How many breeders do I need?

So here's the question:

Given a small collection, how do you determine how many breeder rats you need to feed 'em? Lets say for example, a weekly feed consists of a small number of a variety of sizes, something like:

2 weanlings
2 smalls
2 meds
1 large

How would you go about estimating the breeders needed to maintain that weekly feed, especially given the difference in time to raise for the different sizes?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

So here's the question:

Given a small collection, how do you determine how many breeder rats you need to feed 'em? Lets say for example, a weekly feed consists of a small number of a variety of sizes, something like:

2 weanlings
2 smalls
2 meds
1 large

How would you go about estimating the breeders needed to maintain that weekly feed, especially given the difference in time to raise for the different sizes?

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I am wondering the same thing!!! :cool:

imho if that is all you need then i would breed and just freeze the appropriate size and use when needed. you would need at least 4 of 1.2 and that would supply you with more than you need so you could see some to recoup costs. i would try and start them 1 group a week and try to get them so you have one group a week laying a litter.
adam jeffery

If you bought frozen from a local breeder, you'd be spending about $10-12 a week if you bought in bulk.
If you breed your own, you'll spend about $5-10 a week breeding a small amount, plus, you'll have the headache of maintaining them.

In general because of the rotation and the fact that the females go from breeding to birthing to nursing to back into breeding (which the whole process take about 7 to 8 weeks) you need to calculate about 1 female for every snake you own.

Because you need a small amount and various sizes in your case having your snake on F/T euthanizing the surplus and freezing it would be best.