Joining the Isamu Family
If you are interested in homing rats from Isamu please get in touch on Isamu.rats@gmail.com to request an application form, alternatively fill out my contact form.
The application process
Once you receive the application form, have a go at filling it out. Don’t get put off by the number of questions, especially if you aren’t sure what to say. The form is very much a tool to get to know each other rather than a test and will hopefully start discussions and help me give you advice on looking after your future rats where needed. Once I receive the application form back I will read over it in the next few days and attempt to get back to you within a week of receiving it (bearing in mind I work full time and sometimes things come up which might mean it takes a little longer). If it takes much longer than 2 weeks feel free to email me on Isamu.rats@gmail.com to make sure I’ve received it. At that point I may come back with additional questions or advise to help you out, this may take a few exchanges of emails until we are both happy, at which point I will let you know and add you to my waiting list. I encourage all people on the waiting list to join my Facebook group where I will keep you up to date with matings and news from Isamu rats. In some cases (especially if you are new to rats or have an interest) it might be worth arranging a visit to my rattery or someone with rats from me or Lovecraft rats so you can get a feel for the rats and ask questions in a more informal setting. Meeting up at a local show is also well worth doing to meet the wider family.
Assigning rats to their new homes
Once I have a litter I will begin to work out which rats will potentially go to new homes, which may need to go to strategic homes (typically bucks that we may want to borrow back for mating) and which are available for pet homes. This process will begin in the first week but may continue until they are 6 or even 7 weeks old, though by 3 weeks I am likely to have a fair idea what rats may be going to pet homes. These homes will be selected from the waiting list on a first joined basis, though preference will be given to potential strategic homes and those with a lone rat or imminent risk of a lone rat. Throughout the litters birth I will post photos, videos and updates on my Facebook group to keep you in touch with their growth, development and general cuteness. When the babies are nearly ready I will get in touch and arrange an appropriate pick up time, this may be at a show or from my house, in a small number of cases I may help get the rats closer to you, or agree to a rat train, but I would like to know you well first, if you are travelling by public transport I don’t mind picking you up / dropping off from Leyland train station.
Picking your new rats up
When it is time to pick your new rats up I ask that you come prepared for them. You will need;
You will be asked to sign a contract, which is you promising to keep me informed about the rats lives and take good care of them, as well as to return them to me should you no longer be able to care for them. You will also receive a kitten pack, which is a goody bag full of things to get the kittens started in their new homes. This usually includes (but may vary depending on what I have in and get over excited about and add);
I will also have a chat to you about the rats, and if you are new to rats help you get used to how to handle them and answer any questions you might have.
- A carrier to take them home in, make sure there is a bit of apple, cucumber, melon etc. in it as a water source (or a small water bottle) and something cosy to sleep in.
- Payment for the rats (£20 per rat, a minimum of a pair will be homed)
You will be asked to sign a contract, which is you promising to keep me informed about the rats lives and take good care of them, as well as to return them to me should you no longer be able to care for them. You will also receive a kitten pack, which is a goody bag full of things to get the kittens started in their new homes. This usually includes (but may vary depending on what I have in and get over excited about and add);
- A kitten suitable dry mix (if you have adult rats in the same cage let me know and I can make up an adult friendly mix)
- A couple tins of kitten suitable wet food (like tinned cat food, sardines etc.)
- Some kitten friendly soakable food (usually egg food)
- Some high protein treats (like sea jerky, sea biscuits and some nuts)
- A couple of extras (like a millet spray or two, a couple of small balls etc.)
- A family tree and some basic care guides if you are new to rats.
I will also have a chat to you about the rats, and if you are new to rats help you get used to how to handle them and answer any questions you might have.
After the rats go home
Once the rats have joined you in their new home and settled in this doesn’t mean my involvement ends. I would encourage you to get in touch with any issues or concerns you might have and I will help as much as possible. I also ask that all owners fill out regular updates every 6 months. These help me keep good data on my lines and improve my choices for future generations. By giving good regular updates you help make the next generation healthier, friendlier and live longer. The most important information you can give me relates to the end of life, letting me know when the rats pass on and as much as you can about how is of particular importance in trying to help the next generation live that little bit longer. I do understand it is a difficult time though so don’t mind waiting a few weeks for the detail.
Getting more rats from Isamu Rats
If you are a current owner of Isamu Rats, or have been in the past, I would be very happy if you want more rats from me in the future. Feel free to get in touch at any point and I will add you back on to the waiting list without the need to fill out a new application form as long as you’ve met the terms of the contract signed with your previous rats (though I may ask for an update on your rat situation if anything major has changed). If you are applying and want to stay on the waiting list for the future as well feel free to let me know at the time.