Amanda, you are close to my neighborhood.
There are LOTS of reptile people who would also be considered rat people if the pet breeders would take us into their clique. So we are considered feeder breeders and get a semi bad reputation. However, we love our ratties just as much.
Feel free to PM me if you want to talk rats. I am sure Missriss2012 will be on here shortly as she is rat crazy too.