see the cages
Merri Whiskers Rattery is located in Hudson, New Hampshire (USA).
Map
It is a small rattery and I plan to keep it small so that all of the
rats can have free time to play indoors, and in the summer have time
in the playpen outdoors.
My love for rats began after getting one for my daughter back in
2003. Within months I bought one for myself; a black hooded pet store
baby and soon after adopted rescues from Kim's Ark and from individuals.
In 2006 I bred my first litter from a pair purchased from a good friend and
breeder. For information on my recent litter
please visit the "Litters" page. Things
grew from there. Now my rattery is registered with NARR. I am continually
expanding my knowledge as much as I can from experienced breeders
(whom I really appreciate!) and other sources.
Goals and philosophy
My breeding goals are to produce healthy, calm, social, and intelligent
rats. After temperament and health, I breed for color and finally
type. Even though rats genetically are a short-lived species compared
to other species, I am trying to improve longevity in my lines by
bringing in lines from other breeders that live 3 + years and carefully
monitor my own current lines. I don't breed for quantity, or to stroke
my ego. I breed for myself, i.e. to work towards my goals, which means
I breed a litter only if I plan to keep one or more from that breeding.
In order to work towards these goals I make every attempt to maintain
contact with people that have purchased my rats to keep track of the
health of those rats. This is the only way to make informed decisions
regarding my breeding goals.
Rat genetics are complicated and I do not claim to be an expert
by any means. This is why I am working with mentors. I am very grateful
that they are willing to work with me!
I follow the code of ethics of AFRMA, and Britain's NFRS.
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I feed (and sell): Harlan Lab Blocks, and include veggies and fruits in my rats diets
I use Aspen shavings for bedding
