Breeding Healthy Pet Rats
Misty's Mischief is a Registered Rat Breeder based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Having kept rats as pets for many years I wanted to start breeding rats to share the joy (and laughter) of having pet rats.
We breed selectively focusing on temperament and health specialising in Fluffy/NZ Angora rats. Committed to the wellbeing of all our animals from planning litters to finding their forever family and are here are to support you throughout their lives.
Our first baby was born on 01.01.2022 on behalf of Scruffians Rattery and our current litter can be found here.
Why Misty's Mischief
Mischief is the name for a group of rats.
We offer a unique and personalised experience to our adoptors. When babies are around 6 weeks old we reach out to our wait list to confirm who is still interested and then have a 'meet your rats' appointment, either in person or by video. This gives you an opportunity to see the rattery, interact with the babies, meet their parents and we will talk about how to properly care for your new family members.
When the babies reach 8 weeks they are ready to leave the rattery bound for their forever homes, you can pick up your rats from us in Auckland, or we can arrange drop off with animal couriers like Swift or Pet Bus.
Ethics Statement
Misty’s Mischief Rattery strives to provide an environment that exceeds the basic standards. Our rats physical, emotional, and psychological needs come first. Our cages are full of enriching items and are kept hygenically. Rats are provided with correct nutrition, proper bedding, and any needed health care. The welfare of our rats is our primary consideration.
We aim to educate, promote and encourage responsible pet ownership.
We maintain an interest in all animals which we adopt and will accept any animal of my breeding to be returned should the need arise.
Misty’s Mischief Rattery is registered with the New Zealand Fancy Rat Society.
We are a supportive, friendly group who are focused on education and fun! The main goals of the NZFRS are to advocate for pet rats in New Zealand, provide support and mentoring for new breeders and rat owners. Anyone who has an interest in Fancy Rats in New Zealand is welcome to become a general member of the NZFRS and we encourage breeders and rescues to join us as approved and vetted members.
Rats can be wonderful pets!
They are affectionate and smart animals that often bond quickly with their owners and are easy to train.
Fancy rats are Rattus norvegicus domestica is a type of Norway rat that has been tamed and is often used in labs and as pets. Rats have long bodies, short fur, small eyes and ears, and long tails without hair. Because they have poor eyesight, they rely on use their whiskers and sense of smell to gather information and figure out where they are.
Rats can live up to 3 years as pets, but by the time they are 2, they are usually considered old, and you might notice they start sleeping more and playing less.
Advice on housing for pet rats:
Rats are good at getting out of their cages, so they need to be kept in a safe place. It is recommended that their cages be at least 61 x 37 x 62 cm for 2 rats so that they have enough room to nest, dig, and move around. Cages made of wire with plastic or metal bottoms work well.
Rat bedding, or substrate, can be made of things like compressed paper pellets, kiln dried pine or aspen shavings, undyed shredded paper, or fleece. Note that paper and fleece need to be changed more often than wood shavings or paper pellets.
Rats need 2-8 cm deep bedding that should be changed at least once a week. If the bedding isn't changed often, ammonia from their urine will build up and make it hard for them to breathe. Rats don’t sweat so it is important their cage is kept away from direct sun and is in a part of the home with moderate/regulated temperature.
Rats are social animals that usually do better when they are in same sex groups of 3 or more, a pair is the minimum. Rats require time out of the cage to play and explore but you should supply a big enough exercise wheel and climbing toys in the cage too.
You'll need to handle your pet rat often to help it get used to people. Do no pick them up by their tails. This could cause a painful condition called de-gloving in which the skin of the tail comes off. If this happens, the tail will probably need to be amputated by a vet.
What can I give my pet rat to eat?
Rats are rodents that eat everything and do well on a rodent block or pellet, which you can buy in stores. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered in small amounts, you should limit nuts and seeds because they are high in fat. Adults need 5–10 grams of pellets every day per 100 grams of body weight.
Rats should always have access to clean water. Since water bowls often get full of bedding, food, and waste, it is best to serve it in a water bottle with a sipper tube. Rats need 10 milliliters of water every day for every 100 grams of body weight.
Rats can have health problems and a vet fund to cover expenses is suggested. Common health issues are being overweight, getting hurt (usually from being bitten), having teeth that don't fit together (malocclusion), parasites, and respiratory tract infections. Rat illness can be caused by mycoplasmas, and a wide range of other bacteria and viruses. Respiratory infection can become long-lasting or come back, and it usually needs to be treated with antibiotics.