Adoption

Adoptions spots available for reservation. Rats will be adopted out once fully weaned and reach 8 weeks of age. Rats require in person pick-up.

Adoption Fee

The Rat adoption fee is $22 per rat, as these are pets and not feeders. Since I do not Adopt out singles I will provide discounts per grouping:

Two Rats: $34
Three Rats: $46
Four Rats: $58

Adoption Protocol

Rats are wonderful companions and to fully bring out their delightful personalities, there are a few things that I like to make sure potential rat parents to know!

Buddies: Rats do best when their have a few friends to groom, sleep and play with. I only adopt out rats in groups because of this reason. If you already have rats, I can adopt out a set of 2. If my rats are going to be your first mischief I heavily recommend 3-4. This not only helps them adjust to their new home, but as they reach their twilight years the chance of one rat being alone. (Rats live 2-4 years and struggle in old age when isolated from others of the same species.
Space: Rats require a living space where the cage is designed with them in mind, rather than a different rodent such as a mouse or hamster. Before adopting out any rats, I like to have a few images sent of their future living space to make sure that it is appropriate. If it doesn't meet standards, I'm happy to help provide options to acquire an appropriate cage.
Enrichment: There are lots of affordable options to create a fun space of your new friends. I'll provide you a list of necessary supplies and means of where to obtain them.

List of Rat necessities

To keep your mischief happy and thriving, below is a list of essentials.

Bedding: Mix half paper and half aspen. I find this is the best bedding as rats enjoy digging in it, the paper is absorbent and the aspen shaving help reduce ammonia buildup in between cage cleanings. (Do not use cedar, the oils will harm your rat, even if it is kiln dried)
Lab blocks: Rats love their fruits, veggies and grains, but lab blocks provide a staple, nutrient filled meal in between. Look for Oxbow, Mazuri or Exotic Nutrients.
Cleaning: Rats are incredibly clean animals, grooming themselves the way cats do! If your rat is stinky, it means their cage is overdue for a clean. Litter boxes and spot cleaning help cut down on the smell, but I recommend a deep clean once or twice a week. This keeps your rats healthy, but also helps you bond (make sure you are using a rodent friendly cage cleaner if they are going to be in the cage while you clean. be sure to read the directions on the bottle, as some need the pets to be removed from the cage and kept somewhere safe in the meantime)

Enrichment

Here are some fun ways to keep your rats happy and entertained!

Hides: Lots of places to hide help new rats become accustomed to their surroundings, along with providing space to recharge and snuggle.
Digging bins: A cat litter bin filled with Repti-soil or timothy hay provides a fun space to explore
Chews: store bought chews for rodents work great for these little guys, but so do many of the dog treat chews such as bully sticks and beef knees! Most bird toys also excellent options.
Bridges/ropes: Rats love to climb. Options like these found in the bird isle make for great extra climbing space
hammocks: hanging beds are often times a favorite of many rats.
destructible: Rats love to chew and destroy, their favorite form of play. cheap options include toilet paper rolls with a treat in the middle and tissue stuffed on either side. Pet store have many fun options for rodents, such as puzzle boxes.
treats: Rats have a wide option when it comes to treats! Fruits and vegetables are a favorite, but so are small pieces of meats and freeze dried organs. (Always google to make sure the snack is rat safe, AI is not recommended for this)
Free-roam: Free-roam time is the best way to bond with your rat. Find a room or space that is "rat-proof", i.e. no cables to chew, small spaces to escape or other larger pets that could cause the rats harm. (I've personally created a small space on my computer desk so my rats can hang out with me while I work from home)

Feel free to email me for ideas, options and recommendations! I love when our Rosie Rat Family reaches out!