I often refer to our female breeding rats, as brides. This is a term I have started, here, at The Rattery/adoptarat.com. Most commonly, female breeding rats are called: does, dames, dams. I wanted to use something with a little more heart to it. So, the term Brides was born.

You can find a lot of information on our website about our breeding practices and how we raise our brides.

Most importantly, each of our brides are treated with the upmost respect and love. I ensure their health and well-being from pre-breeding to post-pregnancy. It is crucial each Bride receives the care she needs to ensure happy and healthy litters are being produced by our Rattery.

Our cages are kept habitually clean. There are only cages for breeding, as I stay away from bin-breeding. I don’t disagree with the outcomes of bin-breeding but I prefer cages. I believe cages can provide true socialization for our rats, proper ventilation, and they allow for plenty of enrichment opportunities.

The babies are raised on fleece and with shredded construction paper as the nesting materials. Shredded construction paper does not stick to our newborn babies, which is why I use it. The rest of our rats also live with fleece and shredded construction paper.

Our brides are fed Kalmbach 23% (protein). Our studs are fed the same, or Oxbow Essentials. Our babies are also raised providing Kalmbach 23% for their introductory solid food, and until they are at least 6 months of age.

These are not just rats I am breeding, I am cultivating pets for future families.