About The Rattery
Windy Hill Rattery (WHR) is a small rattery located in Elsberry,Missouri. Breeding rats is a hobby and a passion, not a job. We breed for quality, not numbers. We dont breed for a market,etc. We breed for the whole Rat-Health & temperment above colors and markings. No rats will be sold as feeders,feeder breeders or to a petstore. We breed to the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association Standards.I use Breeders Assistant software to keep records of my rats, health and Pedigrees. We breed on a very small scale. We only breed to improve the species, not just to add to it. We have a passion for blue rats, but we do breed others as well. We try to avoid common markings & colors found in petstores . We keep pedigrees on all our rats. We keep track of the rats once they leave here, if a rat becomes a bitter, has health issues, etc, we want to know about it.
We do not breed on demand or to supply a market, there may be a long wait for rats. (couple months is the average) I am working on improving my rats with every breeding.
he money goes towards food,toys,cages,etc for the rest of the rats.
I use Aspen shavings, but NO PINE OR CEDAR (they are deadly) in the cages I cant use fleece in.
All rat cages are filled with toys and hammocks .The toys are switched out every few weeks so they don't get bored.
Feeding
I used to feed my rats a homemade diet: Lab Blocks plus a mixture of high quality dog kibble(senior) , steel cut rolled oats, different cereals (special K,Total,cheerios,etc) whole wheat pasta noodles, Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds,Veggie swirl noodles, split peas,regular granola, lentils,flax Seed, brown rice, roman noodles, and Nutty Nuggets Cereal (its a wheat & Barely cereal ). I added in large parrot food every now and then. I've started adding Cinnamon Powder (about 3 table spoons to the mix, it helps with circulation, libido and is an anti parasite). I fed human-grade, and hormone- and antibiotic-free food when I can. Plus fruits, veggies and other goodies.
But now I just feed lab blocks as the stable diet. The rats would pick and chose what they wanted to eat.
But now I just feed lab blocks as the stable diet. The rats would pick and chose what they wanted to eat.
Breeding Goals
It is our goal here at Windy Hill Rattery to produce healthy,improved Longevity, even tempered rats. Health, temperament and longevity are bred for first and foremost. Our overall goal is to better the species, not just to add to it.
About The Breeder
My name is MaryBeth. Ive been a huge animal lover my whole life. Growing up I've had every type of animal you can think of: Dog, cats, rabbits, mice,hamsters, chickens, ducks, geese, hamsters, pigeons, raccoon's, foxes, black birds,sparrows,cottontails and many more.
I have a degree in wildlife conservation and several credits towards being a vet tech.(taking a break from schooling to enjoy family& Farm life)
I got my first rats for my 16th birthday and Ive been hooked on them ever since. I've learned so much over the the years. My love for rats has only grown stronger.
I've spent years learning genetics and the standards for several different rat clubs. I still learn more every day!
My husband isnt an animal love like I am, but he supports me. My daughter is a big animal lover and likes to help me with all the pets.
We live on a mini farm with several dogs,cats,pigs,chickens,ducks,etc.
I have a degree in wildlife conservation and several credits towards being a vet tech.(taking a break from schooling to enjoy family& Farm life)
I got my first rats for my 16th birthday and Ive been hooked on them ever since. I've learned so much over the the years. My love for rats has only grown stronger.
I've spent years learning genetics and the standards for several different rat clubs. I still learn more every day!
My husband isnt an animal love like I am, but he supports me. My daughter is a big animal lover and likes to help me with all the pets.
We live on a mini farm with several dogs,cats,pigs,chickens,ducks,etc.