I've pretty much been a rat lover since I was a young child. I alway wanted to watch Rescuers Down Under and movies that included rats and mice. My mother found my love to be quite disturbing and was able to keep me from getting these adorable little naked-tailed mischief makers for quite some time. However, when I turned fourteen, I saved up enough money and contacted a local breeder for my very first rat. His name was Wraith and he was a plain, old beige hooded standard. Soon after that, I learned that they needed friends so I saved up every penny I could earn at my minimum wage job and contacted a breeder out in California. She provided me, to the tune of nearly $200, a beautiful blue-point double rex. He was named Samson.
Neither of these beautiful babies are with me any longer, but I see a little bit of them in each and every rat I come in contact with. Their undying love, cuddly personalities and desire to be not only with each other, but me, has made me seek out rats as pets even now. These intelligent little creatures will always hold a place in my heart.
What types do I breed?
Although Russian Blue and American blue, etc. are predominant I work in, I really have no set types that I work with. I prefer to have a rat that has wonderful type, temperment & health over something that is "pretty" or "popular." You will find everything from agouti to brilliant American Blue and onto Russian Silver, etc. when I breed. If there is something in particular you're looking at, let me know and I'll keep an eye out for it in litters.
Goals and Ethics
As a member of the rat world over the years, I have gained a certain knowledge to what is acceptable and unacceptable in the fancy as far as care and ethics are concerned. The rat fancy, like the dog fancy, is also filled with individuals who thrive to stir up problems which can, indirectly, lead to problems in the overall goal of the fancy - to create a healthier, friendlier and better typed rat. I attempt to avoid this melodrama as much as physically possible. I will not, regardless of ill actions of others, spread negative things about an individual or group.
I do not stand for animal neglect or abuse of any sort. Many years working with rescued dogs, cats, rats, birds, etc. has taught me an extreme dislike of individuals who partake in these acts. This is why I do take in the occasional rescued pocket pet and strive to support those who dedicate their time to animals who are neglected, abused or abandoned.
My goals as a breeder are the same as 99.9% of the breeders out there. I strive to work toward a more healthy, friendly and typey rat. I take these goals personally and strive to eliminate tumors and other potential problems that the fancy is plagued with. My rats are, first and foremost, my pets and their well-being comes before any possibility of breeding.
When I breed, I make sure that I constantly evaulate the animals that I've got plans to breed for any signs of problems such as temperment, health or other unseen things. I will not breed an animal that I feel in either too young or too old. I do not, and do not condone, culling of healthy animals for food or to "get rid" of that particular animal because it has something not particularly flashy or what not. I will not ever sell my rats for food, to pet stores or otherwise, undesireable locations. I handle my babies from the day they are born.
I will attempt to keep records of health, pedigree and other valuable information as accurate as possible. I do register my rats with the NARR and encourage potential adopters to do so as well. It helps lessen the chances of an animal who's siblings have problems from being bred as well as being public knowledge for other breeders.
General Rat Care
My rats are housed in powder-coated Martin's cages varying in model from the gigantic RUUD down to the petite R-670. I also use the wire guinea pig cages for my lazier boys who don't like to use levels. All of my rats are given daily play time for a minimum of an hour and are fed a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, etc. as well as Harlan Teklad lab blocks. We currently use Harlan Teklad Sani-Chips for our main bedding and pelleted newspaper bedding in our litter boxes. Cages are spot-cleaned daily and given thorough cleanings once a week with rat-safe cleaning supplies. Our rats receive medical attention if needed from a local veterinarian.
