As my collection keeps growing, so does the expense for food. The only place around here that sells mice is the local pet store and they are EXPENSIVE. At first it wasn't TOO bad buying a $3.00 live mouse once a week for my bp, but now I got another bp and a red tail, both on hoppers. The store sells mice hoppers the same price so I said screw that! Theres no rat breeders anywhere around here so the best alternative is breeding my own so hopefully you all can help. Here are my snakes:

1. BP 180g
2. BP 135g
3. Red Tail-couldnt get him to set still long enough to weigh him lol.

How many rats would I need to get started? I was thinking at least 3 females and a male? Is this right at all? I know they go into heat every 4-5 days and altogether it takes about a month before any babies, and then another 15 days before they would get the right size.