Kukurika died on 6 December 2016 aged 4 years and 2 months. Dispite
all her health problems she was the longest lived of all my Pouched
Rats.
Kuku had been ill for a couple of weeks with increasing weakness and
lethargy. She'd had an overnight stay at 'hospital' the week before because she
wasn't maintaining her body temperature. The vet couldn't find anything wrong
but towards the end Kuku spent most of her time sleeping. We'd enjoyed a long
cuddle on her last evening and as I was putting her to bed she had a brief fit,
or possibly a heart attack, and died quite quickly in my arms.
Kuku was proof that Pouched Rats can become fully socialised and bonded to
their humans and remain so for life. As all owners testify this requires lots of
time and dedication from their owners. It is an ongoing committment whether
successful or not.
Having enjoyed such a special bond with Kuku I've decided that she has been
my last Pouched Rat.
This site will remain as an archive which I hope other Pouched Rat owners
will find useful and I'll continue to respond to queries which people send
me.
My thanks to everyone who's helped and encouraged me and all who have shown
an interest in my experiences with these wonderful animals. I feel very lucky to
have shared my life with Kali, Babu and Ambaa, Jaali, Ollie and Kia and
Kukurika.