rat litter Q

Paleosuchus · 02-16-05, 12:35 PM

My female rat had a litter last night i believe and they is 11 total. My question is when i can get in the cage and move the male/female and the babies to clean out the enlcosure? Also about how large does it take for them to grow to the equivalent of a large mouse? Thanks, jason

beanersmysav · 02-16-05, 02:10 PM

I don't know when but be careful I did it the same day, and boyyyy did I get tore up the females a b!tch

mykee · 02-16-05, 03:08 PM

If you have well-bred and good-tempered rats, you can get in there the same day. I'll also add that I've never had a problem with any of my over 100+ breeders with reaching into the cage for any reason, ever.
Rats should be the size of an adult mouse (depending on what you feed them) in 2-3 weeks.

Mark · 02-16-05, 03:48 PM

what mykee said. I've also never had a problem with moving babies soon after birth or whenever.

Bartman · 02-16-05, 05:36 PM

Im expecting babies soon. Ive been feeding the adults real food, like carrots, chicken, bred, cheese, etc.

Could I feed them aims cat food or should I just get the rat blocks. As well, how much should I expect to pay for a big bag?

Paleosuchus · 02-16-05, 06:01 PM

Thanks for the help all. Bartman- the harlan teklad i have was 12 bucks for a 33 pound bag. The mazuri was also 12 bucks but for a 50 pound bag. That was here in south Florida though, not sure about Canada

Bartman · 02-16-05, 06:16 PM

Ill have to see what we have at the store because that is where ill get it regardless but which is better?

mykee · 02-16-05, 06:22 PM

Rat food (Mazuri, Harlan, etc.) is for rats. Cat food is for cats and dog food is for dogs. I would recommend feeding your rats.......rat food.

Linds · 02-16-05, 06:57 PM

Bartman,
Just because a food is marketted towards a certain type of animal, doesn't necessarily mean it is best suited for that type of animal, nor does it mean it isn't better suited for a different type of animal. Most cat food is completely unsuitable for cats... why feed an obligate carnivore a diet of meat flavoured cereal? Mazuri is a scary story... most of their diets are generally the same formulations, regardless of whether it is for a mammal, reptile, etc. It's not the worst thing and it can yeild suitable results in the short term (however when I tried it my results weren't as good as usual), but when it comes down to it, Mazuri is just like every other pet food company. Their rodent diet is the closest thing they came to in meeting.

Do your ratty research, and look at what a rat's dietary needs should be then compare labels afterwards. The food should contain approximately 18% protein and 8% fat, and be composed mainly of cereals, with a little bit of added animal protein, and preferably some seeds and fresh veggies as well. Most low quality dog food matches the values required, but there is all sorts of unsuitable garbage that goes in to it as well, so I woudln't recommend feeding that. Cat food is entirely unsuitable as it contains nearly double the protein and fat required, which will lead to rats with organ failure, greasy coats, shortened lifespan, growth problems, etc. Again, I just encourage you to do your own research and find what works best for your situation

I also feed my pet rats people food. You just have to make sure you understand the rats natural dietary requirements though, so you do not over/underfeed certain items. My feeders are a different story, way too many of them to be feeding a fresh diet daily. If you can get your hands on a restaurant that will give you their old scraps, it would be worthwhile though. I use masterfeeds 16% horse chunks, supplemented with sunflower seeds and occassional chicken scraps. I spend less than $45 monthly to feed up to 250 rats.

Mark · 02-16-05, 10:01 PM

Hey bartman,
If you want a bag of mazuri I can bring a bag or so to the show for you if you want.

Mark

sapphire_moon · 02-16-05, 10:28 PM

a bit of cat food will help on the extra protiene and fat, but not alot. Rat blocks and the extra stuff will be great.

Just reach in same day, if the female is a bit grumpy, just grab her by the BASE of the tail to do a quick transfer to another cage or bucket.

greenman1867 · 02-16-05, 10:45 PM

I feed my rats neighbourhood cats and stray children. They seem to be doing well, although they are getting a little demanding..............Willard anyone?