Ya I saw that but was hoping I could find a way around. They lifted it on prairie dogs so why not these??
The ban on keeping and breeding CB gambian rats was lifted a long time ago. The problem is people got rid of them when they were banned or they just kept the ones they had as pets and stopped breeding them. Many people stopped posting on forums and took them off their websites when they were banned. Now there are very few left in captivity.
It is illegal to import any african rodents. Which is why its hard to find ASF's in some areas. We must rely on the populations that were already here before the import ban went into affect.
There are feral gambains in florida. In theory someone could trap some of these and use them for breeding but they would never make a pet quality animal. They only way a gambian makes a good pet is if it is a captive bred baby and it is handled every day of its life. They can be very aggressive. Sometimes even if you work with them they will never completely calm down. It is recommended that you have males nuetered if they are to be a pet.
People who own or have owned them will swear by them. Given the right care and attention they can make great pets but they are known to have a completely different attitude than norway rats and very differnt needs.
I hope this clears things up a little for those who still think they are illegal. If you ever do find a breeder just be sure they are not illegal in your state. ASF's are illegal in some states like indiana for example. Im in the chicago area and they are legal to have in IL. Any rodent can be a carrier of nasty things. In the case of the gambians all you can do is keep searching for a breeder. Eventually someone will begin advertising babies again.
Thanks for that info. I guess one could start with some wild florida ones and then start having friendlies with the babies. I see lots on uk forums but no luck in the us. Hopefully Ill find one eventually. I see most are used as pets. I know there gestation and weaning age is a lot longer than reg rats, anyone ever think of them as feeders due to there large size?
I don't see them as being feeders substantially better for any snakes in captivity. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and eventually domesticated pigs are all you need for any snakes that need bigger food.
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Originally Posted by lamina1982
