• Username@beehaw.orgOP
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    2 years ago

    Thanks. Yeah the small lifespans is what ultimately got us to stop having rats. They are so smart and have great personalities it’s hard to say goodbye so soon!

    • Communist@beehaw.orgM
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      2 years ago

      You may want to consider a Gambian pouched rat, they live significantly longer, 5-7 years (but are more difficult in many ways)

      They’re also hugeee

      • Username@beehaw.orgOP
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        2 years ago

        Omg i would LOVE a Gambian pouch rat! They are so cool. I was sad when Magawa passed away last year. I think we will stick with the dog for now since we are planning on spending the next couple of years on a sailboat but maybe one day I’ll be able to convince my husband to go for some fun pets like that. Honestly my dream would be to have a few capybaras but they come with their own challenges and I’m not sure I would ever be able to provide the perfect living conditions for them! Maybe I’ll get to have some pigs one day 😁

        • Communist@beehaw.orgM
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          2 years ago

          I’d try to live by the hotsprings capybaras enjoy instead of owning them, they aren’t easy, but I wish you luck in your endeavors!

          I have another recommendation that might… float your boat…

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUc4SEl4XeU

          Much easier than rats, with all the interaction, and they live 7 years, and stay small, you can also easily have a community of them!

          • Username@beehaw.orgOP
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            2 years ago

            Can I ask…what is your profession? You seem to have an extensive knowledge on exotic animals, which is awesome! These emerald tree skinks are adorable! I am also incredible jealous that you live near wild capybaras. I have only seen them in a zoo once but had a children’s book that featured a capybara when I was a kid and have loved them ever since!

            • Communist@beehaw.orgM
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              2 years ago

              Oh no, that’s a misunderstanding, I do not live near them, I meant to say I want to live near the hotsprings they frequent, but unfortunately that’s not possible with my goal of owning a small zoo oneday, I’m jealous of anyone who does too! I’m currently midwest of the US

              I actually work in the tech industry, I was essentially forced into a room with nothing but a computer for many years of my childhood and as a result forgot that my dream was to work with exotic animals for a very long time, and now i’m stuck in a profession I hate, honestly.

              Working my way through affording herpetology schooling in florida (I feel as though I need a doctorate to do what I want properly, the credentials alone are somewhat necessary for convincing people of things), while studying as much as I can personally in the mean time.

              • Username@beehaw.orgOP
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                2 years ago

                I messaged you. I think it might be worth looking into other locations if you can manage it. I really hope you can achieve your dream job! Herpetologists are cool people.