This page is all about letting you know something about Isamu Rattery, what it is all about and how we intend to go about it. I've stolen the idea of Alison Campbell as I've always liked this section of her website.
Who?
Snowy and me many years ago
I am lucky enough to have been owned by rats for most of my life. I was 5 when i got my first rat Snowy, who can be seen in the photo here in her second favourite place in my hair. Her favourite was having her head tucked under my collar sleeping right over my heart. I have been kept by rats ever since and they are very much an integral part of my life.
The other things in my life that really matter to me are my husband, who puts up with so much, can actually get me to talk even when i don't want to and is my best friend. My family, who started my rat addiction and are always there for me and my rats. And my friends, who put up with my prattling on and on, my rubbish spelling and randomness and tendency to get overexcited and carried away.
The other things in my life that really matter to me are my husband, who puts up with so much, can actually get me to talk even when i don't want to and is my best friend. My family, who started my rat addiction and are always there for me and my rats. And my friends, who put up with my prattling on and on, my rubbish spelling and randomness and tendency to get overexcited and carried away.
Why?
Why Rats?
Nezumi Yoshi, forever licking
For every rat owner this question has a different answer. For me it's a lot of things that come together and let me know that me and rats are meant to be. Each rat is such a unique and strong character, ranging from the over enthusiastic clown that must be everywhere, to the gentle giant that takes great care in everything they do. I have never formed a relationship so strong so quickly as I have with my rats, they have the knack of worming themselves into your heart before you really know what's hit you. I have had many wonderful ratty characters in my life and the simple love and affection they show is incredibly rewarding.
I also love the amount you can put into them, there is so much you can do to improve the quality of their lives, from researching diet, enriching there environment and play, creating toys and games and just spending time with them. I really struggle with a pet I can't throw so much into, or that just does not benefit in the same way from my typical over the top approach to pet care.
The final thing that really makes rats the pet for me is that no matter how over the top i go and how much I put in, they always give me more. They are a constant challenge, and a constant friend and simply an extra bit of joy in my life.
I also love the amount you can put into them, there is so much you can do to improve the quality of their lives, from researching diet, enriching there environment and play, creating toys and games and just spending time with them. I really struggle with a pet I can't throw so much into, or that just does not benefit in the same way from my typical over the top approach to pet care.
The final thing that really makes rats the pet for me is that no matter how over the top i go and how much I put in, they always give me more. They are a constant challenge, and a constant friend and simply an extra bit of joy in my life.
Why Breed?
My Mu rat - Nezumi Isamu, aged 13 months
It's all in the name really, in every rat owners lives there are rats that stand out, that have such an impact and a bond with you that they become more than an individual rat. I have been lucky to be blessed with several such rats in my life, from Sparky, my lady with attitude, to Nimbus, my beautiful blue show off. Isamu was one of these star rats, from the day I was handed him at his breeder’s house and he wouldn't stop licking me, to the day I had to have him put to sleep, far too young but still my Mu.
He was as close to my perfect rat that I’ve ever owned. He had attitude, he knew he was special and knew that humans were there to adore him. He was licky, affectionate and completely devoted to me, but not afraid of making friends with other humans. He had a way of always being there in your face, normally straight after he'd destroyed something, beat someone up (normally Yoshi) or escaped from somewhere. In short he was my first 'Tabi rat' and made me realise just how special that could be. It was then I felt the temptation first, the real want to pass on that temperament, made worse by the fact he was a breeder rat from good lines. His breeders and me started considering him fathering a litter, but decided to wait until he proved to integrate well with new cage mates. Two months later I had to let him go at just 15 months old, sudden unexpected lung consolidation sparking a battle to keep him happy and active and more importantly Mu, which he eventually lost. It was then I really felt (and not just knew) how important health and lifespan were. To let more Mu's out there live full, happy and long lives watching the world revolve around them.
The seed was planted; it just needed time to grow...
He was as close to my perfect rat that I’ve ever owned. He had attitude, he knew he was special and knew that humans were there to adore him. He was licky, affectionate and completely devoted to me, but not afraid of making friends with other humans. He had a way of always being there in your face, normally straight after he'd destroyed something, beat someone up (normally Yoshi) or escaped from somewhere. In short he was my first 'Tabi rat' and made me realise just how special that could be. It was then I felt the temptation first, the real want to pass on that temperament, made worse by the fact he was a breeder rat from good lines. His breeders and me started considering him fathering a litter, but decided to wait until he proved to integrate well with new cage mates. Two months later I had to let him go at just 15 months old, sudden unexpected lung consolidation sparking a battle to keep him happy and active and more importantly Mu, which he eventually lost. It was then I really felt (and not just knew) how important health and lifespan were. To let more Mu's out there live full, happy and long lives watching the world revolve around them.
The seed was planted; it just needed time to grow...
What are my rat keeping and breeding ethics?
Here at Isamu my rats are my pets first and foremost and I value there health and well being first and foremost, these are shared by the other members of the Tabi initiative and so we work by the following guidelines;
- Rats are kept in single sex groups, or in mixed sex groups where one (or both) sexes have been neutered. They are not kept alone unless circumstances are exceptional and all alternatives have been explored.
- Rats are kept in a suitable environment and able to exhibit natural behaviour. They are given suitable food, fresh water, and activities with which to interact.
- Rats have regular time outside of the cage, and are handled on a regular basis, this is at least daily, and usually at least 2-3 times a day.
- Rats are kept as safe as possible, without curbing their natural habits and instincts. They are protected from natural predators - and although they may be in the same house as each other, they will never interact.
- Rats will have access to a vet whenever it is needed, no matter the time or day of the week. They are given medical support to the point where they no longer have a quality of life. They will be humanely euthanized when necessary,
- Rats that show aggression towards humans or other rats will not be bred from.
- Rats who succumb to illness will not be bred from.
- Breeding does will usually only raise one litter in her lifetime, unless she is a truly exceptional rat and mother, and then a significant break between litters will be given.
- Breeding does will not be bred before 6 months old, the aim to breed is between 9 and 13 months. A doe will only be bred after this age if she is physically very young and fit with a clean bill of health.
- I will never breed from a rat whose history is unknown.
- My rats are from breeders with exceptional ethics, or from genuine rescue situations. I do no support the pet shop trade or "backyard breeders",
- I do not cull my rats. Any rats unsuitable for breeding are homed to a pet only home, or will remain with us for their entire lives. The information on ALL of the rats we breed is vital for our breeding aims.
- My rats regularly attend shows. This helps to build confidence, and can help to build up a good immune system. It will also allow us to assess their temperament in different situations.