Problems with rat colony

[jwsporty]

Here's the back ground

I am taking care of a group of 1.3 hooded rats for a friend that got them with a snake purchase. They are all adults and should be capable of producing. Problem is since I have had them in the system(which has been about 2 months now, only one female has given a litter and it was small (6). Problem is we do not know just how old this group is. So should I simply say screw it and take them all down and start all over? Should I take out one of the females and introduce her into a new colony? Should I take down the male and replace him and leave the females? The other colonies are doing fine and producing pretty much on schedule.. Incidently the care and cage setups are similiar to my groups so I know that is not an issue.

For those long term rat breeders how often are you switching out cagemates or starting fresh?

Any help?


Thanks

Jim

[Pixie]

Because all three females aren't getting pregnant easily, I would definitely replace the male and see what happens after a month. If none of them appear preggers then the whole colony is too old.

I'd be surprised if all four were too old or non productive. Start with the stud that is "supposed" to do the job, LOL!!!

Pixie

[BoidKeeper]

Well I don't know Pixie if the male should be the first two go. I've read that female litters are like a bell curve. I say just maybe trade the male for a while. Put him in with some females you know are producing and put a male in with the females that you know is a good breeder and see what happens then.
Good luck,
Trevor

[Linds]

I agree with Pixie. If all the females have nearly stopped production I would suspect the male to be at fault. Try with a new male and see what happens. My females typically last ~9 months, my males usually go for a bit longer, but its all on an individual basis. I have retired females that I have had in a colony for only 3 months. If the entire colony seems to be struggling I replace the male.

[jwsporty]

Thanks folks,

Maybe what I will do then is swap two males and see how that works.

Linds,

If you are getting 9 months then I guess it is safe to say I better get some fresh colonies happening as mine are reaching that age bracket

Good or Bad Idea, doing the male switch while their are babies?

My guess is Bad
Can anyone confirm?


Thanks
Jim

[AymKing]

Usually rats don't kill their babies, but I would supervise to make sure the new male doesn't eat em'. I would keep the females from this littler (the babies) to start new with, then you not only know how old they are but there free!!

[AymKing]

Oh, I love Kingsnakes too! My biggest is a 6 foot blotched king, I also have a black mexican, albino (het for lavender) female, a albino speckled female, a 50/50 (pic of her is in my gallery), a chocolate cal king (baja), and another goini (male) and a beautiful blairs.