Druid's Grove Rattery

Breeding companions for all your quests!

Last Updated: July 8th, 2024

Welcome, traveler!

You've made it to Druid's Grove Rattery!Located in Virginia, we specialize in breeding well-tempered, healthy companion rats. Since our establishment in 2026, we pride ourselves on upholding ethical breeding practices and collaborating exclusively with high-standard breeders.Our primary focus is the welfare of our animals, ensuring each generation of rats surpasses the last in health, temperament, and longevity. We are dedicated to providing stable, friendly, and healthy rats that we proudly stand behind.Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns! Your satisfaction and the well-being of our rats are our top priorities.

About

The Druid's Grove Rattery is owned by Jay Wolfe. I've been working with rodents since 2023 and have been a proud owner of fancy rats ever since. In the progress of being certified as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician and registered with AALAS, I'm also currently aligned to pursue a Zoology degree. At UVA's laboratory, I serve as an animal caretaker, ensuring the well-being and ethical treatment of our animals, acting as their voice and guardian.Rats hold an incredibly special place in my heart and are my perfect companions. My journey with rats began when a friend introduced me to a solo female rat, whom I took in and introduced to companions. Since then, I've been in love. Mama Ren, my heart rat, now represents our rattery. Everything I do is in her honor, striving to make her proud.Druid's Grove Rattery is proudly queer-owned, with both my partner and I identifying as lesbians, and I as nonbinary. We strive to create a safe space for both rodents and people.While I am the core owner and manager of the rattery, my partner also provides assistance, although she's mostly in it for the baby rats ;)If you have any questions or concerns about the rattery, my messenger is always open!

Our Rats

This page will feature all of our breeders for adoptable lines, and will have up to date information about our most current litters.It will also include lines currently in progress that will be available for adoption later so you know what's coming up!For now though, enjoy some of my personal (nonbreeding) rats.

Ethics

We hold ourselves to a high standard to ensure any rats we produce are going to be the best companions possible. Here are the details of our ethics and running policies for the rattery.Health:Every animal has a health guarantee included in adoption paperwork. We work to produce animals that are healthy and will be companions for as long as possible.We test our rattery frequently and we ensure any new animals to our lines are from high quality breeders that have similar standards.We are a closed rattery, which means that outside strangers will not be allowed into the rat rooms for the safety of the rats and to reduce the chance of exposure to any diseases, etc. I will always be willing to do a live video call to show you the rattery at request!Breeding:Does are bred at 3 to 4 months, considered individually depending on size and maturity. Breeding females will be retired after 9-12 months of age or as needed on an individual basis. They are also retired after having 3 litters, whichever comes first.We practice litter culls to assist in ensuring the health of the mother and every pup. We prefer litter sizes to be between 8 and 10 pups. We may choose to cull a litter to be smaller if the doe is on the smaller side.Housing:We predominantly use Critter Nations and Pervue 528s (or highly modified bins). Most are in critter nations and are considered the general population. Breeding pairs are kept in a Pervue until the female shows signs of pregnancy, to which the male is returned to the "gen pop" cage. The doe will be kept in the separate cage either by herself or with another female.After the litter is ready to be weaned at about 5 weeks, they will be separated into set aside Critter Nations. Females will go with their mother and males will go with a babysitter male. Once they reach eight weeks and are a healthy size, they will move up to the general cages or be adopted out.They are kept on Aspen bedding and nesting material ranges from natural kapok, shredded paper, etc. They also have other enrichment, sleeping pods/hammocks, cage fillers, toys, chews, and other items.Culling:At Druid's Grove Rattery, we practice both soft and hard culling methods. This involves removing rats from the breeding program or euthanizing them. Our hard culling practices strictly adhere to the guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association, ensuring that every decision is made with the utmost consideration for the well-being and dignity of our animals.Maternal Aggression and Hormonal Aggression:Any rat showing any sort of aggression will be culled from the program. Depending on the level of aggression, this will be a soft or hard culling. Any pups born from a parent that shows MA or HA will not be available for adoption.Any buck showing hormonal aggression will immediately be removed from the program and every pup from their production will be under watch. This buck will not be bred again and any offspring used in breeding will not be made available for adoption until temperament is ensured.Any aggression to humans will result in the rat being culled. Lines with unfavorable temperaments (skittishness, etc.) will be culled and/or not be available for adoption until the line are up to standard.

Adoption Information

Applications are closed!

Apply:
Fill out an adoption application!- Read and agree to our policy.
- Every adopter must have an accepted application.
- Filling out the application does not guarantee acceptance. We will accept or deny applications at our discretion.
- If you are under 18, please have a guardian fill this form out for you. Rats will not be sold without adult approval and agreement to be a significant part of the animal's caretaking.
- The application can be found at the bottom of this page!Reserve:
Claim your new buddies!- Rats may be reserved via our Facebook page. It is on a first come first serve basis and done only on the announcement post.
- To reserve any rats, comment on the announcement and post a list of names you wish to claim. Do not do this through messenger, only comments will be considered. You can message after the comment is posted. This keeps things organized and as fair as possible!
- After confirming rats have been claimed, a 50% deposit should be sent to hold the rats. This is half of the overall price of the rats and will count for the entire price of the purchase.
- Reminder that no rats will be sold singlely.Pick-Up:
Time to bring your new friends home!- Druid's Grove Rattery is located in Buckingham County, Virginia. Please click the button labeled "Common Pickup Locations" below to see common meeting points. This is not an exclusive list and I can meet elsewhere.
- I am willing to meet within an hour of Dillwyn with a fee of $10. Any meeting location within 25 minutes is free.
- It is preferred for you to bring a carrier but one can be provided for $20.

Common Pickup Locations

These are not the only pick up locations, but some common locations that are able to be selected. Each button will take you to Google Maps to show you where it is.These are all free locations. Anything further than this range may require a $10 fee. We will discuss each pick up and decide on a location and if a fee would be required.

Policy Menu

Here you will find the Policy and Liability Waiver that you will sign upon adoption. Please be sure to read it all and understand it. If you have any questions, our messenger is always open.

Policy

This contract serves to confirm that the below mentioned person(s) (hereafter
referred to as “the Adopter”) has/have accepted the responsibility of ownership of rats from Druid's Grove Rattery (hereafter referred to as Druid), and agrees to abide by all terms and conditions.Ownership ConditionsThe rats available for purchase from our rattery are specifically bred as companions (pets) and are sold under a pet-only/non-breeding contract. Should the Adopter breed the rats, whether intentionally or accidentally, they agree to return the rats and any offspring born to Druid upon request, and at the Adopter's expense.Rats acquired from our rattery are expressly prohibited from being used as food for other animals, classroom pets, and they may not be placed in any other situation that could potentially cause them harm.Any intention for a rat to be used in Barn Hunts must be explicitly stated before purchasing. All Barn Hunts that Druid's rats must follow the Barn Hunt Association rules for safety of the rat.Rats will not be sold solely as children's pets. The responsibility and ownership of the rats must be assumed by a parent or guardian if the rats are to be placed in homes with children.Deposits, Payments and RefundsAccepted payment methods for rat adoptions include cash, PayPal, Cashapp, or Venmo. Personal checks will not be accepted. Please note that no monetary refunds will be offered under normal circumstances, except in cases of extraordinary circumstances as determined by Druid.A deposit of 50% is mandatory to reserve rats. If the rats become unavailable due to sickness, death, or any other circumstance attributable to the fault of Druid, the Adopter may choose to either have their deposit refunded or transferred to a future reservation of rats. All other deposits are non-refundable, and no refunds will be provided if the Adopter decides they no longer wish to acquire the rats.Guarantees and ExpectationsDruid is the legal and rightful owner/breeder of the aforementioned rats and possesses full authority to sell them. Druid assures that the rats are accurately described, of the correct variety, at least 8 weeks of age, the correct sex, and that female rats are not pregnant. Additionally, Druid guarantees that the rats have friendly, sweet, curious, and playful temperaments. Druid further guarantees that the rats are free from any respiratory ailments, parasites, skin issues, and are overall in good health to the best of Druid's knowledge.The Adopter is given a 48-hour window from the time of acquiring the rats to have them examined by a licensed veterinarian, at the Adopter's own expense. If the examination reveals any issues with the rats, the Adopter may return them, accompanied by a written statement from the veterinarian, for a full refund or exchange for future rats. All veterinary fees are the sole responsibility of the Adopter. Failure by the Adopter to have the rats examined by a licensed veterinarian within the 48-hour period will void the warranty. If the Adopter chooses to keep the rats, no replacement or refund will be provided, and all medical costs and treatments will be the sole responsibility of the Adopter. Even if the Adopter keeps the rats, they will be expected to report any findings to Druid for monitoring.If, at any point during the lifespan of the rats, they develop a condition that can be traced back to the prenatal or fetal stage, the Adopter may return the rats for replacement. The Adopter must provide documentation from a licensed veterinarian. This guarantee excludes tumors, mycoplasma, or respiratory issues that may result from general care and husbandry practices. It does not cover instances of abuse, neglect, or improper care.A care sheet will be given to the Adopter for guidance. The Adopter bears full responsibility for all medical care required by their rats. In the event the Adopter does not have access to a licensed veterinarian specializing in rat care, a recommendation can be provided. It is important to note that this guarantee is applicable solely to the original Adopter and is non-transferable.If the Adopter is unable to provide proper health or veterinary care for the rats, they are obligated to return the rats to Druid.The Adopter retains the option to return their rat(s) at any time should the rat ever inflict a bite that breaks the skin, or if it attacks another rat resulting in injury. Druid will accept the return of the rat(s) at any point during their lifetime for any reason. The Adopter acknowledges the obligation to inform Druid if they are no longer able to care for their rats. Furthermore, the Adopter agrees to offer their rat(s) back to Druid before considering rehoming them with another party, or surrendering them to a shelter, rescue, pet shop, or research laboratory. This includes refraining from listing the rat(s) on forums or internet for-sale platforms such as Craigslist or Facebook.The Adopter commits to providing regular updates to Druid regarding any health or temperament issues, including the date(s) of death if applicable.Adopter’s ExpectationsThe Adopter commits to quarantining their rats if they currently own any, as well as implementing quarantine measures for any new rats introduced into their home. Quarantine must occur in a separate location free from rats and with no shared air space. The minimum duration of quarantine must span three weeks. Should the Adopter opt not to adhere to quarantine protocols, they do so at their own risk, and this decision renders the health guarantee null and void.The Adopter confirms that they either own their residence or possess written consent from their landlord permitting them to own rats. Additionally, the Adopter ensures that all occupants of the residence have provided consent for rat ownership, thereby eliminating the possibility of being required or requested to rehome the rats.The Adopter pledges to accommodate their rats in a well-ventilated cage of suitable dimensions. The Adopter agrees not to permit the rats to roam freely without supervision. They agree to maintain the rats' enclosure in a clean, safe, and secure condition. Proper bedding will be provided for the rats within their enclosure, with accepted options including aspen, kiln-dried pine, or other bedding types approved by Druid. Failure to follow the accepted housing conditions will render the health guarantee void.The Adopter will not use candles, incense or air fresheners near the rats’ enclosure. The Adopter will maintain a smoke-free home.The Adopter commits to supplying the rats with nutritious, fully balanced food such as Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food, Mazuri, or other food types approved by Druid. Additionally, the Adopter will ensure that fresh, clean, easily accessible water is available to the rats at all times.The Adopter acknowledges that rats are highly social animals and therefore require companionship from other rats of the same sex. The only exception being if they have been spayed or neutered. Under those circumstances, the Adopter must wait three months before introducing the desexed rat(s) to any rats of the opposite sex. The Adopter is also expected to show documentation of the procedure before being sold any opposite sex rats.The Adopter recognizes that neither themselves, other people, nor other species can substitute for the companionship of another rat. Keeping a rat alone is acknowledged as neglectful and unacceptable.If the Adopter misrepresents the care and husbandry they intend to provide for the rats, they will forfeit possession of the rats at the request of Druid.By signing below, the Adopter acknowledges that they accept and understand
the information and terms contained in this adoption contract.

Liability Waiver

It is important to understand that your pet rat can be a vector for diseases. Your rat may or may not show symptoms of these diseases but can still transfer them to you. Many of these diseases do not affect a healthy human adult but for those with immuno-compromised systems, including but not limited to: children under 5, pregnant woman, the elderly, those on immune-suppressant drugs, or with viral infections, rats may need to be reconsidered as pets.This is true of all pets. Taking on any pet, even cats or dogs can pose health risks. Always be smart and if there is an animal bite or scratch from any pet seek medical advice, even more so if someone is a child, pregnant, elderly or have a lower immune system.I, the breeder, Jay Wolfe (Druid's Grove Rattery) , am fully informing, you, the adopter, on this date of the risks of owning pet rats, and you, the adopter hereby, accept the risks of owning pet rats and release, I, the breeder, Jay Wolfe (Druid's Grove Rattery), of any liability associated with owning pet rats.V This will be updated as we are tested. V
[On [DATE], my rattery was tested through Charles River and tested negative for [LIST RESULTS]. I have brought new rats into my home since then from respected and well-known established breeders, who have not had any health issues. I have no concern over health issues. At this current time to the best of my ability I ensure all of my rats are free from health issues.I do my very best to ensure the health and safety of all my animals. I do have a proper quarantine system in place for all new animals coming into my home, though quarantine may not catch some viruses as the animal will not show symptoms. I do not visit pet stores that sell rats. I do not handle wild animals and my home is pest free.The nature of these viruses and the ease in which they can be spread just from the environment, clothing, being in an area that has wild rodents, etc… means that I can not guarantee that at any moment my rats have not been infected though. And you must understand the risk that they can easily become infected through these methods by you and your family as well.Below is a list of the zoonosis diseases and the symptoms that may be carried by pet rats.Seoul Strain of Hantavirus
Seoul Virus is a type of hantavirus commonly associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Symptoms appear with one to two weeks and in rare cases up to 8 weeks.Symptoms include:
Intense Headaches
Back and Abdominal Pain
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Blurred VisionLater symptoms include low blood pressure, acute shock, vascular leakage, and acute renal failure. In rare cases, it can be fatal.Seoul Virus is transmitted through the feces, urine and saliva. The most common transmission happens when feces, urine, or saliva is dried into dust, the dust particles fly up and we breathe them in. Seoul Virus cannot be spread from person to person or person to rat.To prevent infection, wear a mask and gloves when cleaning cages, do not use a vacuum or sweep dust particles into the air, spray down any bedding before moving it, wash your hands before and after handling your rat.Rat Bite Fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis)Rat Bite Fever or Streptobacillus moniliformis is an infectious bacteria. Contrary to its name, Rat Bite Fever is found in more than just rats: mice, hamsters and gerbils can also carry it. Symptoms appear within 3-10 days of infection but can take up to three weeks.Symptoms include:
Fever
Vomiting
Headache
Muscle pain
Joint pain
RashIn rare cases without treatment, rat bite fever can be fatal. RBF is transmitted through a scratch or bite from a rodent, handling rodents with the disease, even if they do not bite or scratch you, and through ingesting food and water contaminated with rodent feces. It is not transmitted from person to person.To prevent RBF, regularly wash your hands, wear protective gloves when washing cages and avoid putting your hands in your mouth when handling your rats and cleaning their cages.SalmonellosisSalmnellosis or salmonella is a common disease which most people associate with undercooked chicken. All common pets can carry salmonella in their digestive tract including: dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, lizards and snakes. Salmonella infection can occur in humans and the animals.Symptoms for humans include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Abdominal PainFor the immune-compromised, the symptoms can be life threatening
. Symptoms are rare in small animals but include diarrhea that contains mucus
or blood, lethargy, and they may vomit or have a fever. Prevention of transmission to humans includes making sure you buy animals that appear healthy, animals with severe diarrhea should be avoided. They should be bright eyed and an active. Always wash hands after handling an animal and avoid eating or drinking around your pets. If you do become infected, rarely is hospitalization required, the treatment is just lots of fluids while the bacteria moves out of your systems. Symptoms should fade within 5-7 days.Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacteria called leptospira.Symptoms include:
High fever
Headache
Chills
Muscle aches
Vomiting
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Red eyes
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
RashSome infected people never show symptoms. They will become sick between 2 days to 4 weeks after exposure. If the first symptoms progress a person may experience kidney or liver failure or meningitis. The second part of the infection is called Weil’s disease.People can become infected with leptospirosis through contact with urine or other bodily fluids (not saliva through) and through contact with water, soil or food contaminated with urine of infected animals.Prevention of transmission includes avoiding urine of infected animals, wash your hands after handling, do not eat or drink around your pets. Be sure to vaccinate your pets against leptospirosis as well.You agree to the risk associated with pet rats both listed above and those not listed and hereby will release Jay Wolfe (Druid's Grove Rattery) from any and all liability of owning a pet rat.

To see how we do our best to avoid any chances of illnesses, please read our Testing protocols here.This wonderful Aimee Sek (Once Upon A Mischief Rattery) made this waiver and I obtained written permission to use this waiver that Aimee Sek created. Do not copy this waiver without permission from Aimee Sek.

Testing

All Testing will be done through Charles River to ensure the health of the colony and every rat that is produced here.These testing results will be openly shared and will be updated with every test. If you wish to see any year since testing as started, feel free to email me with a request to see them, as I do archive any test results.Until I begin the rattery and get tested, here is an infographic to help explain the importance of health testing. More information can also be found here.