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Responsible Breeding
I created this page in hopes of educating others about responsible breeding practices. I am very serious and committed to improving the lives of rats around the country, and one way I hope to do that is by encouraging others to support only truly responsible breeders and rescues. I see far too many ratteries that are adopting out tons of babies even though they are not following sustainable or accountable breeding practices. The main issue I see is with ratteries churning out massive numbers of babies, which cannot be socialized, placed or tracked in a responsible manner. These types of ratteries also create competition for area rescues.
The following is not meant to be a set in stone list of what makes a good breeder. If the breeder you are looking into does follow most of the practices listed here, I personally would feel comfortable adopting from them. However, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances and reasons why breeders do not do things the same way as others. The important thing is that they are willing to talk about how and why they do things and they are honest and open about their practices. When adopting, you as the adopter must do what you feel is right. Only support breeders who you feel are doing the best they can for their rats, and not what is convenient or easier for them.
10 Signs of a Responsible Rat Breeder:
1. Breeder only breeds rats with 3+ generations of known ancestry.
2. Breeder breeds no more than 2 litters at a time, or 12 litters per year.
3. Breeder has a variety/type focus and goals in mind with every breeding (and can explain them when asked.)
4. Breeder asks for ALL of the following - adoption application, signed contract, and adoption fee.
5. Breeder never sells babies at swap meets, expos, pet shops, or any other method besides private, pre-approved adoption.
6. Breeder keeps ALL retired breeders for the entirety of their lives.
7. Breeder breeds animals at no younger than 6 months old and weans babies at no younger than 4 weeks.
8. Breeder adopts out babies to live in group settings only, at no younger than 5 weeks of age.
9. Breeder is open about and shares information on health, temperament or other problems existing in their lines.
10. Breeder has a "bridge" page, explaining how and when previous breeding animals died as well as a "past litters" page with every litter they have produced listed. |
Articles on Responsible Breeding by Black Wolf Rattery
Here are some wonderful articles written by Black Wolf Rattery.
Many thank to BWR for allowing these wonderful and well written articles to be reprinted here.
How to Choose the Right Breeder
Breeder Red Flags
Not Red Flags
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