QUESTION: Where can I buy rats?
ANSWER: Pet shops, breeders, ads in the paper, rat shows, rescued rats, or maybe you already know someone that has rats that you can buy.
Pet shops. If you buy from pet shops usually you do not get the pedigree and you also often get a bonus pack when you buy a female. Bonus pack = pregnant female, you get more rats than you asked for. In Sweden we have had some problems with aggressive rats sold in pet shops, sometimes also sold from breeders...
Breeders. In Sweden we have few good breeders and many bad ones but this is still the best source of rats here. Beside getting healthy rats you also get the valuable contact with the breeder, who will help you keep your rats as healthy and happy as possible. Be sure to keep the phone number to your breeder! You can find many rat breeders on the Internet.
Ads in the paper. This way to get rats is underestimated, usually these rats are a lot cheaper that the pet shop rats and at the same time often of just as good - or even better - quality. Keep the phone number, you might need to ask questions later.
Rat shows. Here you can sometimes find rats for sale, but you can also find reputable breeders that you can buy rats from - most breeders and exhibitors have lots more rats at home.
Rescued rats. This is a very good way to aquire rats. Mostly they are well checked and healthy, and often sold two together. You can get phonenumbers to persons rescuing rats through rat clubs.
One thing to remember: if you buy your rats from a pet shop or through an ad in the paper; be sure to bring your newly aquired rats to a rat show - or to the vet - to check that the rats are healthy. To find the shows you usually need to get in contact with your local rat club. Also: remember to join the club. You will find it useful.
Copyright Eva Johansson.
Last update: 11th of August 2006.