Breeding

I breed and exhibit rats as a hobby. As part of that hobby I sometimes have rat kittens available to pet homes. I keep my rats first and foremost as very much loved pets, their welfare and contentment is my priority.

I am passionate about promoting them as pets, as well as show animals and will endeavor to be of help to anyone who wishes to know more. I often attend National Fancy Rat Society shows, either as an exhibitor, judge or show secretary and encourage anyone who wants to meet me or my rats to come along. Shows offer a great opportunity to engage with other like-minded owners, see a range of rat varieties, buy rat related goodies and meet breeders.

 

Frequently asked questions

Why breed?

As a new owner I found that many pet shop rats were intractible, short lived and prone to more health issues on the whole. I also received very little support in the beginning. Once I realised that rat breeders were available I never looked back, and had some excellent experiences and wonderful pets from some amazing breeders (many of whom I now consider good friends).

The decision to breed myself followed years of careful thought and preparation with many other breeders behind me for support. I have now been breeding for around 15 years and keeping rats for much longer.  

My main aims include improving health, longevity and maintaining good temperaments of the rats I breed. Secondary to this I aim to breed rats that meet the standard for the varieties I breed as exhibition animals.

How do I express interest?

Once kittens are born announcements will be added to the litters page as well as on facebook. We will then open the online form when the kittens are grown on enough for me to make my own keeper choices. This may be around the 4 plus week mark.

What happens once I have applied?

I will consider all homing application forms over the course of a week. I will then contact those who have been successful for the current litter. I will endeavor to take people's preferences in to account but cannot make any promises as I pair/group rats based on factors such as personality and ensuring owners get rats that look different where possible.

I try to match the kittens to the right home.

Which varieties do you breed?

I will be focusing on Essex marked, mainly in Russian Blue.

There may sometimes be dumbo available but we do not breed for them specifically.


Other varieties such as Russian Blue, Russian Blue Agouti, Russian Buff, Black and Agouti may be available from time to time as they occur in litters but are not guaranteed.