The NERS Longevity Award
The Longevity Award scheme was set up in 2005 to reward rats that live well beyond an average lifespan. The average lifespan of a pet rat in the UK is between 22 and 24 months. This information is based on two surveys. The first was taken from lifespan data as published in ProRatA - the NFRS magazine - over a number of years. The second was taken from information supplied by members of the Fancy Rats Forum and is under review. In view of these surveys and records kept by breeders, NERS has set the age that a rat must reach to be awarded the Longevity Award at 28 months.
The rules governing the award are as follows:
- A NERS member owning a rat reaching the age of 28 months may apply for a Longevity Award for that rat.
- The application for a Longevity Award can be made from the day the rat reaches 28 months up until 6 months after the rat dies.
- A certificate will be awarded to the owner of any rat earning a Longevity Award at the next available show, if possible. The award will also be announced in Rattitude and on the online forum.
- Rats awarded a NERS Longevity Award can have their names suffixed with NLA.
Members are invited to fill out the online NLA application form with details of individual rats including date of birth and family tree/immediate ancestry where possible so that dates can be verified with the breeder. You will need to complete a separate form for each rat.
If you have any questions about the Longevity Award please contact our award scheme co-ordinator.
