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Making a profit doesn’t mean sacrificing ethics. Money can feel like a tricky topic when it comes to animals. Many assume that earning a profit means being greedy or unethical, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Running a rattery properly takes a lot of time and effort. From clean, enriched housing to careful breeding and health monitoring, there’s more behind the scenes than most people realize. Profits make it possible to maintain high standards and provide the c

Owning rats comes with responsibilities that aren’t always obvious at first glance. One of the biggest, and often most expensive, aspects is veterinary care. Rats, like any animal, can get sick. They need regular care, check-ups, and sometimes emergency attention. Some new owners seem to think that because they got their rats from a breeder like Forest City Rats, health issues won’t arise, or that the breeder should cover vet costs if something happens. That’s not how respon

Running a rattery isn’t just a side hobby for me. It’s something I pour hours into every single day. For 2026, I’ve updated the pricing at Forest City Rats, and I want to be open about why. It’s not about trying to squeeze extra money out of anyone. It’s about fairness, sustainability, and making sure both my rats and their future families get the best experience possible. 1. Time is Valuable Every day, I spend hours feeding, cleaning, socializing, and monitoring the health o

The FAQ section on the website gives the short and sweet, but I wanted to expand a bit more here. Q: Can I come visit the rattery? A: We operate a closed rattery to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals and pets in our household. Rats must be selected in advance, as we do not offer meet-and-greet- appointments. Q: Can I pick out my rats in person? A: All rat(s) must be selected and paid for in advance through our website. Actual footage of some people on my web

As previously mentioned, the rat breeding community can be complicated. It’s easy for breeders to lose sight of what really matters and become preoccupied with how they’re perceived rather than how their rats and buyers are actually supported. Forest City Rats was built very intentionally away  from that culture. I designed my business for my clients' needs. A Trust-Based Model Over a Gatekeeping Model I believe that most people seeking an appropriately priced, well-bred, wel

If you're searching for a new pet rat, it is very common to encounter applications, contracts, and protocols to be able to purchase from a breeder. I recognize that Forest City Rats is the anomaly in that regard. I strongly believe that having no application isn’t a red flag; it’s a gesture of mutual trust and respect for my clients’ privacy, as they’re already supporting my small business. These tools are often framed as ethical safeguards, meant to ensure responsible pet ow

Before becoming a rat breeder, I was a rat owner. I struggled to find good-quality rats locally, and it felt like all breeder pages (social media, websites, etc.) were geared more toward other breeders than prospective rat owners. Between pages of rules, impassioned posts about ethics, and highly technical discussions on genetics, I became overwhelmed. All I just wanted was to provide a loving, safe home for rats. Now, as a breeder myself, I've spent a considerable amount of

The rat community can be an exciting space for learning, sharing, and connecting with others who share a passion for these fascinating little creatures. However, like any niche community, some folks can really sour the experience for others. Many breeders operate in tight-knit networks that can feel clique-like, intimidating, with unwritten rules, strong opinions about “correct” practices, and an emphasis on who belongs or doesn’t. Even casual conversations can quickly feel l