Why these prices?

Apparently, my prices have left a few people in the rat world sore with me -- although I'm not really sure why. After several hurtful, hateful e-mails exchanged between myself and another breeder [who said they spoke on behalf of a couple other breeders], I've decided to explain my prices here.

To many, $$ = ♥

Here, I know that love has no basis on price and sentimentality has no correlation with the amount you shell out at one time. When a rat goes home, they don't simply leave my train of thought. I keep records on each and every rat I breed, including the name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of their adopter. Each and every adopter I work with may at any time ask me anything they need to, before, after and during the adoption process to be sure that what they're diving into is exactly what they expected. I have several people I'm very close with who have adopted rats from my first few litters! I will always take my ratties back if they can no longer stay in the home they're in. During each adoption, I'm sure to speak with the person both via e-mail/instant messenger and over the phone, as well as meeting them in person the day of the adoption and to speak with them as long as they need/want to. Spending years in animal retail, I had to learn very quickly how to tell the flakes and feeder-people from the true pet owners. Its a skill I still utilize in all of my adoptions.

During the screening, I get a feel for people. If at any time I'm uncomfortable with the proceedings, I reserve the right to cancel/cease the adoption. This includes the day of the adoption, too. My animals are the most important things to me, this is not a popularity contest, I am not making money off of my rats, I simply want them to go to homes where they'll be as loved and cherished as they are with us. During our precursor e-mails, I may ask you some things, things like-

- Have you owned rats before? If so, when? For how long?

- What type of cage do you have? What bedding do you use?

- Do you have a rat-experienced vet, or do you need some recommendations?

- Do you have any other pets, and are you prepared to handle the obvious issues that come with having multiple species of pets?

- Do you ever plan on breeding this pet?

- Are you over 18, and will you sign a legally binding contract?

- If you're under 18, may I speak with your parents?

Of course, my questions vary and they're not always in question format. Often, you offer up information without even realizing it. That makes my job a lot easier! The bottom line is that even if you pay $3.00 or $30.00, I need to be positive you're providing this pet with the best home available. If I feel you won't, you won't get the option of adopting from me. So, once again,

Why these prices?

Because LIFE cannot possibly have a price tag, and LOVE cannot possibly be measured in dollars.

 

Base: $10	Standard	Dumbo	As babies age, they lose their adoptability. To help them get into new homes quicker, I reduce the price $5 with every month over weaning.
	+0	+10
Standard	+0	+0	Standard
Rex	+5	+10	Dwarf
Velveteen	+5	+15	Manx
Harley	+10	+5	Blazed
		+5	Specialty coat type (Dutch, BES, BEW, Merle, Chin)