Feeding Rats

[Will]

In the next few weeks, I'm gonna need more rodents, and had a couple questions for those willing to answer them. I'm planning on just getting one big order to last me(hopefully) until this time next year.

First, what are the rough size comparisons between mice and rats...? By that, I mean, a Rat Fuzzy would be comparable in size to a (insert mouse size here). I've never actually seen a rat before, so when someone says "Small Rat, Medium Rat" I've got no clue how 'small' or how 'medium' that rat is.

Also, which prey item is considered healthier...? A full grown mouse or a less developed, but larger rat...? It seems that alot of people here seem to feed rats over mice and was just wondering if there was a reason for this. If one proves healthier or more beneficial than the other, I'd obviously go with the better choice.

Third, all my snakes are well established on mice, and as far as I know, have eaten them exclusively. Is it at all difficult to switch them over...? Knowing their tendancies to be eating machines, I don't expect this to be too difficult.

Lastly, does anyone know where to order some rats at a good price in or near Edmonton...? I've heard there are breeders in BC and Sask, but need some contact info. You can PM me that last answer if you prefer.

Thanks.

[chamitch]

canadain mouseman medicine hat., mouse adn things. is rigth in edmonton not ur eif they hae rats.

[Tim_Cranwill]

From what I've heard, you shouldn't keep them longer than 3 months....

Maybe try to find a few people to split the order with.

[Will]

Why's that...?

I've kept mice almost a year with no problems(they were vac-packed). Maybe I shouldn't be then...?

[vanderkm]

The sizes comparison on rats to mice is very difficult because every rodent breeder seems to have their own size categories for both. We were getting extra-small rats that were the same weight at two adult mice and small rats that equaled about 3 adult mice. I feed these to adult hondurans and kings (one prey every couple weeks).

We find better growth consistently when our snakes switch to rats. Rat pinkies and pups have been hard to find (and comparatively expensive) here in Alberta, but I would start everything on rats if I could get them reliably. Some of our snakes that have been fed only mice were reluctant to take rats initially, but almost all have converted after a couple tries - kings and hondos seem to like to eat and are not that picky.

We found it very handy to order frozen rodents in the winter months because we could ship by bus and they stay frozen solid. Much cheaper than shipping by air (and handier too - hate that drive to the Edmonton airport). We did a large order last winter and are still using some from that (though they may deteriorate somewhat - it is just so much cheaper to order in bulk).

We have purchased from Walter (and their rat partners in Saskatchewan) at Mice and Things as well as from Ian Muir (mouseman - victoria BC) and been very happy with the quality from both as well as they are great people to deal with. It becomes a matter of availability and price considering shipping.

mary v.

[Will]

So don't even bother with the younger Hondos yet then...? Wow, I had no idea the size difference was that huge. I found Ian Muir's site last night and he lists the weights. X-Small said 80g or something. The largest mice I have right now are only 50g or so. :bugged: Thanks Mary.

[Tim_Cranwill]

Will, not sure exactly why but I think I remember hearing that from Walter at last year's Red Deer show. Maybe someone can dispel the rumor... I may be wrong.

[Classic]

WIll: When i switched a few colubrids that were juvinile from mice to rats, the growth rates shot through the roof.
I believe rat pups are far better than mice.

[MarcB]

Will, one thing you should consider is colubrids will often get imprinted on rats (pups) after a while and many will then snub mice afterwards. I've researched long and hard on nutritional value of rats vs mice. Nobody ever scientificaly researched nutritional value between both rodents (It really boils down to what the rodents are fed themselves).

I agree with Classic, my hondos take a significant jump in growth rate once feeding on rat pups. The only advantage I see (I breed my own feeders) is that rat pups will mature much faster to 40-60 gr. then an equal size mouse (plus mice frigen stink!)

Many feed their colubrids mice and absolutely nothing wrong with that but rats are the prefered rodent by most keepers/breeders...

Regards

Marc
SbS

[mark129er]

I can't speak to growth rates in colubrids but my boa has taken a huge growth spurt since the switch to rats.

[Blueeheeler]

I have a Milk and a Corn and they started out on mice pups for about 2 months then I gave them rat pups. Major growth increase with rat pups. My corn is a sub adult(over a year old) and he is eating 3 week old rats. Which is a pre-weanling @ 2 inches in length(body) and 1 inch around. My milk is still under a year and he gets week old rat pups. Just starting to get hair and you can see their colors @ 1 inch in length and 1/2" around...But as far a preference I breed rats because they don't smell like mice and my snakes seem to grown and gain weight more steadily. Good luck and if you should order from a breeder for a year they should be just fine if they are vacuum packed. I will be doing the same thing as soon as my rodents are done with this last litter.
It is much easier and cleaner to buy from a breeder than keeping them yourself. But that is just my opinion. Take care....