The Trifecta:Above everything else, I am working to improve the health of our furry friends. Rats are incredibly prone to respiratory infections as well as tumors and cancer. Thorough research has found that genetics play a very large part in: allowing cancer to form as well as immune response (or non-response). By choosing to breed only the rats that are consistently healthy throughout their entire lives, generation after generation, I believe we can improve the overall health of the pet rat population by reducing the genes that increase the likelihood of tumors/cancers and are responsible for decreased immune response. It is of my opinion that choosing to breed for health also increases the likelihood of longer lived rats, essentially 'killing two birds with one stone', as the saying goes.
My second overall goal is to improve temperament. I'm breeding for rats that are comfortable in any environment, seek human affection, and are content to spend a lazy afternoon on their chosen person's lap. I'm also breeding for intelligence; I want your companions to be able to learn amazing tricks with ease, and be highly motivated to accomplish them. My third overall goal is to reach and maintain AFRMA show standards for any line I produce. These goals are set in the order I plan on achieving them. Health will come before temperament, and temperament before show. |
Color Specialty: |
My personal belief is that no stable house can come without a good foundation. I will be starting my lines with a Berkshire Black and a Berkshire Agouti until I achieve all three of my goals with these two foundation lines. There is always room for improvement as the fancy progresses, and as such I will always carry these lines.
My ultimate goal for color is to eventually breed RED to my blacks and agoutis, for a nice rich beige and a deep fawn. I'm also considering a Russian Blue line and Silver Fawn. I've added Silvermane to my goals; however, it will be some time before this line is ready for the public. |
Marking Specialty: |
I plan on starting with Berkshire. Due to it's heterozygous nature, my first litter has a very good chance to produce hooded and self. I plan on keeping a strictly self black and agouti line and a hooded black and agouti line, so that I can perfect my Berkshire marking. As such, I will have three main markings: Self, Berkshire, and Hooded. I will also be working with the Down Under marking as well.
I will eventually branch out to attempt the possum, self headspot, and collared markings. |