Firstly I'd like to share a little about me. I'm 21 years old and I have kept rats since i was 10. My first 3 does were Monica, Rachel and Phoebe, a gorgeous black self, silver fawn hooded and a black hooded.
I had had rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and many other critters but once you've had rats, you dont go back! And i never have gone back.
When I reached 14, some rescues came to me via a friend of my mums, and after that my numbers seemed to grow in rescues. Since 1996 I have had 5 rescue litters, who i have successfully raised to good health and rehomed, I have had over 30 adults come to me, all turning out to be happy creatures who lived long happy lives. I now have my own place, and have been active in the fancy for just over a year, and I feel that i am now in a position to do what i have dreamt for so many years, and breeding for my own rattery.
Since being introduced to various varieties that I was not already aware of, I fell hook, line and sinker for two particular varieties, badgers, often known as blazed berkshires, and then second is the wonder Agouti Burmese, also known as Wheatern Burmese. I love all the varieties of burmese, but i find something quite beautiful and enchanting about the lighter coat and beautiful shading with the points. It is this variety that I intend to breed here at Redwall, and I am hugely grateful to Jen of Hakuna Matata for helping me on my way to a tremendous degree!
All of my rats are fed the shunamite diet with fresh food and my own home baked rat treats daily, and have free range and handling time every day. They are generously caged and have their own extention on our home.
The Ethics I intend to breed by
Having kept rats for many years before joining the fancy, I developed opinions about how these creatures could be kept without the influence of others. I am glad to say that many of those beliefs were on the correct lines, given situations like space, numbers, health and diet. I am not scared to admit that there were a few issues, such as keeping on woodchips that did not pick up on, and was quick to change to cardboard bedding as soon as I discovered the harm that it could cause.
Now that I have learned further about best ways to keep my treasures, I stick to them regidly, and they take very high priority in my life.
I will not cull. It is not nessessary when breeding an established variety and therefore is not a subject that should even be approached in a programme such as my own.
All animals that begin their lives with me will lead long and enjoyable lives.
Euthanasia is only ever introduced when I feel an animal is so unwell after initial treatment that it has no chance of living an enjoyable life.
My vet has experience with rats, and shares opinions as I do in their care and health. My rats see the vet as and when i feel veterinary action is needed on any level.
I will only begin breeding when I feel I am financially secure, and will not risk a creatures life by the potential for not being able to pay vet bills and forfill my responsibilities as an owner.
I was recently asked why I wanted to breed, and I feel that what I said that day is a very good summary of how I feel towards my plans.
"In a nut shell, if i were to breed, its because i would love a lifes project not necessarily just perfecting the appearance and health of a rat, temperament is just so much more. Take the Hakuna Matata Siamese line for example. All the HKM Siameses i have met, are snuggley, adoring and actually bounce! They all bounce! Thats what i want to achieve. Beyond the responsibilities of breeding that we're all aware of, to have that signiture thing, and to know that all my rats are going to adore their owners, and therefore be adored in return."
I will be happy to take any rats that I breed back into my care. No questions asked.
When rats are adopted from Redwall, they are done so with a contract. Any applicants for litters will first be asked to complete a form, and if i have not already met you, I would appriciate a chat on the phone, or to meet in you person either at my house or at a show. I am sure that all applicants would understand that peace of mind over who the Redwall rats are adopted by is very important to me.
For the foreseeable future, no rats from Redwall will be adopted with breeding contracts. These rats are pet only and the contract must be adhered to. If you are interested in breeding my rats, either before or after signing the contract, please contact me first to discuss the situation.
All kittens will be ready to go to their new homes by a minimum of 6 weeks of age, and kittens will be homed in pairs minimum. The only circumstances in which I may consider homing singles is if there are kittens already with you for company of the same age. By all means contact me to discuss this!
All kittens go to their new homes with a kit consisting of a sample of Shunamite Diet and instructions on how to make it and its benefits, some kitten goodies, and some care information. In addition to this, I will also include their Pedigree, your contract and also photos!
I appreciate updates whereever possible of how Redwall kittens are, and intend contacting new owners periodically to request specific health updates, purely for records!
