• illi@sh.itjust.works
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    2 days ago

    Rats are awesome pets. If only they lived longer.

    Though I will concede, surprise wild rats would be problematic.

    • doug@lemmy.today
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      2 days ago

      I wish I didn’t have an easier time empathizing with animals than I did people; rats are so friggin’ cute

      Hell if I watch an ant long enough I’ll find them cute too. Wiping dirt off their little antennae 🥺

      I’m probably gonna die getting bit by a rabid raccoon as I try to pet them.

    • Dharma Curious@startrek.website
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      2 days ago

      The dichotomy of me: I have always wanted pet rats. I have also lived in a home with a horrible rat infestation. Like, to the point where whole sections of wall have been missing from them chewing them. Keep the food in plastic totes instead of cabinets, and they still chew through the totes. Wild rats, while the same species, are truly horrible to live with them. Not their fault. They’re still adorable, intelligent little creatures. But good God does it absolutely suck to have them free ranging themselves in your walls

      • Rob Bos@lemmy.ca
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        2 days ago

        Consider mason jars for the pantry. Expensive but sometimes you can get a bunch from craigslist or garage sales or thrift stores.

        • Dharma Curious@startrek.website
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          1 day ago

          Oh that was a big part of it. Thankfully, we no longer have to deal with a rat infestation, not in a long time. But I still keep all my mason jars and jelly jars. Lol. Öld habits. They’re also great in lieu of Tupperware, and depending on the type and how much you fill them, they’re freezer safe. I love my mason jars and cast iron lol

          • Rob Bos@lemmy.ca
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            1 day ago

            I love it too. Standardized lids and jars make everything so much tidier, and reducing plastic leach is probably a good thing :)

      • bitchkat@lemmy.world
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        1 day ago

        You have to keep thinks in metal containers. I used to keep dog food in a small metal garbage can with a handle that keeps the lid super tight.

        I had a lot of mice (wooded lot) and between dog food and home brewing grains, I had to be very diligent. And I found a great company that did pest exclusion.

    • Rin@lemm.ee
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      1 day ago

      If there’s anyrhing scientists are going to make immortal first, it’s going to be rats.