Where is the best place to get rats?

[dalvers63]

I finally have the space and the time to devote to breeding my own feeders. I have tubs ready and space, now I just need to find rats.

What are some suggestions? I don't really want the pet store rats, though if they would be OK, some ideas of what to NOT get (other than obviously ill rodents).

Is there anyone in the Seattle area that breeds their own and would be willing to set me up with some breeders?

[Freakie_frog]

I get mine from people that already breed and a few (frogive me) from Petsmart.

[littleindiangirl]

I've bought a few from Petsmart/Petco, and they are great! I did also buy from a little mom and pop store, and they are sickly. It just takes time and a lot of fishing around in my experience to get some good healthy rats.
Your best bet is to search for some BP owners that may have some pups they will keep for you from their next litter. Your in Seattle, I believe there are a few members from that area... I'm not really sure.

If you do end up with ones from petsmart/Petco/Petworld etc, try to be picky about it. Go with young females that aren't afraid of you or skittish. Hooded females I think are what they carry most often. Black and Beige is the only colors I ever see from there. Look for girls that don't have any poryphrin stains around there nose, eyes, or on their front paws. They shouldnt be sneezing constantly, coughing, hunched and listless. You want an attentive aware animal, that's not overly afraid of you (just makes things easier).



I hope that helps a little bit!
[edit] If you weren't looking for all that, just let me know haha

[frankykeno]

If you can't locate a feeder breeder (check with your local herp society if you have one) and have to buy from a pet store go with the rats marked "small". You want them just weaned or shortly thereafter. Keep the females away from the male until they are about 250 grams or about 4 to 5 months of age. During that time you can make sure they are all healthy and in great shape to produce some good feeder litters for you.

[dalvers63]

Thanks, guys, all the info is a great help!

I'll check at the next herp meeting in a few weeks and see if there is someone that can get me some young girls. If not, I'll take your advice and watch the local PetSmart/Petco to see what is available.

I won't need babies until Spring when the babies start to hatch but figured now would be the time to start with youngsters and get them happy, healthy and ready to go.

[Entropy]

I picked up my breeders from a few local folks who wanted rid of some babies. I told them truthfully that they themselves would never be 'snake food' but they would breed snake food. They were alright with that. When I decided to get out of rats for awhile I found pet homes for my breeders and suprisingly all are still alive and enjoying retirement.