Hello and Welcome

About StormHaven

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My passion for rats has been a constant thread throughout my life. I was first introduced to rats as a child at just eight years old, and over the past five decades, they have remained a beloved and meaningful part of my journey. While my involvement with rats has evolved through different seasons of life, my respect for them as intelligent, affectionate companions has never wavered.

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I began breeding rats in my early twenties, gaining experience with a variety of coat types and colors, including Teddy Rex, Siamese (Blue Point), Hairless, and later Hooded rats in multiple color varieties. Like many breeders, my early efforts were paused due to the demands of raising a young family and navigating life’s unexpected challenges. Despite these interruptions, rats were always present in our home as cherished pets, deeply loved by my entire family.

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In addition to rats, I have extensive experience working with other animals. During my twenties and thirties, I raised, bred, trained, and handled Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and later Great Danes. I continue to offer private obedience training on a limited basis. Animals have been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember, both personally and professionally.

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I have been with my spouse for 30 years, and together we have four adult children and five grandchildren, three of whom we are actively raising. I am now retired, which allows me to fully dedicate my time and focus to animal care and ethical breeding. My spouse is a professional chef, and our home is one built on structure, routine, and compassion.

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Our household includes a Great Dane named Molly, a rescued Briard named Hagrid, a rescued tuxedo cat named Kanga, a ball python named Athena, and two tarantulas. All animals in our care are maintained responsibly and ethically. Our rats are never used as feeder animals under any circumstances.

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When we welcomed rats back into our lives this time, breeding was not the initial goal. We simply wanted a few exceptional companions. However, after extensive research, thoughtful discussion, and encouragement from my granddaughter, I felt drawn once again to ethical, small-scale breeding. StormHaven Rattery was founded with the intention of carefully improving our lines and producing healthy, well-socialized rats with excellent temperament and longevity.

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Now, with the time and experience to fully commit to this work, I am able to focus on genetics, enrichment, and responsible breeding practices that place animal welfare above all else.

 

StormHaven is not about quantity—it is about quality, integrity, and a lifelong love of rats.