07/15/2026
I wanted to give everyone an update on both my Harley line and the recent mold situation.
When I realized my Harley line seemed more prone to mite flare-ups than my other lines, I made the best decision I could with the information I had at the time. I started monthly preventative mite treatments, stayed in close contact with all of my Harley adopters, and let new adopters know about the extra preventative care I recommended. Since recurring mite flare-ups can put stress on the immune system, I felt it was important to be proactive and transparent.
I also want to mention that a couple of months ago I did have mites come in on imported rats after Mel from Mel's Neighborhood Rodents discovered mites on other animals traveling in transport. Those rats were immediately quarantined, treated, and remained in quarantine well beyond the point the issue had been resolved.
After some really helpful conversations with other breeders, I've decided to stop doing preventative mite treatments in my colony. Instead, I'm going to focus entirely on breeding away from the issue. I've already been selecting for the healthiest skin and coats, and I do feel like I've made a lot of progress.
I also currently have Grey's Rattery helping me work on the line. The rats I've chosen to breed have never had a mite flare up, nor have I noticed dry flaky skin, but they have been preventatively treated so I am wanting to see how they and their babies do without it.
Because of that, I haven't made any final decisions about my upcoming Harley litter. Mom won't receive preventative treatments, and neither will the babies. At a bare minimum, they'll be staying with me longer than usual so I can evaluate where the line is with this issue before making any decisions. It's also entirely possible that I decide not to place this litter at all if I don't feel they're where I want them to be. Their well-being and the long-term health of the line will always come before my breeding plans.
For those with current reservations, your reservations will absolutely be honored. I may choose to keep the babies for an additional couple of weeks beyond my normal go-home age so I have more time to observe their skin and coat development before they leave. I appreciate your patience and understanding if that's the route I decide to take.
I always make the best decisions I can with the information I have, but I also think it's important to listen, learn, and reevaluate when new information comes along. That's how we improve.
As for the mold situation, I've already noticed a big decrease in sneezing, and even my own lungs are feeling better. My youngest cat, Cinna, also ended up at the emergency vet with respiratory issues that same week, so it has been a rough and expensive few weeks. Thankfully, she's doing great now.
The rats that became sick after going home are all in the process of being refunded, and the rats here will continue to be monitored before any more leave for their new homes.
To my Harley adopters: even though I feel we've stayed in close contact, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or even just updates on how your rats are doing. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to me and plays a huge role in helping me make the best decisions for this line moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with support, concerns, and constructive feedback. I really do appreciate it, and I'm committed to continuing to learn and do what's best for my rats.
Here is a picture of sweet Moscow before she left for her new home recently.
