About Bewitched Rattery

I began owning rats in 2018. I had gone to a local pet store and played with one, and decided I wanted one. I really knew nothing about pet rats, but I obtained two when a family member rehomed their pets with me. They gave me a basic rundown of how to care for them, and off I went. After a little while, I decided to add to our mischief, as I was learning more about how rats are social creatures, and it's best to keep them in groups of at least three or more. I didn't know the difference between pet store rats and well bred rats at the time, so I went back to the pet store for my next two rats. Unfortunately, my rats kept getting sick, and eventually one died. It was very difficult and upsetting. I also experienced issues with one of my rats being aggressive and injuring others, which was very upsetting as well. 

Eventually I adopted a rat who became my heart rat. He was my very best friend, and we did a lot together. I took him places, and we made several happy memories. His name was Bisous (pronounced Bee-zoo). Bisous’ name was a suggestion from Mama Bear, my adopted mother, Angela Hinkley. It was her son whose rats I'd adopted when I first started out with rats. Bisous is the French word for kisses, and it was perfect for him. He was like my baby. Unfortunately Bisous was unable to integrate with my existing mischief, and eventually they all passed away. I learned how important it was to keep rats with other rats, and how solo rats can become depressed and even die.

I found a breeder on a classified ad site who was advertising baby rats, and I reached out about adopting.

First I adopted two baby boys. They became Bisous’ friends.

I became friends with the breeder as time passed, and adopted more babies from her as she taught me about proper pet rat husbandry and care. Eventually I had a total of five rats plus Bisous. Then the breeder suggested I may be interested in breeding as well, and offered to mentor me. That was in 2022. I spent about a year and a half learning from the other breeder, and my rattery was opened in August 2022 as Lucky Charms Rattery. Shortly thereafter, I changed my rattery name to Tiny Kisses Rattery, as it was a tribute to Bisous, who'd really become part of my heart, and had since passed away. 

Around one year into my breeding program, I met another new breeder, who was the owner of Stellar Rattery, and was also just starting out. I adopted two of my rats to her for breeding. 

After an unfortunate situation, I felt the need to cut ties with my mentor and another breeder who was being mentored. Due to the circumstances at that time, I shut down my rattery for a few months as I needed a break for my mental health.

Eventually, I began breeding again, on my own. I began researching independently and trying to do my best to learn, but felt lost in it all.

I reconnected with Stellar Rattery, and we partnered our ratteries, and became great friends. I now consider the owner Taylor, my best friend.

I eventually decided to find a new mentor. After posting in a Facebook group asking for mentorship, I connected with my current mentor, the owner of Blue Stone Siamese Rattery in Maryland USA, and she is absolutely wonderful. I have learned a great deal from her in a short time, and she has become a great friend. Diana has over two decades of experience as a veterinary technician. She has been breeding pet rats since 2008. Diana has shown me a great deal that has changed my practices for the better, and I value her more than I can say.

Today, my rattery operates under the name Bewitched Rattery. I felt the need to change names again due to some confusion between myself and another, similarly named rattery. The other rattery had been practicing a procedure on male rats that was highly unethical and inhumane. The confusion was causing people to think that I was the person hurting rats, and I could not tolerate that idea. I would never knowingly harm an animal. I adore my rats beyond words, and strive to give them the very best life that I can.

I now focus on breeding mainly Dumbo, Black and Russian Blue rats, as well as Agouti and Russian Blue Agouti. I do not focus on any specific markings other than Siamese. I work with Velveteen, and Silvermane. I am currently working on a side project with Hairless, as well as Satin, though those lines are not yet open for pet or breeder adoption as I am just beginning to produce them. I would also love to begin working with Marten again, and perhaps also resume producing rats with sectoral heterochromia (Dragon Eye). Eventually I plan to work with dwarves of similar varieties.