Rodere Rattery and Rescue

RRR Stardust x RRR Geordie

2011-04-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

RRR Stardust x RRR Geordie

Black Varigated DownUnder w/Headspot x Russian Silver Berkshire

Purpose of this litter is to reintroduce Russian blue and add American blue to the dalmatian line and improve confirmation. This litter will likely be calmer than our average dalmatian litter.

We're expecting Black, Russian blue, American blue, and possibly mink based platinum. We're hoping to reproduce Melod's coloring with this litter, as it's 3/4s the original breeding line from RRR.

Paired April 6th - Expected by mid-May

RRR Venice x RDPY Kerrigan

2011-01-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

RRR Venice x RDPY Kerrigan
Black Split Masked/patched DU x Black Capped Dalmatian w/headspot
Paired on December 15th

Expecting dalmatian/patched with a lot of facial markings and possibly some downunders. There's a slim chance for BEW as well. This is partly a test breeding to see if Venice's spotted DU belly will help 'randomize' some spotting and improve the dalmatians. We may see some recessive blazing. We'll have 100% dumbo with standard coats.

These two were paired the 15th of December, but I don't think she is pregnant yet. Her earliest due date would be January 7th and she's not showing any weight gain. I had to seperate them for a few days when Venice managed to get her foot sprained so the due date is extended.

She got her foot caught in the additional level I added to their honeymoon cage. The length of her foot was blue and tender, so I gave her a break. She is the only one to ever get her foot stuck, but I removed the level anyway to avoid injury. I'd heard screeching a couple times before, so I think she'd done it more than once. Just this time she was good and stuck and needed help. Poor Kerrigan was beside himself with worry and pouted at me for a couple days.

RRR Dobbie Junior (DJ) 3/28/08-1/3/11

2011-01-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

I found DJ this morning. I'm in a bit of shock right now. I had a feeling it wouldn't be long bc I'd been seeing several born in 2008 for memorial posts on GooseMoose, but I honestly thought he'd make it to his 3rd birthday before it happened. And he was soo close..

DJ was one of two keepers from my first litter. He was just like his dad Dobbie. Calm, living, gentle, adorable..I wish so much that I'd had a little better warning. I'd have held him a bit longer, given him more one on one time. Instead, he probably saw a little less bc of the holiday season..

Poor DJ, my little gentle fair alpha until he was replaced this year. He stepped down from the 'throne' through a little bit of battle, but he held his own very well. And never let Kerrigan get the best of him. I think he made it easy for Kerrigan bc he was just tired. He got lounge around a lot afterward.

DJ had wonderful health. He went through his entire life with only a sniffle once or twice. And of course cataracts at the end. They'd become a lot more obvious lately, which made me worry, but there was nothing to be done. Other than that, he was still a wheel running ladies man.Goodbye DJ..

Its not going to be the same without you. You've always been here and this marks the end of an era at RRR. He was the last of our originals.

I have his children and grandchildren to help ease the loss. DJ was always a great dad to his kids when he got supervised playtime. He was always attentive and loving to them. His grandson has inherited his personality and we hope to see more generations of his family.

December News at the rattery

2010-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

We want to first thank all of our adopters! We've had 5 litters this year and have 2 paired at this time and still a waiting list to fill. It's been a busy year for us. We usually only have 3 or so a year. But apparently our listing on ratster is getting noticed.

We are currently researching potential outcrosses for our breeding program. These rats will have to be shipped cross country so it will take some planning and a great deal of time. The name of the rattery we'll be working with won't be released until we've finalized our contract and are sure of which rats we'll be shipping. We may have new coats and colors coming to the rattery.

We still have hope that Astrid will give us a litter. We expected some difficulty because of her weight, plus the original male we had her paired with wasn't really interested. And DJ, who she is paired with right now, is very near 3 years old and may be sterile bc of his age. We're considering trying Geordie next. We'll be forced to retire her soon as she is almost 10mo old.

I'm happy to say that we have a new camera! We purchased a Nikon D80 DSLR camera and should be able to get even more wonderful photos of our babies. Working with our other camera has been quite a battle bc of its meager capabilities. And now maybe we'll capture better images and fewer blurry moments. I've missed some great shots bc the camera just couldn't keep up.

RRR Stardust x RDPY Kerrigan

2010-11-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

RRR Stardust x RDPY Kerrigan
Black Varigated DU w/headspot x Black Capped Dalmation w/headspot
Paired on October 26th

Expecting 100% dumbo and smoothcoat. Colors are most likely black. Could see some blues. Very very small chance of other colors. Markings include dalmation, patched, and varigated, with the potential for downunder markings to go with those options. There should also be headspots.

If Stardust conceived within 24hrs of being put with Kerrigan, she is due the 19th. She's looking relatively bottom heavy, so I suspect if she's not due within the next couple of days, it won't be much longer. The body structure of the girls in this line appears to make it difficult to decide if they have baby pudge.

I'm hoping Astrid is also pregnant, but she's proving a slow mom. She doesn't seem to be showing much if any.

JM Nimue x RDPY Kerrigan

2010-10-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

JM Nimue x RDPY Kerrigan
Black notch Capped/Patched Smoothcoat x Black Capped/Patched Smoothcoat

Expecting all smoothcoat dumbos. Purpose of the litter is to have the option of using another outcross in future breedings. We should see a lot of facial markings, headspots, and possibly even BEWs. They will likely be all black, but we may see some Russian blue.

These will be a litter entirely of RDPY lineage and could be available to select breeders, but only with permission from Kat at RDPY. Nimue is almost a year old and we are expecting a small litter. This will probably be a very friendly group of wheel enthusiasts!

**UPDATE 10/29/10** Nimue is starting to bloom. I doubt she's gorged herself that well, so she should have a baby belly. She should be due within the next week or so. She didn't show much with her first litter, so she'll likely not show much with these either. We'll be removing Kerrigan tonight.

Keep an eye out for a birth announcement!

First of our fall breeding plans

2010-09-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

I intend to pair our next two litters on approximately September 20th. We will have two seperate breeding pairs this time.

JM Nimue x RDPY Kerrigan
Black notch Capped/Patched Smoothcoat x Black Capped/Patched Smoothcoat

Expecting all smoothcoat dumbos. Purpose of the litter is to have the option of using another outcross in future breedings. We should see a lot of facial markings, headspots, and possibly even BEWs. They will likely be all black, but we may see some Russian blue. These will be a litter entirely of RDPY lineage and could be available to select breeders, but only with permission from Kat at RDPY.

Nimue is almost a year old and we are expecting a small litter. This will probably be a very friendly group of wheel enthusiasts!

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RRR Astrid x RDPY Vale of Avalon
American blue Bareback Rex x Triple Dilute Smoothcoat

Expecting 100% dumbo in rex and smoothcoats. Purpose of the litter is to outcross Astrid's bloodline and increase our chances of Russian Dove. We are expecting Russian blue, American blue, Russian Dove, and dilutes. Should be a colorful litter. We could see a wide range of markings including headspots and blazes!

We've waited til Astrid is older to help monitor the health of her line. She tends to carry a little extra weight, but has been healthy to date. Her mother Evolet had a difficult labor so we hope she and Nimue will conceive and deliver about the same time in case there is trouble. Astrid should have a small litter as well. We're excited to see what we get from this litter.

Whats new in August

2010-08-04T01:13:00.000-07:00

We welcome back a former resident, Captain Morgan. Sadly, he did not florish in his new home as we had hoped. Instead, he made it quite obvious that he wanted to come back. He returns to us minus his man-bits, and will obviously be resuming his pet-only status at the rattery. We missed his one eyed boggling self.

I am reconsidering my litter plans a little. I am going to be very selective about my next several keepers. We want to thoroughly evaluate all of our breeding rats to be sure the rattery is going the proper direction.

The one litter we may cancel is JM Nimue x RDPY Kerrigan, unless we get a decent waiting list between now and then. We are thinking we'll move back RRR Stardust's pairing with RDPY Kerrigan until we breed her sister, RRR Venice, as well. That way, I can pick the best of the two litters at the same approximate time.

Our RRR Astrid x RDPY Vale pairing will probably be moved to early-mid October. In light that it took her aunt some time to concieve, we don't want to wait too late. She'll have from October to January to concieve and we run less risk of her becoming too old. We are hoping to see some blazing with this pairing.

We are waiting to breed Heath and G until they are a year or older so that we can monitor the line more closely. Their sister Astrid will be 9mo old when we pair her to RDPY Vale. The three siblings come from RRR's original breeding pairs.

We are proud to say that we still have two of our three keepers from our first two litters. RRR Dobbie Junior (32mo old!) And RRR Leander (31mo old). We lost RRR Madmartigan (born March 2008 w/Dobbie Junior) the winter of 2009 to unknown causes. This longevity is what we hope to encourage in our lines. We look forward to enjoying DJ's and Leander's company for many more months to come! DJ is still spry enough to run on their wheel. :)

Available Rats

2010-07-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

We have a few available rats here at RRR.

Everyone must fill out an adoption application prior to any final decisions. The adoption application is essentially a screening process to help us place our rats in the best possible homes.

You may occassionally find retired breeders listed as available. This decision is made soley on the rats fit in a breeding household and their bond to rats who are adoptable. If we feel a rat would do better in a pet only home, or have a rescue in need of a companion of similar age that that particular rat is bonded to, we may make the decision to let a retired breeder go. This decision is made for the benefit of the rats, not due to space factors or our convenience. We love our rats and wish for them to be somewhere they are happy, even if that is not with us. Some rats just thrive in a breeders household.

Available females:
Taj- Pearl merle berkshire smoothcoat dumbo.
-- Taj was a compulse buy of my mothers. She was part of an accidental litter that was consequently sent to a petstore by a local college student. I do not know her genetic background, but her health has been spotless throughout her time with us.

Taj was a bully at first and is still very willful, but she now resides happily with our resident girls. We would consider letting a retired breeder go with her so that she may have a companion similar in age. She may beat up or harrass younger females, though she has mellowed a lot in her adulthood.

RRR Igraine - Black capped/patched DU smoothcoat dumbo
-- Igraine was born to JM Nimue and RRR Navarre in March. She closely resembles her mother in looks and temperment.

Igraine is a good girl and loves her attention. She's particularly fond of playing in a blanket and rooting around. I tend to hide treats under them for the girls to find.

She has a younger cousin (RRR Nymph- 6wks younger) who is also available and could be placed with her or a home with other female rats.

RRR Nymph- Russian blue Variberk Double rex dumbo
--Nymph was born to RRR Sorcha and RRR Melod in May. She tends to be more hairless than otherwise.

Nymph is a bit more shy than her sisters were and tends to spook more easily at loud sounds. We think she'd open up better in a quieter household with less hussle and bustle. She gets along very well with her cousin Igraine and they are often found sleeping in their food dish (oddballs lol). They could be adopted as a pair.

We may have a couple boys available soon. We're wrestling a decision currently.

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We recommend emailing the text only adoption application to maidenbloodx@hotmail.com with the title 'Adoption application- (your name)' We may not be receiving all electronic forms due to webhost difficulties.

Breeding Plans

2010-06-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

I am currently considering my future breeding plans. Through much planning and consideration, we are likely to not have another litter until this fall. September or October.

The specific litter announcements are not ready at this time. We're still pondering those! We would consider one more litter this summer if we have a rash of reservations in the next month or so.

I believe our last pair of girls will be reserved in the next few days. We are currently discussing their adoption with a recent applicant.

Welcome RDPY Kerrigan and RDPY Vale of Avalon

2010-06-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

We would like to welcome our two newest additions from Rat Dippity Rattery in Michigan. A huge thanks to Kat of RDPY as well as to Tony of RH and Jen and Debbie of JM for helping transport.

RDPY Kerrigan of RRR is a Black dalmation smoothcoat dumbo. Just after getting home he was comfortable enough to sleep in the crook of my arm. He's a good sized boy with good dumbo ears and great body type! He should make a wonderful addition to our dalmation and downunder lines.

RDPY Vale of Avalon or just "Vale" is a Triple dilute smoothcoat dumbo. He is even bigger than Kerrigan and thus already a big squish. His favorite place so far is in his quarantine mom's hair. He comes from Russian blue lines and should improve our Russian blues and Russian doves. There are also blazes in his line so we may see some in his future litters!

Both are going to surpass the size of likely all our boys. We hope to see bigger rats from our lines in the future with the addition of these two lookers. Thanks again Rat Dippity!

RRR Sorcha x RRR Melod

2010-04-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Black variberk downunder rex x x Russian blue? berkshire rex

I paired Sorcha with Melod on the 13th. This is partly to help determine Melod's color. We think the mink or RED in his pedigree has made it appear different and modified the color. We just can't seem to agree and hopefully this will help answer our questions. His furr is entirely different from any of our Russian and American blues. His eyes are ruby, not black.

We will have all dumbos with standard, rex, and double rex furr. We hope the babies get their dad's comfirmation. He has gorgeous ears and is well proportioned whereas Sorcha is a bit lithe and narrow faced.

We will be expecting black and russian blue, possibly some RED. We have a good chance for downunders in this litter. It should be an interesting litter.

Play day for them while I clean

2010-04-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today is cage cleaning day again. I intend to bring both cages out, rats and all. I'm going to set up the playpen in the grass with some tunnels, toys, wading pool, and a climbing jungle I bought. Not that they are likely to use the wading pool lmao

While I clean one groups cage, they'll be playing. The second group will get to enjoy the sunlight while inside their cage. Then I'll switch them out.

It requires a lot of work on my part, but they seem to love it. I miss it when it gets too hot or too cold out.

Nimue and the babies will be out too, but the babies can't enjoy the playpen. I'll probably let Nimue out with her lady friends and put the babies in the shade.

I think everyone could use a little fresh air! Pictures promised :)

Is it weird that I can't wait to clean cages? lol

Website issues

2010-04-06T13:31:00.001-07:00

Our website is currently down due to technical difficulties. Our provider has changed servers. We hope to get everything straightened up and back online soon. In the meantime, please watch our blog and take a look at our photobucket for the latest pictures, particularly of the new litter.

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z191/rodere/nimue-x-navarre/

JM Nimue-x-RRR Navarre (3/28/10)

2010-03-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

Rodere Rattery is suprised and pleased to announce the birth of 7 rittens to Nimue and Navarre. 6 have survived.

They are already showing their markings. Every one has a headspot. There is only one male.The rest are girls. We won't know for a while yet if any are downunders.

Nimue had us dupped and gave birth before we thought she was due. She didn't look it. Pics are being taken and we'll update soon.

Sad day with Good news

2010-03-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Sadly, we had to help Fleur to the bridge today. RH Fleur was the mother of our very first litter. She was born September 19th, 2007 at RaffinHouse Rattery. She'd developed what we suspect was pyometria and only a spay could have helped her. The vet and I decided that, because of her age and condition, she'd likely not recover. If she had it may have only bought her a few more months. She will be greatly missed. A treasure we are glad to have known.

On a better note, JM Nimue may be pregnant! We've noted some weight gain and she's developing a thick figure in the right places. Unless she's just bulking up with adulthood, she's expecting :)

Spring is here!

2010-03-20T05:15:00.000-07:00

And it feels like it, finally. We don't have much to update, but we wanted to be sure everyone knew we haven't forgotten.

So far, it doesn't appear Nimue and Sorcha are pregnant. We are crossing our fingers for results soon.

We may decide to keep the only girl from our last litter. Her adopter backed out. She has her mothers rediculously calm personality and that's what we want in this line.

Taj, our pearl merle rescue girl is available again. She's finally mellowing out. There's also Captain Morgan, Maverick, and the Russian Silver male from our last litter. They are available for adoption as well.

March here already?

2010-03-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

We have changed the breeding trio. Pip had shown no results with Isabeau or Sorcha in the time they've been paired.

We swapped Isabeau for JM Nimue and are trying with Navarre. They've been paired for a couple days now.

We will be expecting downunders from both litters, with rex and standard fur. We should have some gorgeous bubs from this pairing.

More specific info will be available soon. We need to consult Nimue's pedigree first.

On a seperate note, our rescue boy and Captain Morgan are available again. Their adopter has backed out. And we have no final decision on the available girls, though they are still on hold.

Update for late Feb.

2010-02-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

Everyone got their second mite treatment yesterday. Isabeau must really hate the taste. She threw a fit!

We have found Maverick and Morgan a home :) and possibly one for Taj and the baby girl from Evolet and Navarre's litter as well. Notice will be posted when everything is official for the girls. The boys should be going to their new home within the next couple weeks.

We would like to get updated photos, but it will have to wait until the weather improves. Its usually too cold for good outdoor photoshoots.

Ritten Alert!!

2010-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

I came home to squeakers! Evie gave birth to 7 but sadly one did not make it. Two of the remaining six aren't as pink as I would like, so we will keep a close eye on them.

We have 4 smoothcoat and 2 rex. Evie is still awfully round, but I think she's done. We'll see. I'll give her til the morning and take a look then. We'll palpatate and see if we feel anyone else inside. She is active and calm and shows no signs of distress.

The birth doesn't seem to have adversely affected Evie. There is a normal amount of blood on the bedding and she is eating fine. She enjoyed a piece of a milkyway bar while I checked out the babies.

Bub Watch!

2010-01-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

I am positive that Evolet is pregnant! Just in one night she's bloomed and not like she did before when she was paired with DJ.

She's been moved to the maternity cage tonight and given nesting material. Her mammory tissues seem to be swollen so she may be preparing to produce milk. And she's nesting a little.

My grandmother has bought a new house and is moving, so I will be moving into her previous home. Evolet will not make the trip until we are confident she will not be over stressed. Its only a 20minute drive, but we are taking it safe. Until then, she'll be in the care of my mother while I will visit daily.

We are very excited about this litter. We look forward to seeing their bubs grow and especially to seeing if we end up with downunders, which is very likely!

Minor Update

2010-01-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

Evie hasn't lost the pudge and seems to be plumper. We aren't sure if she's pregnant or not et, but we shall see :)

Isabeau has a little pot belly. We intend to put her back in with the girls and see if she continues to gain weight.

We talked to our mentor about breeding plans and have decided to take Pip out of retirement. Breeding a downunder to a hooded helps encourage the markings and will improve them as well. Pip is our only hooded (other than Navarre). He has good ears and he is very healthy. We intend to try him with Isabeau if she's not pregnant.

RRR Isabeau x RRR Pip Squeak
Russian Silver Berkshire DU Smoothcoat x American Blue Broken Hooded Teddy Rex

Expecting 100% dumbo, rex and smoothcoat. Expecting american blue, russian silver, russian blue, and a chance of RED. Could see agouti variations as well. Hopefully will contribute better size and improve the ears to the downunder line.

January 8th update

2010-01-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

Evolet is on a tentative pregnancy watch, but we're not removing her from the breeding cage yet, just in case. She's put on some more pudge and careful palpatation reveals a firm uterus and potential baby lumps! We'll know within the next couple of weeks I'm sure.

We are considering potential bucks to be paired to JM Nimue in Febuary or March. We are considering RRR DJ and RRR Navarre. Our goal would be marked rats with headspots and facial markings.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2010 already which means this March will be our second anniversary! So many things come and go in that time and we miss the furry members of our family that have passed this last year and the cage-climbers we've sent to their new homes.

We have nothing new to report about our breeding trio, we may seperate Evolet from the pair and try her with Melod and have the two seperate couples in the works at once. Perhaps someone will figure out the deal! lol

We are keeping an eye out for heat cycles and flirtation. Since Isabeau doesn't show much interest we may try Sorcha. She's saucy and would probably raz the poor guy into fits, but maybe he'll take a hint.

Everyone wish us luck for the new year. We hope to present big healthy and grown up downunders for the coming 2011 calendar contests. We shall see. We are trying for a new litter, but nature just isn't cooperating! However, we refuse to give up hope!

Its almost Christmas!

2009-12-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

First off, our breeding trio is getting along fine. So far we've not witnessed any mating, but they run straight for the cage bars when you come within hearing distance lol Evie is pudgy.. but isn't she always? We hold out hope though!

I ususal buy them sporadic gifts for Christmas, but instead I got them one big present this year! Well, two really. A three level hand made bird playground equipped with 2 swings, 1 ladder, a climbing arch, and 2 dangly toys. And I got a used Fuji Film 8.2 MegaPixel camera. I have to buy the accessories for it though.so new pics may not get here just yet. Soon as I find a charger lol

I am considering future plans at RRR and perhaps introducing new colors or coat types. I have always found Russian Cinnamon gorgeous and a Russian Cinnamon satin-rex is out of this world beautiful! (Refer to Dazzle Me Rattery).

At this time we don't have the basis to add a new coat type, but in a couple of generations (once I've weeded out some of the RED) I could adopt a Russian Cinnamon for the lines.

It may take some time as I must focus on the Down Under markings we have come across. I don't want to loose the trait. Once I am confident the downunder line is on the right track, we will be on the lookout for adoptees.

We want to wish all of our adopters and the 'children' of RRR a very Merry Christmas! We hope it's filled with lots of rattie toys and snuggles. Christmas photos are welcome and will be happily displayed on the website!

Upcoming litters

2009-12-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

After some consideration, we've decided to significantly change our breeding plans.

DJ hasn't shown any interest, even with a cage switch.In light of that and additions to our waiting list, we decided to pair Evolet with Navarre and also to pair him with Isabeau.

We will give Evolet a few days to relax and then introduce her to the other breeding pair.

Back to the Blog

2009-12-03T18:30:00.000-08:00

Since I find it difficult to update the website in a timely manner, I've decided to start using our blog again. I had a phone I could update the website from, however it kept malfunctioning with other tasks and I switched to a Blackberry Curve. Sadly, it won't load the html editor, despite several attempts.

Not much to report with DJ and Evolet. They were doing some flirting, but no matings have been witnessed. I moved them to a bigger cage so hopefully they'll be a little more active. They were mostly cuddling before lol If we don't see any developments in the next couple of days we'll try Melod. He's a wiley fellow, in a playful way. He and Evolet would be a good match.

For the first time, all of our boys are in one cage! I am amazed, but it may be short lived. We'll see how things go when DJ is seperated and back with his buddies. He's ususally the instigator.

On another note, we have an exciting adoption in progress. Two rescues and the last remaining bub from our last litter have found a home! Maverick, surrendered with a heavily pregnant female (RIP), because their owner could no longer keep them. Taj, a perle merle my mother found at a local petstore, surrendered to them as the result of an accidental litter. And RRR Captain Morgan, the RED Platinum from our last litter.
Further info and updates will be here or posted on the website. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me.

Wiping away the dust

2009-08-04T09:36:00.001-07:00

It's suprising, but it really has been more than a year since we updated our blog! Yikes. We took a 6-7month hiatus last year and a lot of people thought we'd disappeared entirely. But no, we're still here.

Since this blog has been updated, we're retired some, lost some, and expanded our family. We had two litters since January that weren't reported here. Mostly, we've just been putting updated on our website. Between lack of time and convenience, we may retire the blog and just limit updates to the website itself.

We've come across downunders in our lines and are looking forward to continuing the trait. I like the marking type and their personalities are all great thanks to their ancestors. Further updates can be seen on the website, as well as picture links.

Wow, it's been a while

2008-03-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long lapse in blog updates. There hasn't really been much to report here though. We've had some pregnancy hopes that came and went since January, but only now do we really seem to be expecting. Phew.. after this long in trying it looks like we'll finally have eepers!

Fluer has grown up into a beautiful girl and has gorgeous curly hair. Her hair is better even than her mothers. Her ears are great and sit on either side of her head perfectly. They have very good setting and shape.

Tonks continues to be the bad girl of the group. She's a firey little thing and wants to do her own thing her own way and lord help you if you try to stop her! lol Niobe isn't fairing so well. We've been considering euthanasia for a while now and it is drawing close to her time. She's very thin, despite the baby food we feed her and the teeth trimmings seem to stress her out too badly to continue.

Athme's tumor has stopped growing thus far. (Knock on Wood) We are still considering removal, but chances are it would return all over again. If it starts growing again, we'll probably opt for surgery.

Everyone else is doing great. The ever young Masquerade, the stately Mab, cuddly Dobbie, and all the rest- Jericho (soon to be proud papa), Drizzt, Streaker, and Warf. We've noticed one of Warf's eyes is bigger than the other, perhaps from some small trauma. He's hairless, so he has sensitive eyes.

Other than that, nothing much to report. We're looking forward to the sounds and sight of chubby rittens. They'll be a welcome addition.

Some disappointment, but love is in the air!

2008-01-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

We seperated SRF MacKenzie and Dobbie of RRR. We thought MacKenzie was pregnant, but she went into heat again today. Since the pairing has been unsuccessful this long, we have decided to pair MacKenzie with RH Jericho of RRR. 50% standard earred, 50% dumbo earred as wella s 50/50 standard coat and teddy rex coat. This litter could produce Black, Mink-based Buff, American Blue, Mink, possibly even Havanna. We're going to compare pedigrees before that list is finalized.

This will end my hope of creating a complete outcross line, but the litter should be wonderful regardless that it was not my first choice. Come Febuary, we will attempt to pair Dobbie of RRR with RH Fluer of RRR. Perhaps a younger girl will get his attention.

Another year passed, but still more ahead!

2008-01-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the short lapse in updates. I've been sick, out of town, or just busy with work. We spent a nice few days in Georgia with some friends. Of course, I had to be sick throughout the whole trip, but it esd fun nonetheless.

We believe MacKenzie was in heat earlier this week, so her litter with Dobbie of RRR would not be expected until Feb. We've not witnessed any mating first hand. Dobbie is too much the gentleman perhaps lol MacKenzie's flirting, but he's not catching on as quickly as we'd hoped. Hopefully soon he'll get her hints! If this litter is not confirmed soon, we may pair her with RH Jericho of RRR. If that happens we'll try Dobbie again with RH Fluer of RRR.

Jericho, of 'Jeri' as he is sometimes called, is settling in well. He seems to have a dislike for our hairless boy, Warf, though, so introductions to the rest of the male crew are slow going. Mostly I think it is that we are afraid little Warf with his naked skin will get injured in a normal scuffle.

We'll be introducing Fluer and Tonks to our resident girls eventually, but not until we get a bigger cage for them (which is in the works). And it appears Tonks is finally getting in her points! Little staller that she is.. Fluer is becoming a little mush. She comes to the door and holds still while you pick her up. Tonks is the brat of the group. She's very independent and wants let down to explore. That need to explore is one I know all too well, when she leaped away from me and I had to chase for her over an hour! She's a quick one.

I'll keep updating as our breeding pair stays together. Hopefully soon we'll be seeing some good weight gain and eventually have little eepers to play with.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T08:42:00.001-08:00

First, I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

As for Rodere, we have paired our first couple. Right now they are doing more cuddling than anything, but we're giving them their space for now, to let them get to know each other. We have several ratties already reserved from that litter, so the list will soon be closed. If you check back and the list is closed, you can wait until she has the kiddos and watch for availability. If there are more than the previously reserved number, I'll let everyone know.

We have another upcoming litter in it's planning stages. The potential mother, RH Fluer of RRR, is still young and maturing. She'll be 6 months old in March, so we're planning it for around that time period. The potential father is RH Jericho of RRR. He's a big squish who loves to brux and boggle. He is not quite a year old yet and seems to be a good candidate for the match.

I hope everyone enjoys the holidays. I know I enjoyed shopping for my ratties way too much. But I think they'll enjoy their gifts. Have a good time!

December already?!

2007-12-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

Our new arrivals are still settling in. They were a bit scared after the ride home, but seem to we seem to be earning their trust. Jericho is a big squish. He'll let me turn him over on his back, rub his belly. Or he'll just sit in my hands and look at me, with his ears twitching back and forth. He still doesn't seem to know quite what to think of us, but he's coming around.

Tonks and Fleur are rotten little girls. Always on the move and checking things out. We tried to share our thanksgiving dinner with them, but I think they were more afraid of the turkey leg than interested in eating it. But we did find the way to their hearts..... chocolate! lol Figures, two girls who love chocolate. Who woulda thought? Of course, the sugar rush afterwards was quite comical as well. We tried to take some good pictures, but Fleur absolutely freaked when the lens turned and focused on her. I think it's the noise that scared her. I've never seen a one try to flee to quickly from the photo shoot.

As for MacKenzie, she's still a little perterbed at the move, but each day she improves. We can hold her and talk to her, run her cheeks and her ears. But after a while, she decides she's had enough and won't hold still. She usually wriggles out of our hands and goes back to her cage, to her igloo. Maybe we should try the chocolate with her. =~.^= I think she'll be more comfortable once she's out of quarantine and can be introduced to our other girls.

They're Here!

2007-11-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

After about 10-11 hours driving, we finally have our RaffinHouse ratties! We are absolutely thrilled and estatic to have these wonderful guys with us. We want to thank Tony at RaffinHouse Rattery for getting this all worked out. After over a year of disappointment, we have finally been able to adopt beautiful pedigreed ratties that should make a wonderful start to our rattery.

We adopted three females and one male. We have a pearl self teddy rex dumbo female, a black self teddy rex dumbo female, and a platinum berkshire standard ear (carrying dumbo). They are potential breeders. Unfortunately, the third female, a Burmese, comes with a non-breeding contract that we will honor. But her personality is so great, we don't regret in the least signing the contract. She is well worth it.

I also want to thank Silver Fuzz Rattery for agreeing to let us adopt one of their rats from RaffinHouse. SFR MacKenzie of RH has now come to live with us. MacKenzie is a beautiful Black Teddy rex self dumbo. She was named after a river in the Amazon. The pearl will be named Fleur and the burmese will be named Tonks for my fiancee's love of the Harry Potter series. We have also named the Platinum boy Jericho, meaning Shard of the Moon (for his color).

Once they are out of quarantine, we are likely to pair SFR MacKenzie of RRR with Dobbie of RRR.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! The boys and girls of RRR are currently enjoying some Turkey Rice baby food, mixed in Multi-grain baby cereal and a whole plate of fruit. It looks like a circus in there! Everyone's got sticky or mushy hands.

I want to give thanks to a few people. First to Tony of RaffinHouse for mentoring me and letting me adopt 4 wonderful rats from his lines.

Next, I'd like to thank my family for supporting me in this and offering to help me spoil every ritten that we breed at RRR.

Also to my fiancee, Patrick, for accompanying me this weekend and driving to and from Fremont OH to pick up our pedigreed girls and boy. He's paying quite a bit of it too and using his vehicle, so he deserves a pat on the back! Even though at least two of the girls are for him lol

And of course to our wonderful adopters on our waiting list, who have been so patient with us while we worked to get our first breeding pair. We appreciate the vote of confidence and hope to live up to your highest expectations with every litter!

Everyone have a very good Thanksgiving and be sure to have a good time with your family.

Just a Hair's Distance..

2007-11-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

We will be going to pick up three pedigreed does and one pedigreed male from RaffinHouse on Thanksgiving Weekend. We are very excited to be making such plans. We'll finally get things going and start working towards our first litters.

Our first litter may be as early as late January. The oldest of the girls, who is of breeding age, may be paired with one of our resident boys, Dobbie. We want to get to know her some first. From that breeding, we hope to begin the foundation of our own line. This will be done under strict supervision with our mentor and if any problems arise with the line, it will be discontinued immediately. Dobbie is nearly two years old, with no problems to date. He came from a breeder, but not one with ethics we would stand by. However, his family line was bred specifically as pets, so good temperament runs in his family. They are most likely going to be black marked dumbo babies, half being rex and the rest being smooth coat. Other colors may pop up, depending on what Dobbie carries.

The first several generations will be pets only and will come with a non-breeding contract. It is also extremely important that adopters keep in contact with me so that the health of the line can be monitored. I could not be certain if the line would be improving if I don't have feedback on the majority (or better yet all!) of the resulting kittens. Keep in mind, it is still not a for-sure breeding. We'll just have to see. Announcements will be made if we are going ahead with those plans.

Wonderful News

2007-11-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

We are now being mentored by RaffinHouse Rattery. I decided to seek a new mentor since PVR is quite busy and doesn't really have the time. I'm not being sold short, however, for RaffinHouse seems very knowledgable and generous. I am looking forward to learning from such a respected name in the rat community.

I would also like to announce that we have reserved 3 rats from RaffinHouse. Two females and a male. One doe is a Pearl Self Teddy Rex dumbo who will be a potential breeder and the other is a Burmese Berkshire dumbo who comes with a non-breeding contract. The male is a Platinum standard ear. He is likely to be paired with the Pearl Self doe as long as they seem like they would make a good match. But that's a few months down the road. For now we are happy to be getting new babies to love. It is a very exciting step forward after such a hard and disappointing start.

One step closer

2007-10-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

We may be one step closer to finally getting our basis for a breeding program. After much searching and disappointment, we are in negotiations with Raffin House Rattery (RH). We will hopefully be adopting two or three females. One is burmese, but will come with a non-breeding contract. The other two we are looking at are Pearl and Russian Blue Agouti. We are also trying to adopt an American Blue male from PVR at about the same time, if we can get into better contact with his breeder. Best case scenario is that we've be picking them up on the same trip.

This is also my first blog posting. I decided to create a blog so that visitors to my site can see what is going on and hear my musing and thoughts about occurances at RRR. I am very long winded and like to write, so be prepared to read lol

I am currently raising an orphaned wild ritten who just opened his eyes last night. He and 5 siblings were found inside someone's garage and the woman called me Friday afternoon. The mother had been killed by their cat. I could either take them, or her boyfriend was going to flush them down the toilet. As you can imagine, I readily agreed. They were very cold and dehydrated and we lost two on Sunday, a few hours apart. They just never ate well. Then on Tuesday, while I was at work, my brother came to visit and turned off the heater that was keeping the 4 surviving rittens warm. For no other reason than he thought our bathroom was too warm.

They were without heat for about 3.5 hours. They were like little ice cubes when my mother found them, just before I got off work at 8pm. Sadly, two died within an hour and another sometime during that night. So that leaves us with the one little boy left. He somehow managed to survive the cold and is eating like a little hog.

But if he survives, we will still have the problem of finding a place for him. He will not survive the winter cold if released when he is matured enough. I am searching for a wildlife rehab that will take him off of our hands, but resources in that department are coming up empty or unwilling.