![]() Queensland Rodent Fanciers (QRF) is aware that Queensland is a very large state, there are many people out there breeding rats and mice. Some of them good, some of them bad. It is for this reason and to make it easier for those wishing to welcome rats or mice into their homes that QRF has their registered breeders list. This list of breeders is approved by a special breeders committee formed from the most experienced breeders within QRF.
A registered breeder starts out like any breeder with a love for rats or mice or both. They decided they want to breed and start to learn all they can about the animals they choose to breed. They investigate genetics, coat types, coat markings, health and temperament issues. They know it is not as simple as “put this male with this female = babies”. A good breeder knows there is a lot more involved in breeding a good rat or mouse. They know there are many good and bad things about breeding. Things can go bad. I learnt this the hard way when I first started breeding when I lost one of my pregnant females and her babies due to factors out of my control. It was heartbreaking to lose one of my girls and her babies that way. But then on the other hand it can go very well. You can pair a male and female with it resulting in beautiful little babies of amazing health and temperament. Or you can have one mother rat only have three of her own babies, then take on six foster babies while you watch in wonder and amazement at how she just accepts these babies that are not her own but need a mother. How amazing is nature? How wonderful is it that she was able to help save these babies when their own mother, sadly, could not? QRF takes great pride in all its registered breeders and they all must go through the same process to become registered. Even myself, I had to start from the beginning to become a registered breeder. I had to go to one of our shows and fill out my “Intention to Breed” form. I then had to attend at least six shows over a 12 month period and show animals that I had bred. After that I could then fill out my “Application to Breed” form and have my interview with the Breeders Committee. The interview consists of simple questions to show that a breeder knows the basics or is willing to learn with the help of a mentor. Once I was approved that’s it! I became a registered breeder and became one of those that QRF takes great pride in. I also take great pride in the fact that I have won “Best Breeders Group” at the last two shows. However, it doesn’t stop there. It’s not as simple as I’m a registered breeder I can advertise in the group, sell animals and breed to my heart’s content. There is much more than that. I must continue to show my animals although, let’s be honest, I would continue to show even if I wasn’t a registered breeder. The most importing thing. And I cannot stress this enough. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I must do as a registered breed is continuing to hold myself to the QRF Code of Ethics. The code consist of some pretty standard stuff and I personally don’t see how anyone could have any problem holding themselves to these standards. The full Code of Ethics is below. I was going to link you all to the Google Doc however I feel it is important for it to be completely copied into this post for all of those to read and see. Queensland Rodent Fanciers Code of Ethics General Ethics:
Breeding Ethics:
Selling Ethics:
Additional Ethics for Those Who Choose to Breed Food Animals;
QRF currently has seven registered breeders in Queensland, nine registered breeders in New South Wales and one registered rescue. All these breeders are constantly showing their rats and mice while abiding by the Code of Ethics. We have quite a few breeders also in the process of becoming registered and are very excited about the fact that they are close to achieving their goal and moving forward with the Club. I myself look forward to being able to welcome them to the breeder community and adding them with pride to the QRF website. Hopefully this sheds some light as to what a QRF registered breeder actually is and I in no way intend this to be a “only buy from these breeders. All other breeders are terrible” kind of post, because that is not the case at all. There are many of wonderful breeders out there. The registered breeders list is just a way for you to welcome rats or mice into your home from breeders that we know to be quality breeders with quality animals that you are going to be able to have in your life as long as you can. If you want more information, know a breeder who you think would be interested in becoming a registered breed or you want to become a registered breeder yourself then please feel free to read the information found here (https://www.qrf.org.au/registered-breeders.html) or send a message to any of the existing breeders. However, the absolute best person to talk to is Tenille Webster. She is my breeder mentor and has helped me greatly. Her love and passion for all things rodent will be able to help you too. Anywho, I hope this has been somewhat informative and you don’t mind me blabbering to you a bit. See you all on the 21st of October for our Halloween Show!! Amy, Little Mischief Rattery.
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