How Many

[greenmonkey51]

I have 4 boas and 2 ball pytons, all but 1 are on rat wean or small rats. About how many rats would you estimate I would need to breed for a steady supply. Also is it usually cost effective to raise rat up to large and medium size or is just getting them online better.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

I have 4 boas and 2 ball pytons, all but 1 are on rat wean or small rats. About how many rats would you estimate I would need to breed for a steady supply. Also is it usually cost effective to raise rat up to large and medium size or is just getting them online better.

Depends on the price and quantity you buy your frozen at.

From pregnancy to the rats being at small or wean size would take about 8 weeks.

So I would say you'd need 8 females if you want to feed all live, but then youd end up with many extras each week, so it is kind of tricky. It might be easier to have 4 females, and freeze off each group minus a few (to grow up to medium and large), in that case 4 females would probably be enough if you staggered them properly.

[greenmonkey51]

I would most likely freeze everything. I've never felt comfortable feeding live with anything larger than rat pups.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

I would most likely freeze everything. I've never felt comfortable feeding live with anything larger than rat pups.

I'd think 4 or 5 females would be a good start, depending on the girls and how well they produce you will either have enough, or a little extra that you can freeze up, and then cut production later to use the excess.

1 male and 4 or 5 females can normally be kept together, on avg 2-3 will be pregnant/nursing so you can have a fairly basic setup with a few seperate enclosures. I'd say another 1-2 enclosures if you need one to raise up a few to medium + size.

What types of enclosures depends on space/handiness . You can make a few basic enclosures/tubs that require a bit more maintenance, or a rack that has auto feed/watering.

[greenmonkey51]

How do the auto feeders work.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

How do the auto feeders work.

Just 1/2" Hardware cloth, and somethign either built into the side of the cage, or put on top of the shorter tubs with wire on top. The rats bite/break off pieces and pull it through the wire. Much less wasted food, and you either just fill it up, or mound it on top.