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rat?
Apr 1, 2017 22:47:07 GMT
Post by teasel on Apr 1, 2017 22:47:07 GMT
I saw a small brown mammal today - it was either a small rat or a large mouse? I expect it was a rat, there are a lot of them about. But it was bouncing more than running, is that a clue?  Still pleased to see a wild mammal in daylight that isn't a grey squirrel . |
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rat?
Apr 2, 2017 16:55:26 GMT
Post by accipiter on Apr 2, 2017 16:55:26 GMT
Ah yes rats what an interesting creature they are, apologies for digressing slightly but many years ago it was not uncommon for households to keep at least a dozen or so chickens, and even a pig or too. The only problem was along with the chickens came our old friend the rat, now the following tale may be true or maybe it is just an urban myth but some say rats cooperate in taking chicken eggs.
The following is an explanation of how it is carried out, first rat number one lies on its back its four feet in the air, whilst rat number two rolls and places the egg between the legs of rat number one, are you with me so far my people? Now then where was I oh yes, rat number two taking rat number two by the tail precedes to pull rat number one along, no doubt bouncing it up and down as it does so.
Alan, observation is all
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rat?
Apr 4, 2017 8:01:21 GMT
Post by NellyDee on Apr 4, 2017 8:01:21 GMT
Depends where you are teasel. If near town or city or near a farm, more than likely rat. Outwith these areas it could be a vole.
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Post by Tringa on Apr 5, 2017 14:57:46 GMT
As you have said "...there are a lot of them about.", I think your conclusion is a good starting position.
Wood mice, which are very common, are largely nocturnal, and in proportion to their body have big ears.
Voles are more diurnal but are short tailed and have small ears.
I think I know what you mean by "bouncing" and, if I'm correct, then I have seen rats doing it.
Dave
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rat?
Apr 10, 2017 10:46:27 GMT
Post by teasel on Apr 10, 2017 10:46:27 GMT
Thanks for the replies. My allotment is part of Cardiff's "green wedge" that follows the river pretty much into the town centre. So it's in a city but can appear quite rural I usually see rats scuttling down dark alleys so was confused by the bouncing gait of this little one. Maybe it had heard of the alternative city lifestyle and was happy to be at my allotment on a sunny spring day  |
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rat?
Apr 19, 2017 21:59:02 GMT
Post by teasel on Apr 19, 2017 21:59:02 GMT
I've come across nests before, I disturb them as I assume they are old and they usually have lots of chewed plastic in them, and I'm trying to remove as much plastic as I can. I was doing the usual when I saw some moving pink flesh so I replaced what I could. Ooops.
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Still pleased to see a wild mammal in daylight that isn't a grey squirrel 
