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<<Thanks everyone for sharing. I can see I really need to talk to some
breeders.
You are right...we got him at a pet shop. we were told they were no
different than breeders just less expensive.hmmmm! I can see that we
will want to pay for quality.>>

Good breeders, those who breed for the love of the species, do so for
temperament foremost. I've heard a lot of stories where someone got a
real gem at the local pet store but it's a chancier endeavor.

<<Do any breeders ship? and is it an arm and a leg? what price might we
be talking for two rats? I don't know the different breeds so I can't say
I am particular. I go more for the personality......I guess except when I
go to the pet store huh? LOL!>>

Most good breeders do not ship, it's hard on the ratties and it's WAY
expensive if they do. If you do some research you're sure to find a
rattery near you.

As far as "breeds" it's really more a matter of color, hair type and
ears. They are basically the same except that the breeders have helped
to single out the ones with good temperament. The differences are
genetic mutations and if they are not responsibly bred it can mean
producing poor little ratties with severe health problems.

There are curly haired rats called "rex", if you double the genetic trait
you get a "hairless" rat. There are tailless rats but breeders don't
recommend letting the females breed since the mutation can also mean a
lack of the muscles needed to give birth. We have decided that we want
"dumbos" the next time, their ears are located a bit farther down the
sides of their heads. This gives them a very cute appearance and doesn't
seem to affect them adversely health wise.

Kris (who's daughter is avidly researching rat breeding)

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