My Pet Rats

Heart Rats of Nilla Paws

Here's a few of my rats that were my personal pets, some were rescues and some were breeders as well. Our first litter was born in 2005. I studied genetics and different colors before I continued breeding. Our goal and aim is to breed friendly, healthy and beautiful rats that make good pets and live an above average lifespan of 4-5 years for the rats here. We are referring to our feeder bin rat named Neeka who surprised us all with a five year lifespan. We love rats because of their overlooked potential as companion pets. We believe in raising them carefully so that each rat becomes friendly and calm with humans. We breed occasionally and it brings warmth to our hearts. We've had rats from Colorado and the surrounding states of Wisconsin. We encourage people to share to our Facebook community so we can learn together. Every day I socialize my rats and keep them out of the cage for lots of different indoor and outdoor activities. We do not recommend leaving your rats alone in its cage to adjust but we encourage you to engage with the animal starting with short but good encounters letting them choose to come and go from their cage and to you as they wish eventually. Rats can and will enjoy being handled... There is many ways to become acquainted with your new pet, but an adjustment period to warm up to your house is a myth. You should, however quarantine. Every rat has it's own personality and will be getting acquainted with you at it's own pace. The more comfortable your rat is the better, rats are naturally cleaner animals. They are sensitive animals that pick up on your habits and tendencies... also let your new rat with some sneezing be because they are very curious animals and they smell lots of new things which can cause sneezing the first few days. Do some quiet things around the house and spend time next to the cage so your rats get a good sense of who you are. I love giving all my time to my colony and I refer to them as the names given from the time I can tell them apart; I understand not all breeders do this but I have a small enough mischief and ample time to get names assigned. Please, do your part in the animal keeping community and research other places before getting a new pet. My experience also has been a path of research; I have been a rat breeder most of my life and I'm still learning.