Is it time to breed my own snake food?

I have four ball pythons that seem to always be hungry. I am tired of paying the prices that I have been for rats. Now that spring is practically here my snakes appetites are picking back up. What would be a good ratio of rats to have to breed for four snakes?

Have you been buying in bulk frozen rodents or just picking them up locally whenever you need them? That's what I do (buy in bulk) for currently my 16 snakes (plus my bf's seven) and we'd choose to buy in bulk for everyone vs. breeding our own feeders any day.

I buy f/t for my two snakes that eat f/t rats and the other two eat live. I can't seem to find anyone in my area that breeds rats so that is one of the reasons I am considering breeding my own.

I have 27 snakes and all except 2 are eating ft right now. I have heard (don't quote me on this) people say that breeding rats takes up more time then caring for their snakes. That the cleaning up after the rats is worse then cleaning up after snakes. Personally, I got into this hobby to spend time with my snakes, not rats. I buy in bulk from a rodent supplier...that works well for me.

But by all means...don't let us discourage you! You could start with a 1.2 ratio and a couple tanks and see how it goes...if its not for you, feed them off and go back to ordering.

I also buy frozen rats in bulk. I agree with Kat, taking care of that many rats just isn't what I want to do right now. Not to mention the smell.

Rats suck. They stink. They are a ton of work. And I think you really need to breed alot of them to even make it any cheaper than just buying from some one else. Find some where to order them in bulk and by them frozen

For 4 snakes, I doubt it would be worth it...I breed my own rats, it's not as bad as many make it out to be(the smell and work), but it's no picnic either. I do save a decent amount of money though I'm not breeding a ton of them. Unless you have somewhere you are positive you can unload extra rats off to, even 1.2 will far exceed your needs for 4 snakes.

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Originally Posted by jason_ladouceur

Rats suck. They stink. They are a ton of work. And I think you really need to breed alot of them to even make it any cheaper than just buying from some one else. Find some where to order them in bulk and by them frozen

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I disagree that rats suck and stink. But then again its subjective..... I breed in my apartment and keep a number of my favorite girls in my bedroom. As long as you're using a good bedding and cleaning at least once a week or more, as well as feeding quality food, there is little to no smell.

However, I agree with the rest of your post. It's not really cost effective unless you're producing in massive quantities.

Personally, I don't have that many snakes and it would be cheaper to buy f/t in bulk, but I find that rat breeding is fun and I do it because I enjoy it. I love my rats.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

I disagree that rats suck and stink. But then again its subjective..... I breed in my apartment and keep a number of my favorite girls in my bedroom. As long as you're using a good bedding and cleaning at least once a week or more, as well as feeding quality food, there is little to no smell.

However, I agree with the rest of your post. It's not really cost effective unless you're producing in massive quantities.

Personally, I don't have that many snakes and it would be cheaper to buy f/t in bulk, but I find that rat breeding is fun and I do it because I enjoy it. I love my rats.

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I 100% agree.

My opinion, for 4 snakes I wouldn't get into breeding rats unless it is an absolute must for you or if you just want to get into the breeding aspect of rodents. I know many people that really enjoy breeding rats.

I have kept rats, have not bred. And I know that there are many pros and cons to keeping rodents just as there are with all other animals. Do your research and try to figure out if the work that goes into breeding rats will prove to be a benefit tou you (cost/time) in your situation.

I have 10 BPs currently and have often thought of breeding rats, but with a rodent supplier only 10 minutes from work it never comes to fruition... that and my wife say NOOOOO!