I was appalled when Tink brought in a live and unharmed baby rat the other day. Not a pinkie (brand new baby, no fur yet, eyes and ears closed) - no, that would have been too easy. I KNOW I can't raise one that young, and it can't survive on its own, so the kindest thing to do would be to let nature take its course...outside. Nope, she had to bring in one baby rat that is 14 days old - eyes just opened, starting to wean off of milk and eat solid food, completely furred and able to start regulating its own temperature. Her timing couldn't have been worse; my hormones are at an all time high, so although I'm normally inclined to leave pests to their fate, I viewed this little unfortunate fellow as my mission to save him.
He's still nameless, but he is officially Abby's pet. I did some research on food and housing; he's in a 20 gallon aquarium with a heat lamp for now, sleeps in a hand towel, and sometimes rides in my sleeve while I'm doing chores. He drinks a hearty meal of human infant formula each night, and I've given him a "platter" of snacks and a dish of water during the day.
Yes, my farm friends are laughing their asses off at me ;) I suspect the universe is as well...