Our Rattery

Meli Rats is a small hobby rattery in located in Chicago, Illinois that provides quality pets. Rats are wonderful animals, and with the help of responsible breeders and great adopters, we are able to share the happiness!

We breed a select number of rats every year with a focus on health, temperament, and conformation, in that order. We breed rats in several colors, patterns, ear types, and coat types. Our foundation stock comes from excellent breeders who have been keeping track of these animals for 10 years or more.

We keep around 10 permanent resident rats, in part so that we are able to give them individual attention. Most rats here are breeders or retired breeders, but they are pets first and we treat them as such. Rats are fed a diet of Mazuri 6f blocks supplemented with fresh veggies, seeds, and nuts, and occasional treats. They are notorious hammock hogs.

We take the health of our pets and their owners seriously, and welcome any questions you may have. All of our rats have been tested for Seoul virus OR come from one of two ratteries we work with who have also, repeatedly, tested negative. We have also tested negative for Streptobacillus Moniliformis, the bacteria responsible for Rat Bite Fever. Due to concern for our rats’ health, no visitors are allowed in their space. Out of an abundance of caution, all adoptions take place in the front portion of our home away from our resident rats, and we ask that you not handle any other rodents for 24 hours before arriving. We appreciate your help in keeping our rattery a healthy place!