Closed Rattery
YES I have a closed rattery, meaning I do not allow strangers to enter, check it out, meet my rats, etc...
NO- it does not mean I am "hiding" anything. I totally understand that to non-breeders, hearing "closed rattery" sounds suspicious. But it is really for the health and safety of the animals. It is very common for breeders to have a closed rattery and I can't even really imagine a breeder not having one. I do not know a single respected breeder who doesn't keep a closed rattery even.
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I am very upfront and open about my rattery and my rats. I post tons of photos and videos showing my rattery, my rats and everything having to do with them. My rats are kept indoors (within my home), they have their own room even! If anyone has questions or concerns about their space/care I will be happy to answer questions or show photos/videos.
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This is my home though and I do not wish people coming and going. I also have alot of other pets including dogs (one of which is very reactive towards strangers), cats (most of which don't like anyone lol) and a cranky husband lol! There is also a very real safety concern with letting stranger's into your home. It is much safer for both of us to meet in an open area, in this case outside my home.
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The most important reason though is that there is a real concern of the spread of illness. Many people have lost entire colonies of rats and litters from outside people visiting. Outside illnesses are easily spread and even carried on people and clothing. If my rats got sick it would not only be tragic & heartbreaking to deal with, it would also mean expensive vet bills, shutting down all adoptions and possibly even ending lines. I'm not risking my rattery. There is a reason we quarantine our animals. It is just not worth the risk.
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Sometimes people have concerns over not being able to pick out their rat or choose the friendliest rat. You can truly rest assured. All of my babies have the best friendliest temperaments. I am not going to sell a rat that is not perfectly friendly. The other issue is that you are getting babies and they still have a lifetime of growing up and developing their personalities. I am more than happy to give you info on each baby, little quirks or so. But honestly they are likely to grow and change on their way to becoming adults.