​Queensland Rodent Fanciers Registered Breeders. What are they?

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:

1. To provide for each animal in my care an environment which meets their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. This includes living conditions, correct nutrition, proper bedding, and needed health care.
2. To promote and encourage responsible pet ownership.
3. To begin and further a study which increases my knowledge of the science of breeding Fancy Rats and Mice.
4. To maintain an interest in all animals which I sell and arrange for the return/replacement of an animal of my breeding which is in need or no longer wanted.
5. To learn from unfortunate circumstances (e.g. unplanned litters) and take steps to ensure they don’t repeat themselves.

 
Breeding Ethics:

1. To be familiar with and knowledgeable of the varieties which I choose to breed, including any health or temperament problems associated with that variety.
2. To breed only animals which are sexually mature, in good health, and are free from hereditary defects, parasitic infestations, poor temperaments, and communicable disease.
3. To be knowledgeable about the effects and consequences of mycoplasma as a disease, and until such time as we acquire a method for controlling or eliminating this disease, breeding with the goal of producing an animal which is mycoplasma resistant.
4. To be knowledgeable about the causes of tumour growth in rats and mice and to breed with the aim of producing an animal which is not genetically predisposed to the condition.
5. To provide a pregnant doe and the resulting kittens with housing, nutrition, and care necessary to meet their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

 
Selling Ethics:

1. To not sell or otherwise place rat kittens under 6 weeks of age; mouse kittens under 4 weeks of age.
2. To consciously seek the best possible homes for animals which I place or sell.
3. To sell only healthy animals who are sound in temperament and free from parasites.
4. To stand behind the condition and quality of all animals represented at the time of sale.
5. To be sure the buyer is fully informed when selling an animal which has a known defect, health, or other physical condition.
6. To never knowingly sell a pregnant doe without disclosing the fact to the buyer.
7. To take responsibility for any offspring produced by a doe which was unknowingly pregnant when sold.
8. To take back or find a home for any animal whose placement is not successful.
9. To provide to a purchaser instructions on feeding, housing, and general care.
10. To provide the new owner with ongoing support and assistance with problems that may arise.
11. When selling an animal to a novice breeder or fancier as breeding or show-quality stock, to provide support, advice, education, and guidance to assist them in achieving their goals.

 
Additional Ethics for Those Who Choose to Breed Food Animals;

1. To assure that any animal which is to be used as food for a reptile, is humanely euthanized before being fed.
2. To either euthanize the animal oneself or be fully confident that the purchaser will euthanize if before using is as a food animal.
3. To not knowingly sell an animal for resale as a live food animal.
4. To not knowingly sell any animals for use as a food animal which has bloat, parasites, or other disorders which will cause harm to the animal to which it is fed.

 
 
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.
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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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