Misty's Mischief Rattery

Welcome to Misty's Mischief Rattery, a Registered Rat Breeder located in Auckland, New Zealand. With a passion for rats as pets, we have embarked on the journey of breeding these adorable creatures to share the joy and laughter they bring to our lives.

At Misty's Mischief, we prioritize the well-being of our rats, focusing on their temperament and health. Our specialty lies in breeding Fluffy/NZ Angora rats, known for their unique and charming appearance. From the moment they are born until they find their forever homes, we are dedicated to providing the utmost care and support to our furry friends.

Our first litter was born on 01.01.2022, courtesy of Scruffians Rattery, and our current litter arrived on 4 July 2023. These affectionate and intelligent animals quickly form strong bonds with their owners and are easily trainable.

Fancy rats, scientifically known as Rattus norvegicus domestica, are a domesticated type of Norway rat. While they are commonly used in laboratories, they make wonderful pets. With their long bodies, short fur, small eyes and ears, and hairless tails, rats rely on their keen sense of smell and whiskers to navigate their surroundings due to their poor eyesight.

As pets, rats typically live up to 3 years, with the age of 2 considered old. During their senior years, they may sleep more and engage in less play. To ensure their safety, it is important to keep them in a secure environment as they are skilled escape artists. A recommended cage size for two rats is at least 61 x 37 x 62 cm, providing ample space for nesting, digging, and movement. Wire cages with metal or plastic bottoms are suitable options.

Bedding, or substrate, for rats can be made of compressed paper pellets, kiln-dried pine or aspen shavings, or undyed shredded paper. It is crucial to avoid cedar shavings as they have been associated with skin, lung, and stomach issues. Rats require bedding that is 2-8 cm deep, and it should be changed at least once a week to prevent ammonia build-up, which can hinder their breathing. Since rats do not sweat, it is essential to keep their cages away from direct sunlight and in an area with regulated temperature.

Social animals by nature, rats thrive in same-sex groups of 3 or more, with a pair being the minimum. They benefit from regular time outside the cage for play and exploration, but it is equally important to provide them with a large exercise wheel and climbing toys within their enclosure.

Handling your pet rat frequently helps them become accustomed to human interaction, but it is crucial to avoid picking them up by their tails, as this can cause a painful condition called de-gloving, where the skin of the tail comes off. In such cases, veterinary attention may be required, and tail amputation might be necessary.

Rats are omnivorous rodents that have a diverse diet. A rodent block or pellet, available for purchase in stores, serves as a suitable staple food. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered in moderation, while nuts and seeds should be limited due to their high fat content. Adult rats require 5-10 grams of pellets per 100 grams of body weight on a daily basis.

Clean water should always be accessible to pet rats. To prevent contamination from bedding, food, and waste, it is recommended to serve water in a bottle with a sipper tube. Rats need 10 milliliters of water per 100 grams of body weight each day.

While pet rats bring immense joy, they can be prone to various health issues. These may include obesity, injuries (often from bites), malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), external parasites, and respiratory tract infections. Mycoplasmas are a common cause of these illnesses, although they can also stem from other bacteria and viruses. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and may be ongoing or recurrent.

At Misty's Mischief Rattery, we are committed to providing healthy and well-socialized rats, ensuring that they bring happiness and companionship to their forever families. Contact us today to learn more about our available rats and embark on the wonderful journey of rat ownership.