About rattery policy and procedure
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Do you have rats available We are a small scale rattery, our availability fluctuates but we keep a waitlist for approved applicants. Our litters rarely fulfill our entire waitlist, as we do not breed to meet demand.
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Do you sell rats at Personal Beast No. We only do pick ups from Personal beast so that adopters can pay with a card and buy any last minute items that might be needed. Our rattery is run from the privacy our home where we can have strict biosecurity and properly monitor/ socialize our residents.
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How long is your waitlist Our waitlist averages 4 to 12 weeks. Longer in the summer, as we take a break from June to September.
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How do I get on your waitlist Approved applicants are automatically added based on date of application.
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How much are your rats Currently we charge 35$, however prices will be going up fall of 2026
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Why can't I adopt a single rat Ethically rats cannot be housed alone. Even in the case where an adopter has a single rat or other rats at home, a new rat would need to be quarantined alone which is not ethical. Also, rats should be going home with at least one known friend. If you have an older rat who has lost its partner, we recommend getting 2 more rats to protect you from having to find another single rat when your other rat passes. Rats should be adopted with a friend of the same age.
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Why would you deny my application Applications will be denied if the cage shown is a stock image not the cage currently own set up and ready for your new rats. Or, if the cage is inappropriate. Please read through the RAT KEEPING page for detailed info. Applications will be denied if you are requesting a single rat.
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Can I meet the rats before making a reservation We will attempt to accommodate meet and greats but cannot guarantee that the rats you are wanting to meet will still be available. Prompt responses and flexible meet times will increase your chance of accommodation
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When can I reserve my rats For approved adopters, reservations usually open up between 6 and 7 weeks of age of each litter after temperament testing is concluded.
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When can I bring my rats home Rats can go home at 8 weeks of age. We will email available times for pick up after reservations begin.
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Will you hold my rats until I'm ready to pick up We will hold rats for a maximum of 10 days from the age of 8 weeks. Exceptions can be made if a deposit is paid and we will extend the hold to 14 days. No rats will be held past the age of 10 weeks.
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Do you deliver At this time all pick ups are from Personal Beast. In the future we hope to partner with a reliable transport service.
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Do you have a health guarantee We will offer a replacement from a current or future litter (depending on availability) IF you take your rat to a vet within 2 weeks of pick up and the vet finds any genetic condition or defect that will reduce the rats lifespan or impact quality of life. Upper respiratory conditions are not considered a genetic condition or defect. We can provide some medications for URi's if we are notified within 5 days of pick up. Rats found to be kept on fleece bedding will not qualify for a replacement and if it's determined they are ill with a preventable disease such as myco, mites, lice, or abcesses your application will be void and you will not be allowed to adopt again.
About rats in general
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Why does it look like my rat is bleeding around the nose and eyes Porphyrin in rats is a red-pigmented, iron-rich substance produced by the Harderian gland, often appearing as "red tears" or nose discharge.
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My rat is sneezing, what do I do While "new home sneezes" are common, persistent sneezing (lasting over a week), red porphyrin discharge accompianied by lethargy, or wheezing requires an immediate, "rat-savvy" exotic vet visit.
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What bedding should I use Kiln Dried Pine or Aspen and/or Hemp
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How much should I feed my rats Young rats should have food available at all times! Never restrict a growing rats food intake. Adult and overweight rats should get 20 grams of high quality rat food a day, plus fresh fruit and veggies.
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How long will they live On average a healthy standard size rat will live 2.5 years. Dwarfs may more commonly live to see their 3rd birthday.
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Can you spay/ nueter rats Yes, with a rat savvy vet you can get your rats spayed or nuetered. Nuetering males is a common solution to male on male aggression.
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Why can't my rats live in a tank Rats need ample ventilation to avoid overgrowth of mycoplasma bacteria. Tanks will not provide the ventilation or space to meet a rats needs.
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How often do you need to clean their cage With the appropriate type of deep bedding (6+ inches) in an adequate sized enclosure that is not overpopulated, cleaning can happen every 10 to 14 days with spot cleaning every other day. Any fabric must be changed within 48 hours, and clear flat surfaces sanitized daily. Deep cleaning, including scrubbing bars and crevices hsould happen once a month.
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Are wild rats and feeder rats the same as fancy rats? Are dumbo rats the same as fancy rats? Yes, wild rats and fancy rats are Rattus Norvegicus or wild brown rat. Fancy rats, feeder rats and dumbo rats are just the domesticated version of the wild brown rat. Dumbo rats are selected for a different ear placement (reccesive genetic) but are otherwise the same.
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How can I tell if they are playing or fighting Rats are likely playing if they are bouncy, take turns pinning each other, and produce light, chirping squeaks, whereas fighting involves screaming, puffed fur, puffed-up bodies, and serious biting that can draw blood.
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What cage is best The critter nation is generally considered the best cage for rats. Almost all commercially made cages need to be modified to hold deeper bedding. For critter nations, home depot sells a cement mixing tub that can be fitted into the bottom easily.
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Why can't I use a wheel with my rats Rats that run a wheel designed for small animals get spinal deformations refered to as "wheel tail". Wheels for chinchillas, of 16" diameter or greater and cat wheels are appropriate for rats.