What we are breeding for
We first and foremost breed to continue our nutrition research. For a good understanding of how our recipes preform we strive to have consistency in our lines. We don't expect to achieve the homogenous nature of a true lab line nor would that benefit us in that we are not raising or feeding lab rats. However, knowing what to expect from our lines such as average litter size, and adult size for does versus bucks can help us pinpoint issues that may be nutrition related.
Every good breeder will tell you that Health and Temperament and their top priorities and we are no different. Our rats are:
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Temperament tested at 6 and 8 weeks
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Evaluated continuously using a quantifiable method
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Vetted by a qualified small animal specialist
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Monitored for health conditions, tracked while in our care and adopters are contacted for health updates once out of our care
We will not breed rats that
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are continuously sneezy or predisposed to URI's
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have micro eye
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have malocclusion or soft teeth
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have congenital defects
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show a pain response with no underlying, treatable cause
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Are unusually small or large
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are predisposed to tumors, either mammary or pituitary at a young age
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do not pass temperament testing
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will not enhance our goals
Other than health and stunning personality, we are focusing on size, head shape, eye prominence and desirable behaviors. Those behaviors include:
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ease of Intergration with other rats of various ages
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trainability
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natural behaviors such as digging, climbing and running
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human affection
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co-operative care
Genetics we work with:
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Standard and dwarf size
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Ears- Dumbo and Standard
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Coat types/Modifiers- Standard, Rex, Velveteen, Silvermane, Roan
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Coat Colors- Black, Russian Blue, Mink, American Blue, Beige, Agouti
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Eye color- Pink, Red, Black
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C locus in Siamese, Albino, Marten
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Marble (discontinued)