FAQ

A lot of our questions can be answered on our pages, here is a list of all our website pages you can access for information:

Here are some answers to the questions we hear the most:

Are your rats Dumbos?

Yes, we only breed Dumbo to Dumbo. And get 100% Dumbo results.

What other types of rats do you breed for?

We opt for Rex lines, planning our breeding accordingly. Rex is the type of coat the rat has. It is usually, softer, wavier, curlier, and can be longer. You can learn more about our BREEDING PRACTICES.

Where did you get your rats from?

Our rats are sourced from reputable breeders. See our FAMILY TREE to learn more about our rats, and whether we bred them ourselves or if they originate from somewhere else. We do not inbreed. But we do keep our circle tight. Healthy, well-tempered (rats that do not bite) are very important to us. You can also see our BREEDING PLAN for 2026.

How many rats do you typically give out?

1-3 depending on the situation. There is a spot on your application to let us know your preferences. You can always check our wait-list to see who is available or will be.

Do your rats bite?

No! We don’t tolerate biting around here. If your rat should begin to bite (not gentle nibble) please let us know immediately so we can adjust our breeding plan.

So no. You should not “get bit” unless it is a curious circumstance.

What do you feed your rats?

We feed high quality food. All of our adult males are currently being fed Oxbow Essentials. Our mothers nursing or breeding, including the pups born receive Kalmbach 23%. More information can be found, here.

They also get homemade rat treats from time to time.

How do we “socialize” our rats?

Through a variety of methods. I would say the it starts with them being in cages. They can acquaint themselves with the surroundings, and have surroundings to explore.

We do bond with them, using hoodies and wearable bonding pouches. Bonding usually occurs 3-5 times a week, in 30 minute increments. During this time, if permitting, Mom is allowed to free roam the rat room. We begin bonding with the babies around day 6. This will last for at least three weeks. Once they are older, we will spend more time having them get used to me from inside the cage, with the doors open and welcoming arms.

Our door to the rat room is usually open, except from 12-3 which is their nap time everyday. Otherwise you have me, Jax, going in and out all day, along with my kids and various dogs. This helps naturally adjust to people and their happenings.

Do you have your rats zoologically tested for diseases?

Yes, we are working our way down the list. Currently we have done one rat, who was tested for 11 things and came back negative (or clear) of all of them. We do use this breeder for about half of our stock. The next test we have sent in and are awaiting results before breeding Ernest and Humphrey. We got them from a hobby breeder and though we know there is nothing to worry about, it’s better to know then not what is going on with the rats we breed. You can find the exact test we take here: https://www.zoologix.com/rodent/Datasheets/RatBreedingPanel.htm

What if I am a first time rat owner?

How exciting! We are here for you every step of the way. If you have questions or just need general advice, we are here to provide that to you. It’s sort of a packaged deal. Which is another reason we promote our packages so hard, advice is included.

What is a Rex and what is a Dumbo rat?

Rex – refers to having a wavy, curly hair compared to a standard coat rat.

Dumbo – large eared, usually the ears fall more on the side of the head, different than a standard eared rat.

How many people operate the Rattery?

Where is the Rattery? Can I tour? It’s a house!?

Yes this is a house! We are currently only doing scheduled virtual tours. Thank you for your understanding.

When do you adopt out your rats?

When we separate males from females, pairs and trios at 5 weeks we expect you to pick them up sooner than later. We will only hold rats for up to 10 weeks. We do not adopt out single rats under 8 weeks old.

When it comes to our packages

Choose the right package for you and your rats…

Our handcrafted packages are specially customized for your rat.

Processing Time: usually 1-3 days depending on the size of your package.

Free ground shipping is included, or you can upgrade to have it expedited.

Do you sell supplies without the package?

Yes, check out our Etsy: ratteryorg.etsy.com or reach out for a custom order.

Where is the form to fill out for the packages?

It’s on this website, but here it is, as well: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN3bBT1R5a2QLLp42O4KEsVWcc8XRtPsxm_c6I92bAZxmg4A/viewform?usp=header

I filled out the form, now what?

We will send you your invoice, usually over text. It will include our payment tag for either Paypal, Cashapp, Venmo, or however you choose to pay.

Please pay within 48 hours of receiving your invoice.

Payment is expected “immediately.” Please do not fill out your form until you can pay.

How do you make your toys?

We use all natural and safe parts to construct our rat toys. Rat tested and approved.

We do not use glue. Not even “non-toxic” glue. Instead, we use a lot of knots and natural wood beads.

If we use pre-dyed materials, it is a food grade safe dye that has been kiln dried.

We do not use flavorings. We do not want to promote unhealthy indigestion. 

How do you make your treats?

We use mostly organic ingredients like fruits, vegetables, eggs, and quinoa flour. We usually include some sort of seed or nut, olive oil (dash), and organic crushed rosemary (natural preservative). We then dehydrate our treats for lasting freshness. They are crunchy, gluten free, lactose free, without any added sugar.

What sort of enrichment items can I expect?

We include a bag of enrichment items/boredom breakers. This list contains possible items: sola, bamboo stalk, papaya stem, deer antler, sea grass, natural wood to chew like apple wood, groovy sticks, jute wood, pradips, vine balls, paper straws, lollipopsticks, and more. 

We calculate the value of these bags to be between $10-$15. 

How can I subscribe to a monthly rat box?

We currently do not have a site up and running for our subscription boxes. If you are interested in receiving supplies monthly, please reach out.

shipping and handling our packages

Do you ship rats, too?

NO ! WE DO NOT SHIP OUR RATS.

How long does it take for you to process my order?

We typically have our care packages ready in 1 – 3 days, depending on size.

Shipping is free to the USA. Can I make my order a priority?

Free ground shipping is included. It usually takes 2-5 days for your package to arrive. If you would like your package expedited, please select that option on our form.

There is an additional fee if you choose “priority shipping.”

Do you ship outside of the USA?

Yes, but there will be a huge upcharge.

What if this is a gift for somebody?

That’s wonderful! Simply let us know on the form; there is a spot that asks if this is a gift.

Just remember to add the recipient’s verified USPS address, so the package goes to the right place.

DO YOU OFFER REFUNDS?

No. Your order is non-refundable.


If you have any other questions not answered by this FAQ, please reach out by phone or email.

My name: Jax/Jaxy Fox

My phone: 303-229-4100

My email: support@adoptarat.com