1. FHR babies are available for adoption only, never for sale. I require all adopters to sign an adoption contract. My interest is in finding the best homes possible for pet quality babies who are produced in my breeding program. Adoption fees cover only a small fraction of the expenses involved in running my rattery. The rattery is a "Labor of Love" for me.
2. I am very careful to ensure babies are adopted to responsible people who understand basic rat care. I will refuse an adopter, at any time, who I do not feel will make suitable caretakers to these little guys. Also, if you are under 18, please have a parent willing to come with you to pick up your adopted babies as well as give consent for you to adopt.
3. Young babies are adopted out in same sex pairs, trios, etc ONLY. I do not normally adopt out single babies. Babies adjust better in their new homes when accompanied by a sibling. Also, babies should never be alone through 3 weeks of quarantine.
4. Adoption fees for baby rats are fifty dollars (50.00) for a same sex pair or sixty five (65.00) for a same sex trio. This fee may be paid in cash only on the day of the adoption, or ahead of time through PayPal, cashiers check or money order (possibly personal check but clear this with me first.) ((This fee is a small help to our many costs including vet bills (exams, medications, blood work, surgeries, biopsies, neutering, necropsies and more) bedding, food, treats, caging, hammocks, and other supplies, gas to drive to adoptions, webspace, paper and ink, not to mention, my time...))
5. Babies stay with their mother until 4.5 to 5 weeks old. At that point, males are separated from females, and the babies are weaned. They are then introduced to same sex adult rat companions to continue learning social skills and bite inhibition.
6. Babies are usually available for adoption at 5.5 - 6 weeks of age. I feel baby rats adjust better to their new home when first given time to get used to living without mom. Also, I want to be sure all the babies are healthy, as some illnesses will not appear for up to a week after weaning. I know it can be hard when waiting for your baby, but just know I do this for both the best interest of the baby and the adopting family.
8. All litters born will be registered with NARR and every baby is also individually registered. Babies are given a registered name while they are here, but of course you may call them anything you like.
9. All babies will be adopted out as pets only, not as breeders, unless previously agreed upon. . This will also be noted on their registrations. Adoptions may be done to other breeders I have developed a relationship with over time, and whose breeding practices I feel comfortable with.
10. I operate as a closed rattery. I do not allow adopters into my home. The chance an adopter could accidently introduce a disease into the rattery is just too high to allow this risk. I will work with adopters to set up a convenient pick up location where we can meet.
11. If you can no longer keep your adopted rats, at any point in their life, you will need to contact me! I will always take rats that I have bred back if you can no longer keep them. If you prefer to place the rats yourself, I must be allowed to supervise the adoption and to screen and approve the new adopter. The new adopter must agree to all the same terms and sign my adoption contract.
12. I need my adopters to keep in touch with me throughout the rats lifetime. As part of my adoption contract, adopters need to send me updates on adopted rats at minimum every 6 months. I must be informed if a rat I adopt out to you becomes ill or develops any inheritable disease. I also must know when the rat passes away. I am striving to produce only the healthiest, longest lived pet rats and this information is vital!
Adoption Information
