Selling Pet Rat?

[MrLang]

Word dude. I dont even mess with snakes man. I just post here because the rat community is insufferable.

In fact, I primarily breed rats as pets, as well as hamsters, etc.

INSUFFERABLE! I've been trying to get a few genetic questions answered recently and I'm just appalled at how snobby these people are. Get a life - holy crap! You're breeding RATS here people. I'm so glad there are knowledgable, reasonable, friendly people here who enjoy rat breeding. Here's a reply I got from a 'breeder' this morning when I asked for some clarification on a few rats I have:

"I make it a policy not to tell people what they have for colors on their rats. The issue you're running into is that you're breeding rats from an unknown background when you get them from a pet store. You have no idea what colors they're carrying. All you really can do is best guess. If it matters to you what colors you're producing, you should use breeding stock with a well documented pedigree.

Most breeders are going to react pretty condescendingly when asked breeding questions. As breeders, we get bombarded with questions from many people. I actually rarely answer these type of questions, but you caught me in a good mood. It can be overwhelming for a hobby breeder to answer questions over and over again when the information is out on the web for people to find.

I know that when I first started breeding, I had to overcome a lot of obstacles to earn the respect and friendship of other breeders, but it was well worth it. The important thing is to always make the best decisions for the animals, and to realize that it is not a money making venture. Quite the opposite."

another one:

"I cant tell anything from blurry pics. I wont even entertain then. I dont send them to people and then wonder what colors rats are. I only look at or send good pics that people can see. Its not fair to do other wise."



Unbelievable... INSUFFERABLE!

[MonkeyShuttle]

Sounds like fancy rat breeders all work at the DMV


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[j94712]

Besides breeding rats for the necessity of snake food, i actually enjoy it. I find it rewarding every time after i cleaned their tubs and see new litters popping!
It's pretty enjoyable to be able to share some of my thoughts on this with this particular community because many of the people are very knowledgable at breeding rats and care a lot about the rats. Thank you guys so much!

[sorraia]

Seeing your location, back in the day I would have been one of your main competitors in terms of pet rat market.
I'm just breeding for my snakes now. I rather like not having the drama. Hehe

[angllady2]

Yes, people who breed "show" rats and mice are for the most part, horrible, hateful stuck up people that I would just as soon slap silly as give the time of day to. I've had to deal with more than my fair share over the years.

They quickly and easily forget how naive and lost they were when they got started, and have little tolerance for people just starting out. I have long since found some of the best people to talk to about mice and rats are reptile people. It's strange how people who raise them for food tend to know more about them than the ones who are supposedly breeding them to "improve the bloodlines" whatever that is supposed to mean.

My local mom and pop pet shop tries to only get pet rats from me if they can. While they know a number of people who breed "pet rats", mine are the only ones that can be handled by anyone from the start, the only ones who don't reek, and the ones who sell the fastest. I have in fact, sold rats to customers in the store before the owners even get to see them. I walk in the door with my babies and get mobbed by people wanting to see and hold and play with them. I find it amusing my "snake food" rats sell out in a matter of days, while the "show quality" rats another woman brings in now and then sometimes end up there for months without being sold.

Gale

[Shadera]

Yes, people who breed "show" rats and mice are for the most part, horrible, hateful stuck up people that I would just as soon slap silly as give the time of day to. I've had to deal with more than my fair share over the years.

They sure are. Good grief, I remember a story last year where one of them stole imported mice from a joint shipment, and the community practically imploded ... Every single person involved on both sides is a disgusting example of humanity. You stole MICE? Seriously? Ech.

I'd love to sell some rats as pets. Would love to see the nicer ones be something other than food. But there's just not a market for them here. I give them the best life I can until they reach the end of their line.

[Archimedes]

My best friend is in the rat community and hates the people there. They're incredibly haughty and just not personable at all.

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[MrLang]

You guys are great. Haha.

Think about the difference in attitude for the bp community. There are breeders who have collections with single animals worth 10,000+ dollars and they're still completely humble and willing to help noobies. Meanwhile, the rat people are high and mighty with a collection worth a few hundred bucks at best. I know money isn't the goal here, but just thinking about the contrast makes me pretty happy to be here.