DreamQuest Rodent Ranch

Contact: Deb Johnston
Email: dreamquestin@gmail.com
Website: http://siriusaspects.ca/dreamquest/     
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan

I place my rats privately as pets and to select breeders

Describe the types of rats that you breed or intend to breed.

Selecting rats only from healthy, long lived lines, I am focusing on different shades of blue. Currently we have vari-berks, merles, minks and English Irish. We also have Siamese and Himis, though that is not our current focus. We are looking to add masked and snowflake rats to our lines.  

Do you keep records?  That is, do you have knowledge of the health, temperament, and colour of past rats in your breeding lines?

Records are important to any breeding program. We only bring in rats from breeders we know have healthy and long-lived rats, currently our ratties are from Shades of Blue Rattery and Meridian Rattery. Both have enjoyed the company of their rats for two to just shy of four years, a triumph we hope to continue and further.

What type of bedding do you use?

Aspen and shredded newspaper

What type of diet do you feed your rats?

They are fed a staple of lab blocks which is supplemented by fruit, vegetables, minute portions of meat as well as treats.

Do you also rescue rats?

Yes. It is our belief that "If you cannot rescue those in need, you shouldn't breed".

Describe the steps you take to quarantine new rats.

New rats are kept in our bedroom for a month before being permitted in the general living area where our ratties live.

How many rats do you currently own?

We currently have fourteen rats of our own, but the number of rats here is always in flux due to rescue

Describe your cages.

Our rats are housed in cockatiel and larger wire bird cages converted for rat comfort with multi-level shelves and hammocks.

How many litters do you have or expect to have per year?

two - four, depending on availability of homes

Do you wait until you have waiting lists to breed your rats?

No

Do you insist that people adopting rats from you must sign an adoption contract?

For new buyers, Yes - for people well known to us, no.

Describe your goals with respect to breeding rats.

Unique colours/patterns on rats from healthy, long-lived lines

Is it your intention to make a net profit from breeding rats?

No

How long have you cared for rats?

Since 2000 when I moved from Alberta (where rats are illegal)

How long have you been breeding rats?

Since 2001

Do you ship your rats? If so, how?

I would rather meet prospective owners, am willing to drive a couple hours to meet them... but will consider shipping to the right home.

At what age to you adopt out babies to people?

When they are at least six weeks old

Describe your breeding techniques (inbreeding, linebreeding, outcrossing, etc.).

I much prefer out crossing, but will line breed with caution for desirable traits

Are you a member of a rat club such as the RMCA RMFE or rat fan club?

No, but am working to start a local rat club (Saskatchewan/Manitoba)

Do you keep in touch with people who have adopted your rats in order to keep track of trends in health and temperament?

Yes! We want to know how our offspring are doing and to ensure new owners know we will take back our ratties if they at any time can't keep them

At what age do you breed female rats for the first time?

five months

How many times will you breed a female over her lifetime?

generally twice, on rare occasion three times maximum.

Describe how you socialize babies.

We handle babies from birth, introduce them to new people and experiences as they are ready. Our babies are curious and very outgoing (just like their parents)!

Describe where you got the rats that you are breeding. 

From Shades of Blue and Meridian Ratteries

Are there any additional comments that you would like people to know when considering adopting from your rattery?

We stand behind our ratties 200%. We are always available for questions/concerns about rat husbandry. If a new owner is ever unable to keep their new ratlings, we will always take them back.

Date form was completed: March 2006
Date PRC was last in contact with this breeder to check that they were still breeding rats: January 2008