New to rat breeding

I am BRAND new to rat breeding. I built the common rack system using the "home depot mortor tubs'. I went to a local reptile shop that also sells feeders. To my dismay he did not have any "breeder size" rats available. He did have small rats that were basically 1 week past being weaned. I ended up buying 3.12. My question is how long until they are breeding size/age? Also do you guys think that 1.4 is a good ratio? Is there any place/websit/info as far as the growth and development of rats?:confuzd:

Great choice making a rack, youll be breeding in no time :gj:

As to your questions, you actually did better by getting younger rats. Sometimes the petstores will sell you breeding sized rats, and it turns out to be they are too old to breed or getting close to it.

It seems like they are a little over a month old, seperate the males from females and introduce them at three months of age. Earlier if they are big enough by then to handle breeding, but I like to wait until they are done growing.

1.4 could become a little crouded should all four have babys at the same time ( Average 14 babys x 4 = 56 babys! Ive had more than that before) I like to do 1.3, but 1.4 could work you just need to make sure that it doesnt get packed.

Anyways, just give it a few months and you should see babys, watch your males because sometimes they can be duds, and refuse to breed for some reason.

hope I have helped!

- Matt

PS. google helped me ALOT when asking certain questions like growth rate and development.

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Originally Posted by Beardedragon

Great choice making a rack, youll be breeding in no time :gj:

As to your questions, you actually did better by getting younger rats. Sometimes the petstores will sell you breeding sized rats, and it turns out to be they are too old to breed or getting close to it.

It seems like they are a little over a month old, seperate the males from females and introduce them at three months of age. Earlier if they are big enough by then to handle breeding, but I like to wait until they are done growing.

1.4 could become a little crouded should all four have babys at the same time ( Average 14 babys x 4 = 56 babys! Ive had more than that before) I like to do 1.3, but 1.4 could work you just need to make sure that it doesnt get packed.
I agree you did good getting young rats instead of full grown ones. I also agree 1.4 is probably too crowded if you plan to let them give birth in that tub. 1.3 would be better.

Anyways, just give it a few months and you should see babys, watch your males because sometimes they can be duds, and refuse to breed for some reason.

hope I have helped!

- Matt

PS. google helped me ALOT when asking certain questions like growth rate and development.

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I agree you did good getting young rats instead of old ones. the large ones at pet store are retired breeders alot of times. and also in my opinion 1.4 is too crowded if you plan to allow them to give birth in those tubs I would do 1.3 or less.

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Originally Posted by jason79

I agree you did good getting young rats instead of old ones. the large ones at pet store are retired breeders alot of times. and also in my opinion 1.4 is too crowded if you plan to allow them to give birth in those tubs I would do 1.3 or less.

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I do not plan on them giving birth in the breeding tubs. I have a couple slots open for birthing/weaning tubs. Thanks for the info !!!

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Originally Posted by badmagic2006

I do not plan on them giving birth in the breeding tubs. I have a couple slots open for birthing/weaning tubs. Thanks for the info !!!

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If you use birthing tubs I think 1.4 will work fine. Good luck to you.

good luck averaging 14 babies...

10 maybe but 8 is a good basis...

and mortar tubs are plenty big without using a birthing rack.

I would say 1.3 is the best ratio. Most feeder breeders use the 1.3 ratio. As long as the tubs has solid floor space, and you always leave enough food and water, and some type of exercise, I don't see there being any big problems.

Just a warning though, many people say that your first litter will most likely have quite a few babies eaten by the mother. Don't freak out though, because this happens normally with many breeder females on their first litters.

Random question but how big is big enough for the females to start breeding and does it matter for males?