Rattery Ethics

In my current husbandry practices, I maintain my rats in single critter nations and have recently incorporated the use of heavily cluttered clear storage bins, with strategically cut-out sides and tops to maximize ventilation. For bedding, I prefer kiln-dried pine over paper bedding, as the former exhibits superior ammonia absorption.

The process extends to the management of breeding does. A week before giving birth, they are transferred to maternity cages, where they remain with their offspring for approximately 5 weeks, contingent on size. Subsequently, the mother and her offspring are introduced to a larger cage alongside other adult does for socialization and learning experiences. At 5.5 weeks, male offspring are segregated into a separate cage with adult males until they reach 8 weeks, the designated age for them to go to their new homes.

Here are some key practices integral to my breeding approach:

- Temperament Evaluation: 

Weekly temperament assessments are conducted from 3.5 weeks onward. Rather than relying on a single "temperament test," I spend daily quality time with the rats, gaining a nuanced understanding of their individual traits, strengths, and weaknesses.

- Maternal Aggression Checks:

 Nursing does are assessed for maternal aggression through their reactions when I reach out to pet them and their offspring. Regular updates on social media provide transparency regarding the absence of maternal aggression.

- Culling Practices: 

In adherence to AVMA guidelines, I employ hypothermia for rats up to 10 days old and CO2 for older specimens when hard culling is necessary.

- Environmental Sensitivity Testing: 

Regular temperament evaluations involve exposing rats to loud noises, such as barking dogs, clapping, and sudden movements. This testing, conducted every other day, assesses the rats' reactions and recovery times in diverse situations.

- Dietary Variation: 

To mitigate picky eating tendencies, baby rats are introduced to different foods.

- Sound Exposure:

Rats are exposed to various sounds, including fireworks, rock music, and human voices, during weekly cage cleans. This practice gauges their reactions and comfort levels with different auditory stimuli.

- Housing Standards:

All rats are housed in spacious critter nations and 200qt bin cages, and I strictly refrain from using rack systems for breeding purposes.

- Species Segregation:

 I emphatically discourage co-mingling with any other species of animals. This is underscored in my contract as well, with the breach of this stipulation warranting the repossession of the rats. The exception is made for barn hunt activities, provided strict safety measures are adhered to, ensuring the rats' protection from other animals.

These practices underscore my commitment to ethical and comprehensive rat breeding, fostering their well-being, health, and positive integration into their future homes.