Blackwood Burrow

Our story

A Burrow Built on Compassion

Blackwood Burrow began as a personal passion and grew into something much deeper — a commitment to the well-being of every animal in our care. We are a small-scale rattery in New York, dedicated to breeding healthy, well-socialized fancy rats with exceptional temperaments.

Every litter is raised underfoot, handled daily from birth, and introduced to sounds, textures, and gentle handling long before they go to their new homes. We believe the early weeks of a rat's life are formative, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Beyond breeding, we offer behavioral consultations, a surrender program, and boarding-style behavioral rehabilitation — because our commitment to rats doesn't end at adoption.

A grey and white fancy rat resting in an open hand

The mischief

Our Rats

We breed fancy Rattus norvegicus with a focus on health, gentle temperament, and longevity. Each rat is handled daily from birth in a stimulating, enriched environment.

Two rats cuddled together in a purple hammock

A cinnamon rat climbing along the edge of an enclosure

Two rats exploring enrichment ropes inside their cage

Two young rats peeking out from beside a wooden hide

A circle of baby rat pups gathered together

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Health First

All breeding animals are evaluated for respiratory health, PT/HLD lineage awareness, and vitality. We retire breeders early and prioritize quality over quantity.

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Socialization

Pups are handled daily from birth, exposed to varied environments and gentle stimuli so they arrive in your home confident and curious — not fearful.

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Thoughtful Placement

We carefully screen adopters and match each rat to the right home. Rats go home in pairs or groups — we never separate bonded animals.

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Support for Life

Adopters are welcome to reach out anytime with questions or health concerns. We remain a resource for every rat we've placed, for as long as you need us.

To be notified when pups are available, join our Discord or send us an email.

Inquire About Availability 🧬 View Lineage & Pedigrees

What we offer

Services

Whether you are looking for short term boarding, need immediate help with biting, or just have some questions, We are here to help how we can. We onlyuse positive, force-free methods

Free · Remote

Remote Behavior Assessment

Not sure why your rat is biting, lunging, or acting fearful? Drop us a message on Discord or email. Share a description or short video and we'll give you our honest advice. I am not a vet or animal behaviorist, but I have had animals and rats specifically for a very long time and I have worked with rats to improve their sociability.

Written assessment through email or discord
Optional video review
attempt to idenify main emotions and intentions of the rat
Personalized recommendation plan
Follow-up questions welcome by email

Free

Get in Touch

Short-Term Boarding

Rat Boarding

Need someone you can trust with your rats while you travel? Your rats will be cared for in a clean, enriched home environment with daily handling, fresh food, and plenty of attention. We know how hard it can be to find someone who truly understands rats — we've got you covered.

Daily fresh food, water, and spot cleaning
Gentle daily handling and enrichment
Health monitoring with owner updates
Safe, separate housing from our own animals
ESA-registered rats receive a 15% discount

$50 / week

ESA-registered rats receive a 15% discount — just let us know at booking.

Inquire About Boarding

Bite Training

Bite Training Program

For rats who bite, lunge, nip, or are fearful of handling. Your rat stays with us and receives daily hands-on desensitization and socialization in a calm, enriched environment. A 2-week minimum is required to see meaningful progress — and if no improvement is observed at all, we will return your payment in full.

Daily 1:1 handling and desensitization sessions
Bite and fear work
Socialization with calm, confident rats if appropriate
Weekly progress updates with photos or video
Detailed written handoff report
Aftercare support by Discord or email for 2-3 wks
Full refund if no meaningful progress is observed

$85 / week

2-week minimum · $170 to start

Inquire About Bite Training

All pricing is kept intentionally accessible. If cost is a barrier, please reach out — we are happy to discuss options.

No rat left behind

Rat Surrender Program

Life changes. We understand. If you can no longer care for your rats, Blackwood Burrow can take them in, space permitting. We do our best to find them a forever home — no judgment

Who we accept

We accept surrenders on a space-available basis — rats of all ages, including seniors, those with behavioral challenges, and bonded groups. We'll always be honest if we can't take an animal and will help you find alternatives.

What happens next

Surrendered rats receive a health assessment, behavioral evaluation, and any needed socialization before placement in a carefully vetted new home.

1
Reach out by email
Tell us about your rats — how many, ages, sex, and any known health or behavioral notes. No judgment, just information.
2
We'll confirm space & schedule
We reply within a few days to confirm capacity and arrange drop-off or, in some cases, a pickup.
3
Health & behavior intake
Each rat receives a gentle assessment on arrival. Any needed veterinary care or behavioral work begins right away.
4
Careful placement
When ready, we match your rats with a vetted home. You're welcome to request updates — we'll let you know when they're placed.

"A voluntary surrender fee or donation to help offset care costs is appreciated but never required. Keeping rats safe matters more than anything else."

Beyond the burrow

Coturnix Quail

We raise Coturnix quail in a spacious greenhouse aviary with natural foraging opportunities, plenty of enrichment, and calm daily handling — wonderful additions to any backyard flock.

Quail standing on a perch in an enriched aviary

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Hatching Eggs & Chicks

Seasonal availability of fertile hatching eggs and day-old chicks. Inquire early — limited each hatch.

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Adult Birds

Occasionally we have adult laying hens or breeding trios available. All birds are healthy, calm, and accustomed to handling.

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Quail Keeping Advice

New to quail? We're happy to answer questions about housing, feeding, and care — whether you're purchasing from us or just starting out.

To be notified when eggs, chicks, or adult birds are available, join our Discord or send us an email.

Ask About Quail