The Ballarat Fancy Rat Society was founded by BallaRATS, a private breeder in Ballarat. We love and adore our ratties, and wanted to get together with other rat-owners in the area who share our love of all things ratty! There is very little reliable information available on rats and their care, so we thought we would start up a database of information on the internet.
There are two main aims of the society: to provide a social group for rat owners in the Ballarat district and to educate the general public about rat how lovely fancy rats are as pets.
We offer a free membership to all rat owners, with no obligation to anything unless you 100% want to!
The society is here as a support group for rat owners of all ages. We are always ready with information on every aspect of rat care and maintenence, as well as referrals for veterinary services and feed suppliers. We offer our members access to affordable rat products such as made-to-order cages, bedding and food. We also offer boarding facilities for when you and/or family are away on vacation.
Our public responsibilty includes promoting the fancy rat as a viable pet, demonstrating to people that rats are fun and exciting creatures, being interesting and affectionate pets suitable for all age groups. We aim to show people that a well raised and responsibly handled rat is not frightening or dirty, and to help people overcome their fear raised by the stereotypes of rats as "the baddie."
BallaRATS have appeared sucessfully at rural shows, providing information in the animal nurseries, where we offer people to pet a gentle rat, hold one if they desire, and to ask all the questions they have always wanted to know. We have found that with education of the rat's true nature and cuddle-abilty, many people have been won over by our charming little furred friends!