Tubs size for breeding rats

[whispersinmyhead]

I am wondering what size of tubs or bins to choose. I am planning on housing 1.3 adult breeder rats in two bins and then I need a couple bins for grow outs. A total of six females for a small breeding colony.

So what size for the adults breeding groups?
What size for grow outs?
How many bins for grow outs?



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[Stewart_Reptiles]

I use concrete mixing tubs from Home Depot.

As far as growing out tubs I use the same, usually by 6 weeks rats have either been fed off or euthanized and froze. That's 2 extra week after being separated from their mother.

I would recommend that you build a 6 tubs high rack since if I recall properly you are limited in space.

[whispersinmyhead]

Yeah I am limited in space. I have a shelving unit where I am going to keep the rats and was toying with the idea of using bins but if I need six total the shelving unit will have to go and I will build a rack.


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[satomi325]

Cement mixing tubs are perfect for your needs.

But it sounds like you need to use stand alone tubs on your shelving unit, so the Sterilite or Rubbermaid 66qt tubs work perfect for breeding groups and grow outs. And if you have a ton of grow outs, a 106qt tub works well. They technically don't need the extra head space, but it prevents them from attempting to chew on the lip of the tub/lids since they are stand alone tubs.

[whispersinmyhead]

Thanks guys! At least now I can go and check out the sizes and see what will work best.

If I have six females separated three in each tub will I really need four more tubs for grow outs? Forgive my ignorance. I was thinking two maybe three max.

Two for breeding groups
One for weanlings
One for older more adult size
Maybe on more for future breeders. I may be missing something.

Thanks again for all you advise.


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