she handles all the babies... regardless of whether or not they'll be food in the end. i teach her to give them the best possible life... while they are alive. treat them with love, feed them really well and care for them by providing a clean home. as it's not the length of life which matters... it's the quality!

i wish i did know someone else who keeps ratties (in very good form)... that's not the case, so she'll just have to add some from the pups we have.

fortunately, most of our breeders are not related, so we have a very diverse genetic pool. i would love to get another healthy rattie pup or two though... i'll keep my eyes open!