The Adoption Process
PRIOR TO ADOPTION DAY
Please keep in mind that I only adopt out rats that are ready to leave the rattery. Kits must be at least seven weeks of age (typically older), in good health, ideal weight, and socially mature. Kits undergo wellness and temperament exams throughout their lives, and must "pass" before being put up for adoption.
Reservations are typically made when kits are 6 weeks old, and there is no additional cost to reserve your intended kits. However, at any point I have the right to cancel or alter your reservation.
To Reserve:
Pictures of kits available for reservation will be posted on my Facebook page. Pictures will clearly show their appearance, and will include sex, AR name for identification, and variety. Once they are posted, approved adopters on the waitlist will be able to private message me letting me know which rats they want to reserve (the plural is important! Do not message to reserve one rat that interests you and message again later for the other rat—message me once with all rats you would like to reserve! This keeps things running smoothly!). I will note under each photo when the rat has been reserved.
I cannot guarantee you will get the rat(s) that interest you. Someone may have messaged me asking to reserve the same rat moments before you and I had not had time to update the FB post. Reservation acts on a first come first serve basis once the photos are posted.
I will message/email adopters prior to posting photos of available rats so they can be aware. If you have not been messaged in advance, then you are not an approved adopter for that litter. Please wait for the next litter.
As the kits grow I will continue to update adopters. Feel free to ask for photos whenever! :)
Rats are only sold in same sex pairs or more, not sold as singles. I do not usually allow people to adopt both males and females.
Once you have read my website in full, you can apply to be a potential adopter!
To apply for our rats, please email me (arcadiarodentry@gmail.com) or message me through Facebook messenger. I will send you a questionnaire and ALL questions MUST be filled out to be considered. Every question must be answered 100% truthfully, or you will be denied immediately. If I cannot trust you to answer some questions, I cannot trust you to have a pet rat.
Arcadia Rodentry holds the right to refuse adoption to anyone. Please respect this. The rats' health and happiness are always top priority for me; I will do what I think is best for them.
ADOPTION DAY
A pick up date will be decided on between the both of us. Please understand that it is pick up only, I will not drop off and will not meet. Arcadia Rodentry is a CLOSED RATTERY, meaning the public cannot come inside to visit the rats; this is done as a biosecurity measure and is for the health and safety of our rats. I will meet you outside with your rats, and their parents too if you so wish to meet them. If it is raining we can meet inside my hay shed or reschedule. No shows result in denial of adoption, unless I am contacted in advance for valid reasons.
Upon pick up please bring a carrier for your new rats, not a cardboard box. Please do not bring any rats you currently own along with you. Adopters will physically sign an adoption contract and pay while at the rodentry.
We are located in Baxters Harbour, Canning, Nova Scotia. Exact address will be supplied once a pick up date is determined.
POST ADOPTION DAY
When you bring your new rats home it is best to get them settled right away. Place them in their cage with food and water, and avoid handing them excessively for about twenty-four hours. Let them calm down and get used to their surroundings. During the first twenty-four hours, sit beside the cage and talk to them, offer them treats. This teaches them to trust you and know you are safe. Giving them yummy treats from your hand teaches them to associate you with a positive reward.
After they are settled into their new environment, I suggest holding them as much as possible. This style of bonding process has always worked very well for me. You can have them ride your shoulder or sit in a hoodie pocket while cleaning, reading, walking, etc. just about any activity, your rats will love to be with you! My rats make excellent 'study buddies', and enjoy relaxing with me in bed or on the couch. Rats can also be very playful, so playing games with them might be something they will enjoy. I have rats who loves to chase pens being dragged across a blanket, and like to have their belly tickled. All rats have their own personalities, and watching them grow and develop is beautifully rewarding.
If you already own other rats, it is always recommended to quarantine your new rats and old rats from each other for two weeks. Quarantine means separate cages, separate rooms, and washing hands in-between handling the two groups. This prevents spreading of sickness and is recommended for any animal. It is always good to monitor new pets as the transition from one house to another can be very stressful. If you do not quarantine it becomes extremely hard to tell which rat(s) the issues arose from.
