Why Sundae Morning Rattery Is a Closed Rattery

At Sundae Morning Rattery, I operate as a closed rattery. This means I do not allow entry to any person or animal unless a proper quarantine process has been completed.

I take this policy seriously because the health of my rats is my highest priority. Illnesses and parasites can be introduced unintentionally, even by well meaning visitors. Maintaining a closed environment greatly reduces those risks and helps me protect every rat in my care.

Thank you for understanding that this boundary exists out of love and responsibility.

Rat Reservation Details and Policies

Reservations open once a litter reaches 6 weeks of age. Priority goes to those on the waitlist.

To hold your chosen rittens, a 50 percent non refundable holding fee is required. The remaining balance is due on or before pick up. Without the holding fee, the rats remain available.

Rittens are ready to go home at 8 weeks of age.

If rittens are not picked up within 2 weeks of becoming ready, a boarding fee of $5 per day per rat will apply.

If rittens are not picked up before reaching 12 weeks of age, all payments made toward them are forfeited and the rittens will become available again.

Clear communication and planning help ensure smooth placements for everyone involved.

How the Waitlist and Availability Work

Priority always goes to those on my waitlist. The average wait time is 3 to 5 months, though this can vary.

Reservations typically take place on weekends when litters reach 6 to 8 weeks of age. Approved applicants receive an email with a specific two hour window to reserve their chosen rat.

Any remaining rats are then posted to the website and made available to approved applicants.

This system allows me to stay organized and fair while making sure each rat is thoughtfully placed.

How I Evaluate Temperament

I do not conduct formal temperament tests. Instead, I observe my rats in a variety of situations.

I introduce unfamiliar environments and new sounds and watch how they respond. What matters most to me is recovery time. A well balanced rat may startle, but should settle and recover without prolonged stress.

Temperament is something I value deeply. I aim to produce rats that are stable, resilient, and enjoyable companions.

Care Expectations for New Homes

When you adopt from me, you are agreeing to provide proper husbandry and lifelong care.

This includes:

• Suitable cage size and setup

• Proper nutrition

• Appropriate substrate

• Prompt veterinary care if injury or illness occurs

If at any point you can no longer keep your rat, I require .right of first refusal.. The rat must be returned to Sundae Morning Rattery unless we have made another written agreement.

All costs associated with returning a rat are the responsibility of the owner.

I am committed to every rat I breed for their entire lifetime.

Pet Only Placements and Breeding Agreements

All rats are placed as pet only unless otherwise discussed and agreed to in writing.

I maintain detailed pedigrees for all of my rats, and those are available to approved breeders. If you originally purchased a pet only rat and later wish to discuss breeding rights, I encourage you to reach out so we can talk.

Some rats are placed as pet only because I believe their overall type or quality is not ideal for breeding. Others may potentially carry genetic traits that I do not feel should be reproduced. These decisions are made carefully and with the long term health of the species in mind.

My goal is always to protect the integrity of my lines.

What Comes Home With Your Rat

When you adopt from Sundae Morning Rattery, you are not going home empty handed.

Each new home receives:

• A PDF birth certificate

• A PDF new home manual

• A hammock

• A sample bag of food

I want you to feel prepared and confident from day one. The manual covers care basics and expectations, and the familiar food and hammock help ease the transition into a new environment.

My Health Standards and Disease Prevention Practices

Health is my number one priority!

I do not adopt out rats with the following conditions:

• Cryptorchidism

• Malocclusion

• Tumours

• Hormonal aggression

• Entropion

• Poor respiratory health

My rats are clear of the following diseases and pathogens:

• Streptobacillus moniliformis

• Sendai virus

• Sialodacryoadenitis virus

• Rat parvoviruses including KRV

• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis

• Seoul virus

• Hantavirus

• P. carinii

• CAR bacillus

• Rat rotavirus

• Encephalitozoon virus

All residents receive monthly parasite prevention, and every rat receives two doses of preventative treatment prior to going home.

Once a rat leaves my care, the new home assumes responsibility for preventing exposure to illness. I do everything I can to send out healthy, well cared for rats, and I ask adopters to continue that same standard.