Rat Breeding Woes and Enclosure Ideas

The pet store that I order my Mazuri in has not gotten in a bag for me in 5 weeks! They keep saying, "It will be here next week for sure." Well 5 weeks later, hearing that 4 times, I'm getting a little POed. I've had to switch their diet 3-4 times because I can't find a good food that cheap. (I was getting 50lbs of Mazuri 6F for $30)

Production screeched to a halt and I haven't seen a baby rat in 2 weeks. My youngest is about 6 weeks old. (One rat killed and ate all her babies because of all the food switching)

Well I went out and got some dog food from Southern States and if they do well on it, I"m going to keep them on it. 40lbs for $15 isn't bad. I have 3 females old enough to breed. They are all in with males. I have another two ready to mate this month, another 5 ready to mate in August, and another 2 ready in September. So hopefully, by the end of the summer, I should have 10 breeding females.

I plan on keeping my "rat rack" (two working tubs) and using it as a breeding rack. But I need to figure out enclosures to use instead of tanks. I made a tub for my sister for her rats but we find that the rats easily chew the zip ties. I think I might go with metal ties and see if that helps keep the chewing to a minimum. Any thoughts on this? And I usually use the 56qt tubs for my mice. I was thinking of keeping 2 female rats per tub and rotating males through these tubs. (using the "rat rack" as a place they go while not breeding since I plan on adding another male to the group soon.)

u can use small bolts with washers to secure the mesh with

I will take a picture of one of my tubs tonight and post it on here.

Its a simple set up and no one has chewed out ever.

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Originally Posted by tomfromtheshade

I will take a picture of one of my tubs tonight and post it on here.

Its a simple set up and no one has chewed out ever.

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Did you get a chance to take the pics? I'm curious how your set-up is?

I feed hog food from the local feed supply store. It runs around 10.99 for 50lbs. I have not had any problems with it. I also mix it with dog food, though you don't have to. I also feed them table scraps once a week for variety. My rat rack is built with concrete mixing tubs from Lowes. They are around $5.00 a tub. Here are some pictures!
http://dailybulldogs.com/snakes/ratrack_1.jpg
http://dailybulldogs.com/snakes/ratrack_2.jpg

Good luck!

Jay have you tried all the feed stores in your area? Low protein senior dog food will work but from what I've seen the biggest rat breeders in my area feed their rats hog feed. I feed mazuri cause I've had great success with it I get mine for $21 at one of the local feed stores.

build a rack


find a tractor supply and grab some of the "Doggie Bag" dog food.


all is then solved.

damn. 50lb bag for $30. that sir is rediculous. i get them for $16.

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Originally Posted by het.pied

damn. 50lb bag for $30. that sir is rediculous. i get them for $16.

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I wish...I pay $24/bag

I know use adm hog feed and have had good results with it...fat content can be a little higher but 12.25 shipped to my house I can;t complain..