Rat Breeding

So, I have 4 snakes, 3 of which eat rats. I like f/t because it's convenient but I am definitely going to expand my snake collection. I have 2 pet rats that are very sweet and of age and I know where to get a male. I don't want to do this right now..just further down the road.
1) do those of you that breed them start small and expand from there?
2) if or when you cull them, how does one do so humanely?
3) do you freeze for later?
4) do you generally feed live? All of mine eat f/t and I'd hate to switch to live and then later have a hard time switching back.


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1) do those of you that breed them start small and expand from there?

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Yes you will need 1 female rat per snake to allow a consistent production.

Start small with 1.2 or 2.4 and build a strong colonie from there holding back animals from parents with the best demeanor and those producing the the largest litters. Never buy adult or proven rats to get started.

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]2) if or when you cull them, how does one do so humanely?

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Depends on how many you plan on eutanizing at once and/or their size. For a good size rat cervical dislocation is an option so long you are efficient at it. Other option CO2. I use CO2

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3) do you freeze for later?

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Anything euthanized means it is a surplus that will be fed later on.

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4) do you generally feed live? All of mine eat f/t and I'd hate to switch to live and then later have a hard time switching back.

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BP are fed live, colubrids are fed F/T, I keep a few female BP on F/T for the surplus or feed females that have laid eggs F/T if I have a surplus.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Yes you will need 1 female rat per snake to allow a consistent production.

Start small with 1.2 or 2.4 and build a strong colonie from there holding back animals from parents with the best demeanor and those producing the the largest litters. Never buy adult or proven rats to get started.

Depends on how many you plan on eutanizing at once and/or their size. For a good size rat cervical dislocation is an option so long you are efficient at it. Other option CO2. I use CO2

Anything euthanized means it is a surplus that will be fed later on.

BP are fed live, colubrids are fed F/T, I keep a few female BP on F/T for the surplus or feed females that have laid eggs F/T if I have a surplus.

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Are CO2 chambers hard to make? And do you ever have issues using your own f/t or maybe better results?

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Originally Posted by SCWood

Are CO2 chambers hard to make? And do you ever have issues using your own f/t or maybe better results?

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Very easy to make you need a small plastic tub (this will be your kill tank, 6 quarts tubs work great), some aquarium tubing, a paintball canister and paintball coil remote.

You can also use a larger C02 tank used for brewery with a valve, I use this as I euthanize larger quantities than some people and do not wish to have to refill my tank every other week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Very easy to make you need a small plastic tub (this will be your kill tank, 6 quarts tubs work great), some aquarium tubing, a paintball canister and paintball coil remote.

You can also use a larger C02 tank used for brewery with a valve, I use this as I euthanize larger quantities than some people and do not wish to have to refill my tank every other week.

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Awesome!

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