Bongo Fury Rattery

I got my first pair of rats in 2000. They were a black Berkshire called Samoth Hieronymous Bosch and a silver fawn called Wilhelmina Kotzwinkle. I didn't know about rats then really – and in hindsight, I probably didn't give them the care they deserved. I did my best by them – but I should have done more research.

My family moved to Ireland in 2001 and Samoth was the last of the pair to die in 2002. I didn't become the proud owner of a rat again then until Karl and I decided to get a pair in 2004. We got Tubbs and Edward Rattsyrup and that was the start of the LoGrats. We have taken on pet shop rats, rescues and breeder rats since that time, and all have been faithful companions and loyal friends.

At the beginning we were not very receptive to advice – I suppose we were stung by the harsh reality that we knew nothing about keeping rats properly. Eventually we came around to most people's way of thinking, and we have done what's best for our rats. We got to this stage with a lot of advice and support off several people in the Fancy – and we owe a debt of thanks to far too many people to name. They know who they are.

Our own rattery name, Bongo Fury is taken from the Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart collaboration album of the same name. Captain Beefheart has been a firm favourite for some years now, and it seemed only right that we should name all our breeding rats after something Beefheart related. Rats for breeding from other breeders are named after Zappa related things, and rats we breed and keep, with the Bongo Fury prefix, are named after Beefheart related things.

We feel that over the last couple of years we have learned a lot about ourselves, and rats, and done enough research to be able to breed healthy, friendly animals.

We hope you enjoy the site, and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any thoughts, suggestions or queries! :-D

We never cull any animals here at Bongo Fury - all animals live out full and happy lives. The only time we have an animal euthanased, is in the event of it being terminally ill. We have an excellent vet who treats our animals whenever we feel they need it - and can provide details of this vet for anyone local.

We accept back ANY kittens that are no longer wanted - or that cannot be cared for, no questions asked. They are our responsibility as we brought them into the world.

If you would like to enquire about kittens, please get in touch via the contacts page. You will be required to fill in an extensive application form, so that we know that our kittens are going to good homes, and so that you can do the best for them.

Successful applicants will be placed on a waiting list for a minimum of a pair of rats. We do not let rats go singly unless you are getting another single baby - if this is the case, please contact us to make arrangements.

All kittens are sold under pet only contract unless otherwise expressly stated. We only sell to approved breeding homes - where the breeder is either long established, or is under the guidance and mentorship of a long established breeder. Please don't ask us if you don't fit these categories - as refusal often offends.

All kittens go to new homes with kitten packs which include a supply of food, a pedigree and contract, a CD with photos of the babies growing up on it, and an information booklet.

We expect regular feedback - if there are any problems at all, new owners must let us know immediately so that we can help remedy this. We also need to know of any health troubles or concerns that arise. This is vital for us to improve on the health etc of the rats we breed.

Due to the number of problems that have been noticed in Russian Silvers in the last few years, we are monitoring our breeding of this variety very closely in order to keep improving the health. Therefore if you are looking to own Russian Silvers bred at Bongo Fury, we ask that you are either an experienced rat owner, or that you stay in very close contact with us.

Please remember also that if you are after a specific variety, you may have to wait until we have one available for a pet home. Breeding homes are always given priority, so please don't expect to have first pick.

We feed our rats on the Shunamite diet - as printed in the Scuttling Gourmet by Alison Campbell, and found on her website: www.shunamiterats.co.uk We find this to be a very healhy way of feeding our rats - especially when supplemented with fresh fruit and veg, chicken, fish and egg. For young rats, we also use naturediet puppy food and EMP. For older rats, we use Alison Campbell's Kidney Diet.

All of our caged pets are kept on a mixture of newspaper and Ecopetbed. W find this to be the most economical and safe of all cage substrates. we also in cooler months provide the animals with lots of shredded newspaper and kitchen roll.

All cages are spot wiped every day, and cleaned thoroughly once a week. Food bowls are washed every other day, as are water bottles. Hammocks are washed weekly, unless they are badly soiled in which case they are washed twice weekly.

If you have any queries about how we operate, or on specific parts of our care/practices, please, do not hesitate to contact us.