We know you're excited - we are too!

 

But please read this FAQ page and make sure pet rats are right for you!​
 

Can I buy one rat?
A: Unfortunately, No. Rats are highly social and need same sex company to thrive. Don't fret! Caring for one rat correctly should easily translate to two rats and the "extra" work load is really not even noticeable in practice!​

 

Can I buy one rat? I have a single rat already.
A: Yes, you can! We will require proof of the existing rat during the process.

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I do STRONGLY recommend people buy two rats so that a solo rat situation is less likely to occur again so soon. 

Can you deliver?
A: Yes, we can! 

• Local to Launceston and up to 10km surrounding is FREE.

• 15km or further out is $50 + $0.20 per km (one way) up to 6 rats. 

 

How do I know if my cage is big enough?
A: You use this rat cage calculator!

https://www.omnicalculator.com/biology/rat-cage

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If these are my first rats, how many should I get?
A: Two rats are the minimum ethical amount to own. Rats are incredibly reliant on rat company to thrive.

 

Otherwise, I always recommend 3 rats to start so when one passes away, you are not left scrambling for a friend for a lone rat. It buys owners invaluable time to grieve first, with their remaining rats before stressing about the logistics! 

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Rats also develop best with same age company!

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Should I get boys or girls?

A:  Both genders are amazing either way and honestly you are golden no matter the gender you choose!

Boys are loafs. They cuddle puddle and are usually calm pets though they do tend to rough house and play just as females do. Boys tend to be 
Boys have courser coats and can grow quite... pudgy.
Boys do scent mark however are *in my experience* easier to litter train and with very bare basic cleaning and upkeep (like a weekly clean and fortnightly deep clean, there is no discernable or unpleasant scent. 

Girls can be very active and excitable and love to constantly be doing something! They are big lovers of play and trick training (should the owner be so inclined). 
Females are softer to the touch and eager to move about and explore!
Females do not scent mark however without regular upkeep can produce the exact same scent. 
Girls are usually busy bees until the end of their first year where they start to mature and slow down a bit, but don't get it twisted, these girls.
 

What are the average needs of rats?

A:  Well rounded pellet diet such as Vetafarm Origins Rat Food, Science Selective Rat Food or Laucke Mills Rat and Mouse Food.
Fresh Water available 24/7.

And the big ones:

LOADS of enrichment. Toy swaps weekly, new puzzles, free roam, changing cage lay-outs, new toys every so often, multiple (non-vitamin) chews etc. 

and... A GOOD SIZED CAGE!

 

What does vet care for rats look like?

A:  Rat vet care can be extremely expensive as rats are considered exotic pets. Finding a vet clinic in your area that is willing to see rats before purchasing is always a good idea. 

Generally speaking, the average rat does not need vaccines or tooth trims. They also shouldn't need desexing. 

Rats, even the well bred, are born with mycoplasma exposure from the mother and thus can experience upper respiratory infections in life. The only way to avoid this is mum has a sterile c-section and babies are immediately removed and weaned by humans in a sterile environment (such as lab rats in some cases) .

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What traits do your programs work towards?

A:  We breed for robust, sickness resistant, playful and docile rats that are raised for family life from the moment they are born!
We are meticulous with selections when breeding and breed at a small, sustainable scale to ensure breeding rats and babies have all they need and more from start to end.

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What support do you offer as a breeder?

A:  We offer judgement-free, collaborative support, education and information - before, during and after for new and familiar families that purchase from us to the best of our ability. 
We offer as much transparency when you purchase rats from us! 
We endeavor to check-in on families post collection and encourage owners to update us at any point in their journey with their rats!