want to start breeding rats... need some help

[RachelS.]

I was thinking about breeding my own rats so I could start having more money for myself and so it would be easier to maintain all my herps. I already have tons of empty racks I thought I would use but never have. I don't understand why I buy a bunch of sterilite containers on a drawer rack if I never end up using them. So I have a few to stsrt with and will end up getting some huge tubs. Anyhoo, what do I start with? What supplies do I need? How easy is it to breed? How easy are they to take care of?What's the best food to use? How long does it take for the babies to become large adults? I feed all sizes of rats, but the most I use are the large large adults so I need to know how long it takes for them to get that big. Any and all info is appreciated! thanks...

[Linds]

<< What supplies do I need? >>
Well-ventilated, escape-proof, chew-resistant caging; food; bedding; water bottles (not dishes). I avoid buying supplies from pet stores, they are way overpriced. I buy shavings for $4 CDN for a compressed 3.5 cubic foot bag at the local co-op, and I just feed them Wal Mart brand dog food for $15 CDN/18 kg bag. I used to use <a href="http://www.mazuri.com">Mazuri</a>, but have had better results with the dog food.

<< How easy is it to breed? >>
Well rats breed like crazy so there isn't any trick to that part. The part you need to worry about most is efficiency. I run mine in colonies of 1.3 or 1.4. Do not remove the male at any point, unless you are replacing him. You need him to reimpregnate the female after she gives birth, so by the time she weans her litter, she has another on the way. Do not add any new members to the colony while there are babies. You can handle pinkies as soon as day 1, clean the cages like normal as well.

<< How long does it take for the babies to become large adults? >>
Many of mine also feed on jumbo rats. I am not 100% certain since I do not keep track and don't have very good concept of time. I would say maybe 6-8 months for males to get really big (females I find usually need to be closer to a year old, I don't raise any females up to be large, but rather feed them off to the snake that eat smaller prey and hold on to the males). To get really xxjumbo rats, these will typically be retired breeders.

<< How easy are they to take care of? >>
Keep them fed, comfortable (I house mine at about 65 degrees), watered, and clean and they will jsut do the rest all to themselves. Very easy to care for, just rather time consuming once you get a good number of colonies going.

[Pixie]

Breeding rats is quite easy, they are very prolific breeders and there's no real additional care to give them to get them to breed.

Linds covered pretty much everything. I would just say that growing rats to a large adult size will take about 3-4 months. To get them jumbo size, well I figure a couple more months but I'm not sure as I don't need that size rat myself right now.

Depending on how many snakes you feed, it can definitely save you a few dollars in the long run. Plus you know you are providing top quality rats. The ones I raise look far better than any I've purchased at any shop.

Pixie

[reptilesalonica]

I breed mice since last year for a second incom and recently (2 months ago) i've get the 1st rat breeders. Rats are so different than mice. They are way more delicate and smart. They are bigger, so you can choose from a wide range of sizes.
Also (as anyone sais) they rarely eat their youngs, so this is major advantage on them.
Only prob is that they need space...
And if you want to start colonies from one or two groups, you have to use much space.
Good luck and keep us updated.
~Greg~