|
|
The varieties we have a passion for are dumbo and standard eared rats in merle, dalmatian marked, Siamese and russian blue self. These are the varieties that I prefer and mainly breed for. In breeding for the 'perfect rat' we often times outcross and breed for other colors, which also adds more variety to our litters, and outcross a completely unrelated color or type for the traits we would like to incorporate into our lines. Here are EaglesEye we mainly linebreed, before we outcross we search far and wide for rats that compliment the traits and pedigrees of our rats. We breed all litters with caution (due to possible hidden recessive problems) and often inbreed to lock in or bring out desired traits.
I have a belief that "If it aint broke don't fix it" so will occasionally inbreed a few litters unless I feel the need for complimentary outcrosses. We document our lines and keep track of our rats, the rats on their pedigrees and babies they produce. We believe documentation is the best way to insure we truly produce the best animals possible. We tend to breed only fully mature rats (does at least 8 months old, and bucks at least a year and a half, often over 2) so that we have full knowledge of the health and temperament of the indivual and it's parents, grandparents and siblings. Breeding mature rats is also our way of breeding specifically for the trait of longevity by having a preference for males who are over 2 years old and still active enough to breed. By breeding older rats we know for sure they are healthy examples, and any health issues in their backgrounds.
Our rats have been placed with breeders and pet owners around the US and we have traveled all over the country for our breeding stock. I have done years of research on rat genetics and the different lines and breeding practices of other breeders. We work closely with many of the nations top ratteries learning as much as we can about these wonderful animals and trading lines back and forth. We believe that the best way to strengthen a line is to add high quality outcrosses that compliment our goals and produce babies with hybrid vigor, as well as line and inbreeding known lines to set traits, and so we KNOW what we will produce in litters without the unknowns outcrossing produces. A lot of thought is put into each litter we breed, we always as ourselves "How will this litter benefit rats as a whole", only breeding rats we feel are exceptional. The only rats who are bred here, are ones who make good pets, and produce great pets!
I've owned rats since about '96 and have been breeding since '98. I only breed litters that I have set homes for and my reservation list usually spans over many months. EaglesEye Rattery was officially started in '01, when I became active in clubs and shows. We breed an average of one litter every two months. I only breed when I can schedule the time to focus on raising the litters successfully and when there is a sufficient number of responsible owners seeking pet rats from my litters.
Along with our dumbo merle and Siamese kids we're also working on dumbo recessive high whites- such as masks, black eyed whites, and dalmatians. We are currently studying the genetics of masked and Dalmatian rats for a better idea on learning the genetics needed to produce these traits and are breeding from healthy mega colon free lines. These lines are well loved around the US for being extreemly social, laid back, long-lived, and healthy. We occasionally breed a few tailless, incorporating healthy tailless and other unique varieties into our breeding stock. We love rats as a whole and enjoy uniqueness of the rarer exotic varieties.
Here at EaglesEye, rats are not just a hobby- but are an in depth passion that I work hard on. I take rats serious! I've loved these animals from the first day I met them and strive to make changes for the better in health so that in the future we can enjoy these companions for a longer time. We do not compromise pet quality (Temperament, health, and socialization) for show quality or quantity. All our rats are first off healthy loving family pets and we are proud we've come so far in the rat world and have accomplished so much!
Copyright to Emily of EaglesEye Rattery & DreamEyce Studio. Do not use without permission!
