Ethical breeding starts with how the parents are treated.

 

At Little Beans Rattery, our breeding rats are never viewed as stock. They are valued pets and members of our home and family. All parent rats are housed in enriched environments, receive proper nutrition, regular handling, and ongoing health monitoring throughout their lives, before, during and after breeding. 

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We carefully plan litters, limit breeding frequency, and prioritize health, temperament, and longevity over numbers.

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Little Beans keeps records of all breeding, including but not limited to:

• Litter sizes and sexes

• Pairing dates

• Litter separation and homing dates

• Pregnancy length

• Parentage

• Kit loss - natural litter reduction via mum typically

• Assessments of any present maternal aggression

• Comments on each doe's pregnancy

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We keep such records to ensure that any issues are recognizable immediately and as a rattery, we can move in the right direction for the long term benefits of the pets we offer. These records help us to plan a doe's final litter in appropriate time and keep track of the lines and genetics being passed on. 

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Breeding bucks and does are retired early (1 year old for does, 18 months for bucks) and remain with us or in trusted homes, because ethical breeding includes love, quality of life and care long after babies are born.

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Our rats are not bred or raised in small racks.​

Instead our rats are bred in large 'maternity' tubs modified to have great ventilation while offering an easy clean set up or a maternity cage.

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After breeding, we remove dad and place him back in his mischief to return to regular life.

 

Mums will stay together for crucial company with low-lying enrichments and nesting materials to really get their maternal instincts activated. During this time, I will offer foods that support lactation. 

Days before birth, the mums are separated into their own nesting tubs to prepare.

 

Here they are offered a sizable nesting box inside the tub and a range of kit-safe nesting materials from hay to coco-fiber. I typically strew this around the tub and mums will happily do the rest. According to them, my nest building skills leave much to be desired. 

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I will offer a slight oversupply of their dry regular food and an unmovable/can't-take-into-the-nest-to-rot food forage (such as a cucumber stick) for extra enrichment. During this time they always have a hard type chew for their teeth needs. 

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Mums are provided with daily interaction (only left alone for labor and birthing), treats as usual and 24/7 food and water access.