Breeders
While I do not discriminate against new breeders, you must display a knowledge or at least a willingness to learn about establishing lines and the genetics of the varieties you would like to work with. Too many breeders seem to be jumping into breeding, with the genetics and health of the line being an afterthough. I put a lot of thought into the rats I breed and actually have a lot of information behind each pairing. I don't pretend to know everything, but I am intelligent, want to constantly learn more, absolutely love science and genetics and put a lot of effort into talking to people active in the rat community. I demand no less from potential breeders that would like to work with me. I will be happy to discuss genetics and answer any questions anyone may have, even if they aren't interested in my rats. I like getting to know people and sharing knowledge.
Inquiring about breeding quality rats
I need to know your policies in your rattery, including quarantine, adoptions/adoption contracts and your breeding goals. If you do not have breeding goals, then you will probably not be getting a rat from me. Every breeder should always have goals for each litter that is produced. I would like these goals to go beyond, 'I want more russian blue rexes.' They need to be very well thought out. You should be familiar with the weaknesses in your rats' lines and your breedings should be based on improvement of these.
I would like to have a relationship established with any new breeders and would like to be informed of pairings of any of the rats from BSKI. I would like to know about the conditions the rats will be kept in and how many litters you are planning on having at a time/each year. I do not agree with mass production of rats and do not think it is possible to produce healthy, social rats when you're breeding 8+ litters at a time. I know many breeders do it, but we are not one of them and I will never agree with it.
I will not allow anyone under 18 to have any of our rats for breeding purposes. Sorry, but I think that's very young and you aren't settled enough to make a long term commitment. I've had people contacting me for rats while they are still living with their parents (who don't like rats). That's just bound to end up in disaster....with me scrambling to rehome everyone that came from my rattery. I want to know you're settled and have a stable living situation. Sorry if it sounds harsh, but a lot of ratteries have been popping up in this area, only to disappear a few months later...I just want a stable situation for my rats. With that said, I'm a very nice person that is willing to answer any questions and help when I can....so feel free to email me :-)
Inquiring about breeding quality rats
I need to know your policies in your rattery, including quarantine, adoptions/adoption contracts and your breeding goals. If you do not have breeding goals, then you will probably not be getting a rat from me. Every breeder should always have goals for each litter that is produced. I would like these goals to go beyond, 'I want more russian blue rexes.' They need to be very well thought out. You should be familiar with the weaknesses in your rats' lines and your breedings should be based on improvement of these.
I would like to have a relationship established with any new breeders and would like to be informed of pairings of any of the rats from BSKI. I would like to know about the conditions the rats will be kept in and how many litters you are planning on having at a time/each year. I do not agree with mass production of rats and do not think it is possible to produce healthy, social rats when you're breeding 8+ litters at a time. I know many breeders do it, but we are not one of them and I will never agree with it.
I will not allow anyone under 18 to have any of our rats for breeding purposes. Sorry, but I think that's very young and you aren't settled enough to make a long term commitment. I've had people contacting me for rats while they are still living with their parents (who don't like rats). That's just bound to end up in disaster....with me scrambling to rehome everyone that came from my rattery. I want to know you're settled and have a stable living situation. Sorry if it sounds harsh, but a lot of ratteries have been popping up in this area, only to disappear a few months later...I just want a stable situation for my rats. With that said, I'm a very nice person that is willing to answer any questions and help when I can....so feel free to email me :-)