Frequently Asked Questions

​CAN I ADOPT A SINGLE RAT?
No. When you take these babies home they are leaving the only environment they have ever known, their siblings, and they have recently been separated from their mother. We are of the opinion that they should not have to go through the stress of this and the quarantine period alone. For this reason we minimally adopt in same sex pairs.
CAN I ADOPT BOTH MALE AND FEMALE RATS?
No.  Unless you are an approved Breeder, we only adopt single gender rats to pet homes.
ARE MALES OR FEMALES BETTER?
This is a matter of personal preference. Females tend to be more active and inquisitive, so if you want a rat to teach tricks to, or be more active in the cage, a female might suit you more. Males seem to be more laid back and somewhat lazy, so if want a rat to cuddle and sit on the couch to watch TV with, then a male might be more your speed. There are always exceptions to this with the opposite being true.
DO YOU OFFER NEUTERING OF MALE RATS?
We don't currently offer neutering for several reasons:
  1. We have not found a vet that is willing to give us acceptable volume pricing.  
  2. We would have to keep male rats at the rattery far longer, until they were old enough to have the surgery.
  3. The risks involved with anesthesia are to high for us to take on the responsibility.
do you take in rescue rats?
No.  we cannot take in any rescues as they can pose a health risk to the rats in the Rattery, even if they have been checked out by a vet.  Rats can carry pathogens that cannot be detected by a vet without serology testing being carried out by a laboratory.  This is quite expensive, and we are not in a position to be able to run these blood tests before accepting rescue rats into the rattery.  You can advertise them on Facebook Pet Groups, or take them to the ASPCA. While we truly want to be helpful, it would be detrimental to our rats.  Thank you for your understanding.
do rats bite?
We selectively breed for excellent temperament, a poorly bred rat or rat with unknown lineage has the potential to bite, especially out of fear or pain if it is the only means of defending itself.  If you have a scared, hurt, cornered rat, protect yourself before trying to handle it, they don't always understand you are trying to help. Well bred rats shouldn't bite, they may freeze or run if scared, but shouldn't bite.
​​I have heard that rats carry diseases, should I be concerned?
Our rattery is NEGATIVE for all Zoonotic Diseases including Seoul Hantavirus and Rat Bite Fever. We also perform serology testing on our colony (minimally annually,) you can adopt with confidence from EVO Rattery.
MY RAT LOOKS LIKE HE IS BLEEDING FROM HIS NOSE AND EYES! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you see what looks like dried blood around your rats' eyes and/or nose, it is a substance called Porphyrin.  It is a substance that a rat naturally produces from a gland behind the eye.  An over production of the secretion could be a sign of a problem:
  • Poor nutrition
  • Deprivation of water
  • Pain
  • Illness (e.g., respiratory disease (bacterial or viral)
  • Environmental stressors (e.g., aggressive cage-mates, handling, over-crowded cages)
  • Environment and airborne irritants (e.g., aromatic bedding, scented detergent in washed bedding, smoking by owners, candles or fragrances)
  • Blocked tear duct
  • Eye infection or other conditions affecting the eye (including injury)​
How will i know if my rat is sick?
You should seek a veterinarian's advice if you notice your rat is showing any of the following:
  • Lethargy or excessive sleepiness
  • Excessive porphyrin around nose/eyes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Head Tilt or spinning in circles
  • Excessive Scratching- scabs
  • Fluffed, dull. unkempt fur
  • Frequent sneezing and/or wheezing
  • Feels cool/cold to the touch
  • Weight loss
What cage should Is best for my rats?
You need to purchase a cage that is both safe and big enough for the number of rats you own. Cages should have a minimum bar spacing of one half inch (1/2") or your new babies will walk right out.  I recommend that your cage have a metal bottom rather than plastic- even though plastic bottomed cages are cheaper, you may find yourself having to spend additional funds purchasing a new cage within a few months as they have chewed out.  It is better to purchase a more secure cage up front.  Here is LINK to a few cages (and other rat-centric supplies) that I like and recommend, including the essentials.
What can my rats eat?
EVO feeds a mix of grains, kibble, and sunflower seeds daily. We also feed a scattered forage mix 1 x week. Here is a link to our blog post detailing our mix and where to obtain the ingredients.
You will find a list of both safe and harmful foods here.
What should I keep on hand in case of emergencies?
We have put together a list of First Aid Supplies that we think would be useful in case of an emergency.  You can find our blog post here with more information on each item. 
What if I'm not satisfied with Evolution Rattery?
We strive for 100% Customer Satisfaction.  If you are not happy with your experience adopting from EVO, we want to make it right. Please contact us to discuss your issues so that we can have the chance to work with you towards a solution.
Happy You = Happy Rats = Happy Us