Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do I need before I pick up my new rats?
A: You will need a suitable cage, food, bedding, hammocks, and toys. I will not approve your application unless you already have the cage in hand!
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Q: What is quarantine? When do I do it?
A: Quarantine is keeping your rats separate from an existing colony if you have one. This is to ensure the safety of your own rats, and the new rats coming in. Quarantine should be done in an airspace separate from your existing rats (Another home, or a modified shed that can house the rats comfortably and safely - insulated, with heating and or air). If you do not have rats already then you do not need to quarantine.
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Q: Do I need to quarantine my rats from my other pets, can my dog/cat/etc play with my new pets?
A: No, you do not need to quarantine from your other pets. Be mindful of your other pets instincts. Ferrets for example will kill a rat - rats are prey to ferrets. Some breeds of dogs were bred specifically to hunt rats (such as bedlington terriers). I've seen cats who cuddle up with their rattie friends, and one of my own four cats is terrified of the rats, while another looks at them like they are his next meal. Use your common sense.
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Q: Can rats get sick from me, or can I get sick from my rats illness?
A: I have never had my rats get sick from my own cold or flu, and i am for the most part their sole provider. If you do not care for your rats properly, and leave them in a dirty cage then yes, you CAN get sick from them. As long as their cage/s are cleaned regularly and they are well taken care of, you should not get sick.
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Q: Are rats Hypoallergenic?
A: No. Most people that I've met are at least mildly allergic to rats - more specifically the enzymes in their pee. I often get red scratches from my rats climbing on me, my reaction is minor, some people experience a much worse reaction. Also, my reaction has dwindled in the years since I've owned them.
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Q: Are rats a good pet for young children?
A: Absolutely! Generally speaking, boys are easier for younger children to handle; they are far more content to sit in your lap and watch tv with you. Girls typically are much more high energy and want to run and play. Girls are better for teaching tricks to for this reason.
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Q: Should I neuter my boys as soon as I get them home?
A: I wouldn't. The younger they are the more risky the surgery (likewise with an older rat). Neutering your boys around the 6-7 month mark may be necessary if you see they are fighting with one another a lot more. I have on average 20 males and I've only needed to neuter two of them due to aggression.
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Q: Should I have my girls spayed?
A: If you are purchasing from a reputable breeder who keeps a record of their lines and the health issues within them, then no. I am breeding to improve the health of rats, and this means eradicating tumors, and breeding responsibly. Tumors are most often found in Feeder Breeder lines.
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Q: It's better to adopt from a rescue/petstore/feeder-breeder than a breeder, at least then you're saving a rat from death!
A: While It is certainly commendable to want to do a good thing for a rat in a rough spot, it is not going to give you a healthier rat. It's like saying buying from a puppy mill is better than buying from a reputable breeder who is trying to improve the breed.
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Q: Do you ship rats?
A: No, for a few reasons. it is expensive, so shipping less than 6 rats isn't cost effective. Most pet adopters aren't going to adopt that many rats at once. It's a $90.00 plane ticket, plus the cost of the carrier they'll be shipped in, plus the cost of my time and travel expenses to get them to the air port. You're looking at a couple hundred dollars for just shipping - and that does not include the cost for the rats themselves. Look around in your area, I'm sure you'll find a breeder who is much closer, and will cost you less in the long run to adopt from.