11/25/2007

Some Primary Stipulations:

Those wishing to adopt are required to sign a contract agreeing on how they will care for their Package Rat.

You must be 18 years or older or have a parent/guardian signature to adopt a Package Rat.

Package Rats are adopted in only same sex pairs (unless you have another rat already at home).

If ever the adopter cannot care for their Package Rat, we require that he/she returns the rat to us. In this way, we can make certain that the rat finds a new loving home and doesn't end up in harms way.

If there are ever health issues associated with your Package Rat, please let us know as soon as possible. This will help us to keep other rat owners informed and potentially safe.

Adoption fees:

$25.00 standard

$30.00 dumbo

When picking up rats please bring a carrier. Also, do not visit any pet stores or places that carry rodents, prior to picking up your new family member. This can spread disease.

Please remember to quarantine your new rats before putting them in with other rats or taking them to shows. This is for everyone's safety. Many good rats have lost their lives and good ratteries have lost their lines due to negligence in the quarantine department.

Package Ratz will be adding a list of local (Riverside and IE) veterinarians soon. It is best to try to find a good vet in your area before problems happen. Not all veterinarians deal with small animals.

Great cages are available!!! Be sure your cage has properly-spaced bars for your rat. Ferret cages can harm their feet and little rats might be able to escape. I use Coast Cages, though there have been issues with the wheels. You can order these cages directly from the manufacturer without the wheel. Martin's also makes great cages.

You can find great home made food at many ratteries including Ratz Realm. This food tastes delicious (ask the rats) and is healthy. Store-brand varieties often contain unhealthy preservatives and taste bland. Rats love fresh veggies, fruits, and even some hard-boiled or scrambled eggs.

Provide fresh water all the time. Bottled water is suggested. Sometimes it is a good idea to add vitamins to the water, check your local pet store for small animal vitamins.

Rats love toys, hammocks, tubes, and places to climb. The Package Rats have cat balls with bells, bird ladders, and get out everyday for exercise.

Give your rat lots of kisses and love. They're very much like dogs.

Use Aspen or Carefresh bedding. Pine and Cedar can kill them.

Research and learn all you can about your new pet prior to bringing them home. It is fun and you will learn something new each time you do research.