Liz and Matt talk about a solo foster pet rat, saying goodbye to a rat, Deadpool 2, Solo: A Star Wars Story (which should’ve been called Lando is the Greatest Ever), SHIELD and Flash finales.

Ratty Topics – We had to put down our beloved pet rat Pinky due to a fast growing stomach tumor. Our hearts are broken!! Small Angels Rescue also took in a twilight foster rat named Winnie who was being raised alone and apparently neglected. We are hoping to be able to integrate her with one of our two rat packs. She is very lonely… please always get a friend for your pet rats! They need ratty snuggles and grooming on a daily basis.

For tips on how to introduce new rats to each other, check out podcast Episode 1, Episode 6, Episode 11, and Episode 22. 

We also answer listeners’ Megan and Adam’s question about if fleece bedding can cause respiratory issues. Not in our experience, as long as you have a big enough cage with metal bars that allow airflow (don’t ever keep rats in an aquarium tank). Some rats can sneeze from time to time for a number of issues (sometimes a URI, sometimes dust or outdoor allergies making their way indoors) but if there are breathing issues present, it is most likely myco – a bacteria that all rats carry in their lungs which can flare up from time to time, especially in older rats. Don’t forget to check with your vet if you’re concerned about your rats’ health as sometimes tumors or pneumonia also cause breathing issues.

For tips on caring for elderly rats, check out podcast Episode 4, Episode 20, and Episode 21. 

Local Animal News – A big shoutout to MN Pocket Pet Rescue! They are doing great work in the twin cities rescuing and rehoming not only rats but many other small pets. If you live in St. Paul or Minneapolis and are interested in adopting, volunteering, or donating to them, check them out!

Send us an email at thenerdyrat@gmail.com if you’d like a chance for your certified rat rescue charity to be featured on a future podcast episode.

Nerdy Topics – We cover a lot today! Listen to our reviews of Deadpool 2, Solo: A Star Wars Story (featuring Liz’s favorite character of all time, Lando!) and the Agents of SHIELD and Flash season finales.

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 and visit us on Instagram (thenerdyratpodcast)

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

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