Varieties we breed at Sapphire Ranch Rattery
Roans $60-$80
Roan rats are born with a solid color. Typically in black and blue at our rattery. From about 4-6 weeks of age, they begin to develop the roan pattern. This process starts with the face and tail base, and gradually spreads to the rest of the body. With each molt, the amount of white hairs increases, causing the rat's color to lighten progressively. By adulthood, they often appear much lighter and can look nearly white, especially in lighter color varieties.
Silvermanes $70-90
Silvermane rats are known for their unique and striking appearance, characterized by a shimmering silvered coat that is most vivid on dark base colors such as black, agouti, Russian blue, mink, and chocolate. This distinctive look is achieved through the translucent ends of the hair shafts, giving the fur a soft, silky texture that feels soft to the touch. As babies, silvermane rats start out unsilvered, but by 12 days to 12 weeks of age, they begin to develop a dark mask on their muzzle and their fur starts to silver out. By around 4-6 months, their coat fully showcases its silver sheen. Males often display more refined silvering, while both genders can go through unusual molts during their transition to adult fur. Additionally, some silvermane rats may exhibit spots of different shades.
Siamese/Burmese $50-80
Siamese rats are a distinctive color-point variety known for their unique patterning. They feature points of color on their nose, feet, and tail, with a shading of color over the rest of their body. The most common type is the Seal Point Siamese, characterized by their dark points and ruby eyes. However, Siamese rats can come in other colors and may have black eyes if they carry the black-eyed gene. Siamese rats are known for their changing appearance: they start life with a dark-shaded beige color, and after their first molt, their fur lightens while their points—on the ears, nose, feet, and tail—darken, resulting in a creamy body color with distinctly darker points
Burmese
Down Unders $70-90
The Down Under rat is a variety notable for its unique belly marking, which contrasts with its white background. These markings can appear as symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes, stripes, or spots. This variety is the first of its kind to originate in Australia, giving it it's fun name!
Marbles $90-110
Marbles are a relatively new addition to the fancy rat community. They have a striking appearance with a combo of lighter and darker splotches on their body. It's important to be aware that Marbles can experience issues with tooth misalignment and breakage. Unfortunately, these problems may arise as the rats age, and I am unable to fully control or prevent them. Despite my efforts to improve the line by out-crossing with older, healthy lines, tooth issues may still occur in Marbles. Please keep this in mind when considering adopting a Marble rat. Notably, these dental issues are specific to the Marbles and are not present in the non-Marble rats from the same litters.
Dwarfs $100-120
Dwarf rats are a distinct variety, not merely smaller versions of standard rats or runts. They are characterized by their smaller size, larger eyes, and longer, thinner tails relative to their body size. Their appearance includes a "baby rat face" that persists throughout their lives. Not only do dwarf rats tend to have a lowered risk of cancerous tumors, but studies have also shown that they have an average lifespan that is 38% longer than that of standard-sized rats. Dwarf rats can be housed with standard-sized rats, but it's crucial to introduce them at a young age to ensure compatibility. They require the same cage setup as standard rats, meaning they need a spacious, well-enriched environment rather than a smaller hamster or mouse cage. Despite their size, dwarf rats need ample space and stimulation to keep them mentally and physically active, just like their larger counterparts.
In terms of behavior, dwarf rats are often more active than standard rats, with females typically being more energetic and males more laid-back and snuggly. Due to their speed and activity level, dwarf rats may be better suited as pets for adults rather than young children.
Martens $70-90
Marten rats, once referred to as "red-eyed devils," are a relatively newer variety known for their striking appearance featuring red eyes. These rats can be black-eyed if they carry the Black Eyed gene, and while they can come in various colors, the variety tends to look best on darker shades. As babies, Marten rats often display a distinctive and attractive marbled appearance, but this is not the ideal look for mature Martens. As they grow and molt, their color tends to fade, which can diminish the intense, dark coloration that is sought after. Ideally, a Marten rat would be a very dark, non-pointed color—such as a deep black—to achieve the classic striking look of a dark rat with red eyes. Finding a Marten with this ideal appearance can be quite rare, but it's highly valued by enthusiasts for its dramatic and eye-catching aesthetic.
Harleys $90-110
Harley rats are a long-haired variety distinguished by their unique coat characteristics. They feature long, thin, wispy fur without an undercoat, which can sometimes appear greasy or wet.
However, Harley rats can face various challenges. It’s advisable to consult with breeders about the line’s history. In terms of skin health, Harley rats may experience a range of issues from mild irritation and flakes to more severe problems like wounds, scabs, and bald spots. These issues are often linked to protein allergies or imbalances, although many modern Harleys tolerate normal or slightly lower protein levels better than their predecessors. Another notable aspect is that Harley coats can deteriorate with age. While baby Harleys are typically fluffy and adorable, adult coats may thin out or become patchy, leading to a somewhat disheveled appearance.