate cage to house new friends in until your intros are complete.

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

Another listener noticed red discharge coming from his rat’s eyes – good news, even though it looks like blood it’s probably porphyrin, a red discharge which is pretty common from rats’ eyes or nose. If you rat has no other symptoms (wheezing or difficulty breathing, swollen face or tumors, or a visible scratch) then they’re probably ok, but check with your vet if you’re not sure.

Our precious foster rat Nova, the biter, died. She had been losing leg mobility in her back legs but was still healthy, but within 24 hours she stopped eating and looked ready to go so we had her put down (with many, many tears on our part.) Liz talks about letting her frantic cagemates say goodbye to her body which helped them calm down and stop worrying about her.

Many animals have mourning rituals to say goodbye to friends who’ve passed on because animals are so empathetic – check out this National Geographic video of an elephant herd mourning a lost leader (if it’s not too sad for you). Liz convinced Matt to adopt Pinky and Sparkles because she can’t give them up now after fostering them for so long and after losing Nova.

And, Liz and Matt get new fosters – a rat momma and her 10 babies! Squee! Adoptable in 4 weeks.

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

Local Animal News – We give a shoutout to the East TN Give a Heart Rat Rescue. They are raising funds in April via a Facebook auction. You can also support them by volunteering to foster rats if you live near Elizabethton, TN, or by adopting from their rescue if they’re local to you.

**Podcast correction – we said that they weren’t 501(c)3 registered yet, but actually they are!! Sorry about that, we based that on an older news article.**

If you’d like a shoutout for your local rat rescue on The Nerdy Rat Podcast, email us at thenerdyrat@gmail.com or reach out on Facebook.

Nerdy Topics – Liz saw the movie A Wrinkle in Time. She loved the book, but was underwhelmed by the movie – it wasn’t a good adaptation because it cut too much plot and character development from the book. But, the cast was great and the visuals were nice. 

Matt is getting back into playing the Magic card game. He talks about selling cards, finding new places to play, and getting into the current cards.

The 80’s are officially over because ToysRUs is closing. Nooo! Our favorite childhood toystore!

We’ve started watching Jessica Jones Season 2, and oof. Not quality writing this time around. Hear us bash 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.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Matt and Liz talk about issues in older rats, giant rats, Black Panther, and decluttering the nerd stash.

Ratty News – Our four foster rat brothers got adopted! Yay! By a repeat adopter for Small Angels Rescue. We are so happy that all four bonded brothers got to stay together. 

Liz’s heart rat Toro has been king of the snuggle pile recently – the other ratties are snuggling him a lot in the hammock and he is really happy about it. We think the bonding pouch has helped – PS they are available for sale on our Etsy shop, made by Liz.  

Toro’s long teeth are getting trimmed again this week. Overgrown teeth is an issue to watch out for in older rats. Our older foster rat Nova is showing signs of degenerative back legs which means she is starting to drag her back legs. It’s not painful and is fairly common in aging rats. 

Check out podcast Episode 4, Episode 20, and Episode 26 for more information on caring for elderly rats. 

Local Animal News – Is that an ROUS in the USA? Kind of, yeah! Nutria are giant rodents that can grow up to 20 lbs. Which is great, but unfortunately, they’re an invasive species in the United States and destroy ecosystems by devouring plant life. They were eradicated in Maryland but invading Louisiana and have reappeared in California after a long absence.

National Geographic article on nutria rodents

Nutria eliminated in Maryland

Check out podcast Episode 13 for more talk about Rodents of Unusual Size.

Nerdy Topics – We saw Black Panther this weekend. Not surprisingly, we loved it! We tell you why. 

Liz and Matt are working on decluttering – Liz has started the KonMari method and has worked up to letting go of comics she no longer wants. Matt got inspired and decluttered a lot of Magic cards – but he also made a lot of money selling off some valuable ones!

The KonMari method by Marie Kondo

Site to sell Magic cards – CardKingdom

Matt also fitted out the retro gaming room with a SteamLink. Castle Crashers, here we come! Matt also recently started playing Subnautica. 

And, we got Bon Jovi tickets for May! Which isn’t nerdy news, it’s HARDCORE AWESOME NEWS! 

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.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Matt and Liz talk about new foster rats, lots of local animal news, Jumanji, The Flash, and more.

Ratty Topics – We have four new foster rats, all boys and bonded brothers. We’d really like them to be adopted out together, so if you live in the DC/MD/VA area and can give them a forever home, please contact Small Angels Rescue! They are super sweet and easy to handle – great for first time rat owners and we are offering a bonus accessory package if you adopt all four.

Liz’s heart rat, Toro, is becoming an older rat and he has some overgrown teeth. Rats’ teeth can separate as they age and then they aren’t able to grind them down themselves. He has an appointment with the vet to get his teeth trimmed down. Never attempt to trim rat teeth yourself – pieces can easily get lodged in their throat if your rat squirms and kill them. Pay an experienced vet to do it safely!

Check out podcast Episode 4, Episode 21, and Episode 26 for more information on caring for elderly rats.

Local Animal News – The Washington DC Eagle Cam Watchers are having a Facebook contest to guess when the first eagle egg will be laid! You can vote here.

The Baltimore Aquarium is finally committing to re-home their captive dolphins and end the dolphin shows going forward. The Cove is a disturbing documentary that reveals the horrible ways that most aquarium-owned dolphins are captured (lots of collateral dolphin death is involved) so we are really glad that our local aquarium is finally doing the right thing.

News article on the Baltimore Aquarium’s dolphin re-homing program

Charm Kitty Cafe is OPEN in Baltimore, MD! We will have to visit and review it for you! Also, we learned that there is a cat cafe in DC – Crumbs and Whiskers. How did we not know about these tiny nirvanas? Sounds like the perfect date night to us!

For more news about cat cafes, check out podcast Episode 10. 

Nerdy Topics – Liz and Matt finally saw Jumanji – and we loved it! We also talk about the current season of The Flash and Agents of SHIELD.

In gaming news, Stardew Valley mentions some progress on 4-player cooperative mode and World of Warcraft offers a pre-sale for the new expansion along with some new Allied races that you can play while you’re waiting for the expansion to drop.

News article on Stardew Valley

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.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Liz and Matt talk about enrichment activities for ratty playtime, Slime Rancher, and the Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Ratty Topics – We got two new foster rats through Small Angels Rescue who were being starved to death by neglectful humans. Fortunately, they are on the mend and gaining tons of weight! We discuss some behaviors that starved rats may exhibit – including stashing food obsessively.

We respond to loyal listener Emily’s question about enrichment activities for playtime outside the cage. DIY cardboard boxes are a big hit and we have some tips for how to modify them into a ratty city that your rats will love! The key is not having too much open space between boxes. Check out our Pinterest page for more DIY enrichment ideas.

For more DIY rat enrichment tips, check out podcast Episode 10. 

In distressing ratty news, Liz has developed allergies to the rats (and cat – and dogs!) She refuses to give up her (fur) children – it’s not even an option – so she’s visited an allergist and is looking into allergy shots. Did you know it takes a full year before they start to help and it’s a five year process? I didn’t!! In the meantime, daily Claritin is helping as well as some management strategies to minimize fur contact with bare skin (even though that’s the best part of owning rats!)

Local Animal News –  In a new study, it turns out that the Bubonic Plague or Black Death from the Middle Ages was not in fact spread by rats, but humans! Vindication for our ratties!!

BBC news article on Bubonic Plague and Rats

Also, a brave and clever squirrel has been stealing moss from the DC Eagles and it’s been captured on the DC Eagle Cam. Let’s hope the squirrel stays away from those sharp beaks and talons!!

DC Eagle Cam video of daring squirrel thieves

Etsy Shop – A big shoutout to KJArting who designed and licensed the rat graphic that I’m now using on labels with my Etsy bonding pouches and hammock sets. It looks awesome! Check out her shop, she has tons of digital graphics for sale.

And, Wonder Woman hammock sets are now available from TheNerdyRat Etsy shop (handmade by Liz)! Also featuring Batgirl and Supergirl.

Nerdy Topics – Matt got Liz the computer game Slime Rancher for Christmas and she shares her review, frustrations, and tips. Overall, it’s super fun, but I hope a storyline concept might be developed. I’m worried that once I discover all the sandbox areas, I won’t want to play anymore. Liz has also been enjoying the game Costume Quest which is Halloween themed.

Matt discusses the trailer for the Nintendo Switch Labo and talks about his adventures in refurbishing an old computer that runs Windows 8 (Liz believes it’s a Pentium 3 but these show notes might need to be corrected.)

We discuss the latest Doctor Who Christmas Special (which we were about to see as of the last podcast episode). We’d like less pre-special documentaries, less Steven Moffat ego-stroking, and more storyline.

Speaking of Doctor Who and the First Doctor, Liz has been watching the classic Doctor Who episodes on BritBox (which streams all the available ones, either through Amazon Prime or Chromecast or other devices). Woo hoo! Liz loves them, Matt not so much. But The Time Meddler has just appeared who may possibly end up being turned into The Master. He’s a rogue TimeLord with his own TARDIS and the Doctor started a fight with him… which may last for all eternity?

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.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Matt and Liz talk about Star Wars: The Last Jedi, what to do with choking pet rats (and how to prevent it), and more.

Ratty Topics – What causes choking in pet rats? For Toro, unfortunately, it was old dried bread. Dry bread expands and gets too sticky. We talk about what to do if a rat is choking and what foods can cause a rat to choke (dried bread and peanut butter).

Also, we have a new hairless rat as a foster. She has a lot of cysts and pimples. This is typical for hairless but one cyst burst and became infected. We talk about special health issues to watch out for with hairless rats.

Etsy Shop – Would you like a handmade-by-Liz rat bonding pouch or set of rat hammocks? Check out TheNerdyRat Etsy shop!

Nerdy Topics – We saw the classic Christmas movie of all time, Die Hard, at the AFI Silver Spring Theatre. And we have lots to say about Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Kylo Ren, Rey, Reylo, fanfiction, we cover it all.

We’re also loving the current season of Agents of SHIELD and Matt is excited for MegaMan 11 coming out soon. And hey, maybe the Disney acquisition of Fox studios will give us Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the Avengers universe!

We’ll be watching the Doctor Who Christmas Special tonight, so look forward to our review next episode. We’d like to see Jumanji in the coming week, too, so hopefully we’ll have that to review next episode as well.

Mega Man 11 Announced
Disney Fox Merger

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.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Matt and Liz talk about the long awaited Justice League movie, our foster pet rats, the end of the Marvel Heroes game, and more.

Ratty Topics – We are concerned about some new foster boys who are underweight and don’t seem to be eating. We will be taking them to the vet this week for a check-up. Our PEW foster girls need a forever parent who’s tolerant of getting chomped on and bitten while being smothered with ratty love. And, our own pet rats are upset that we loaned one of their wheels to the fosters.

Wodent Wheel 11″

Local Animal News – the DC eagles continue rebuilding their nest in preparation for some new babies. And speaking of babies, Bei Bei the (toddler) baby panda at the National Zoo had some stomach issues this week, but he’s ok now.

DC Eagle cam video – nest building

Bei Bei’s minor health issue

Nerdy Topics –  The online game Marvel Heroes shut down after laying off employees the day before Thanksgiving. Boo, hiss! Liz figured out (i.e. googled) how to beat the desert maze in the RPG Legionwood: Tale of the Two Swords. And, we have a LOT to say about the new Justice League movie. Including what we think of that Amazon warrior costuming controversy. Finally, we discuss our hopes (based on a twitter hashtag) for an animated Justice League movie!

Marvel Heroes layoffs – news article

Legionwood: Tale of the Two Swords

Justice Leage – Amazon costumes controversy

Animated Justice League reunion?

If you like 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.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS

Mat and Liz talk Thor: Ragnarok, foster pet rats, DC Eagles and more.

Ratty Topics – Our new foster rat Nova is sweet one minute and chomps on us the next – but only to show her affection. Kind of like a certain Loki who we loved in Thor: Ragnarok. “I hate you! Now I love you! Now I hate you again!” Only Nova doesn’t hate us, she just…bites. Some of it might be cage aggression, some might be because she has limited vision due to cataracts on both eyes, and some is just because biting is how she says “I love you.”

We got our own baby rat Dawn spayed this week – please spay your baby girl pet rats before they are 4 to 6 months old. [Editor’s note: Spaying before 4 months is the newest best guidelines to prevent tumors but spays up to 6 months may work to prevent tumors.] It prevents future mammary tumors, extending their life and their quality of life and minimizing your future vet bills or heartbreak.

Local Animal News – The Washington DC Eagles are back on the eagle cams lovingly building their nest. We have a link to a great video of them adding a stick.

DC eagles build nest 

Etsy Shop –  Liz has bonding pouches and hammock sets for sale. Gift wrap is available so drop hints to your loved ones!

Nerdy Topics – We review Thor: Ragnarok – overall, we loved it! It reminded us of What We Do In The Shadows (no surprise, since it’s the same director).

Matt discusses how EA ruined the Star Wars Battlefront game with lootboxes, resulting in the most downvoted Reddit comment ever.

EA has the most downvoted reddit comment ever

From Blizzcon news, classic (legal) WOW servers are announced as a future project and also a new World of Warcraft expansion – Battle for Azeroth. 

If you like 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.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS