Reasons For Deciding To Breed
A lot of NFRS state that they breed for healthy rats with a good temperamant. They also often state they breed to improve the lifespan.
Rats bred by responsible and reputable breeders offer an alternative to supporting the pet trade. Breeders can provide rats of good temperament and suitable for families with young children.
Pet shop and rescue rats often have temperament issues and health problems. Selective breeding can work to improve these.
Reasons For Disagreeing With Breeding
Many people are against rat breeders saying there is no need when there are already so many rats in the world and rescues today.
Things To Consider Before Deciding To Breed
The family history of the rats
If this is not known, it is unwise to breed them.
The risk to the doe
If there are complications you may lose your much loved pet. If there is a problem with the delivery it is common to lose the doe during a caesarian. Surviving kittens will benefit greatly from a surrogate mother within the day, as hand rearing from birth is rarely successful.
The cost of raising the kittens
It's very rare to make a profit, and if the vet is called the cost could be high. Costs include caging - a low and secure cage for birthing, a larger cage for the family as they grow, a cage for the buck kittens when they are separated from their mother and sisters at five weeks. Feeding requirements are fresh greens, protein rich foods, milk, large amounts of dry mix as the kittens grow.
The time investment
The kittens will need attention several times a day, as regular handling helps to make them friendly and good pets. It will take time to find good homes for them all and to make sure their prospective owners have all the information they need.
