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Adoption Information


Waiting List currently Closed.

Not accepting new applications at this time.


Adoption Policy

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 $40 per same sex pair or $50 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.

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.  This will also be noted on their registrations.  I will need time to fully develop my lines before I will feel comfortable offering stock to other breeders.

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 Process

1.  The first step in adoption from FHR is to read over all of the information provided on my website, including the Rat Care section, Breeding and Adoption Policies and the About FHR section.  Be sure that you agree with all of my methods and procedures.  I try to do everything possible to make adoption wonderful experience for both my rats and their new families.  Please email me if you have any questions about how or why I do things a certain way.

2.  Here at FHR, I use a general waiting list to find homes for my babies.  I do not publish this list on my site, but if you want to know how many adopters are on it, about how long you would have to wait for babies, or if babies from specific breedings will be available, just email me.  

3.  When you are sure you are ready to adopt, please submit the Adoption Application.  Copy and paste the form into an email and send it to me at farmhouse_rats@yahoo.com.  Please fill out all the information as accurately and fully as possible.  I need specifics, especially when it comes to things like diet (staple diet type, brand name, amount, treats, other parts of diet, etc) and housing.  "Large cage" or "rat pellets" are not the kinds of answers I am looking for.  If you don't know what kind of cage you have just send a picture.

3.  Once you send in your adoption application, please allow up to one week for a response.  I try my best to respond as quickly as possible, and most often I do respond within a day.  You application will either be denied, pending (means that I need clarification on certain issues or more information) or approved.  If you are denied I will respond and explain the reasons for my decision.  

4.  The final step to being placed on my waiting list is a $10, non refundable fee.  It is required only for new adopters; return adopters will not have to pay this fee.  This is to ensure that adopters are serious when placed on the list.  I have had some non-responsive and disappearing adopters, and I hope this policy will help to prevent that in the future.  It can be paid through paypal, cash, money order, or cashiers check.  Once I receive the $10 fee, your name will be placed on the waiting list.

5.  Anyone on the waiting list will receive updates to the email address they use on the adoption application.  I will keep everyone posted on any breedings as I attempt them, babies that are born, or any other rats who may become available for adoption.  I will also include the waiting list itself with adopters initials and preferences so everyone knows their place on the list.

6.  Reservation Process Currently being Reworked.

7.  Once all the babies are reserved, I will choose a time and date to meet with adopters.  I meet all adopters in Branchville, NJ.  If the adoption date is acceptable to the majority of adopters, I will set that date as pick up.  I always work with adopters who are unable to meet at the set time/date.  Just email me and let me know what you are available to meet up.

8.  When the adoption time/date is set, I will email adoption contracts.  You will need to read, print, fill out and sign the contract.  Then bring it with you to the adoption.  If for some reason you cannot, be sure to tell me in advance so I can have a copy ready.  Also, be sure to bring your adoption fees in cash if you have not already paid them in advance.  Lastly, be sure to bring a secure carrier, as I will not allow rats to go without one.  Cat carriers with small openings in front, small animal carriers, small cages, and small aquariums with wire lid all work for a travel cage.  If you have a long drive ahead, put in a piece of chopped vegetable such as carrot or cucumber to keep your rat hydrated and give him something to snack on during the ride home.

9.  Once you take your rat home, if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to call or email me!