Where to get good breeders

[Jay_Bunny]

It was advised to me not to use feeder rats or marked rats from petstores as they don't have good genetics for breeding feeders. Right now we have two rats, one that is younger, and one who is almost full grown. Both are female (we exchanged the male for a new female) and one only has a few weeks to go before she is old enough to breed.

I would love to get into breeding different color and pattern variations but I don't know where to go to get these kinds of rats. I will post pictures of Smooch and Goose later tonight.

[littleindiangirl]

Awesome! Breeding rats is one of my favorite things. I come home and start doting on the kids before I even take my coat off.

I would say, a good bet is to ask around to herpers in your area that breed their own rats. I know many times they will hold back some for you, or will direct you to their source. I know no one likes it, but 2 of my females are from petsmart/petco, and they are the best breeders I have. Fantastic moms, big strong girls, and they also have never been sick. The thing is, I got them young, and it was risky, but they have turned out well. The petsmart/petco around us actually does a very decent job when they aren't too overcrowded w/ rats.

If you were closer to me, I would gladly give you a small harem to start. These are such rewarding animals. Good luck!

[Jay_Bunny]

Well both of the females we have right now are both albino. All the petstores around here sell albino rats (and I have to drive about 30-45 min for female rats, 15-20 for males.) Petsmart sells male rats that are a greyish color. Thats about it for petstores in the area. The other petstores I just won't buy from really.

[coldbloodaddict]

I produce all kinds of cool rats and mice...

[Jay_Bunny]

Might have to get some of your little cuties!

Our two females are both of different ages. Since the smaller is around 45g, I'm guessing her around 4-5 weeks old. The bigger is much bigger. We don't have a weight on her but she's twice the size of the other one. So would she be 6-8 weeks old or older? And when would she be old enough to breed?

[SatanicIntention]

Both need to be around 4-5 months old and 250g+ before they should be bred.

Have you made sure your snakes will eat rats before attempting to breed them? Plan on humanely euthanizing them and freezing them at the sizes you need. They grow very fast and often in a week's time have outgrown the size you need.

[Jay_Bunny]

We are going to try giving them rat pups next week. We have a supply of dry ice from up the street so a CO2 chamber shouldn't be too hard to make. Both are under the 250g mark but I'll get the weight on the bigger girl today.

Thanks for all the info. Oh and if the snakes won't take rats, then I'll just have two rats as pets.

[Jay_Bunny]

The bigger female is 186g. So according to the growth chart, she is between 8-10 weeks old. So about 2 - 2 1/2 months old.

[frankykeno]

She needs a bit more time as does the other of course. Putting the time in now to build them up well before they start their breeding lives really does pay off, I believe, in bigger, healthier and more numerous litters.

[Jay_Bunny]

Both are eating machines. I think our animals eat better than we do.

Thanks for all the info. In a few months, once both are up to weight, we'll be looking for a male rattie for them so they can have little babies!