How Many

I have 4 boas and 2 ball pytons, all but 1 are on rat wean or small rats. About how many rats would you estimate I would need to breed for a steady supply. Also is it usually cost effective to raise rat up to large and medium size or is just getting them online better.

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Originally Posted by greenmonkey51

I have 4 boas and 2 ball pytons, all but 1 are on rat wean or small rats. About how many rats would you estimate I would need to breed for a steady supply. Also is it usually cost effective to raise rat up to large and medium size or is just getting them online better.

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Depends on the price and quantity you buy your frozen at.

From pregnancy to the rats being at small or wean size would take about 8 weeks.

So I would say you'd need 8 females if you want to feed all live, but then youd end up with many extras each week, so it is kind of tricky. It might be easier to have 4 females, and freeze off each group minus a few (to grow up to medium and large), in that case 4 females would probably be enough if you staggered them properly.

I would most likely freeze everything. I've never felt comfortable feeding live with anything larger than rat pups.

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Originally Posted by greenmonkey51

I would most likely freeze everything. I've never felt comfortable feeding live with anything larger than rat pups.

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I'd think 4 or 5 females would be a good start, depending on the girls and how well they produce you will either have enough, or a little extra that you can freeze up, and then cut production later to use the excess.

1 male and 4 or 5 females can normally be kept together, on avg 2-3 will be pregnant/nursing so you can have a fairly basic setup with a few seperate enclosures. I'd say another 1-2 enclosures if you need one to raise up a few to medium + size.

What types of enclosures depends on space/handiness :). You can make a few basic enclosures/tubs that require a bit more maintenance, or a rack that has auto feed/watering.

How do the auto feeders work.

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Originally Posted by greenmonkey51

How do the auto feeders work.

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Just 1/2" Hardware cloth, and somethign either built into the side of the cage, or put on top of the shorter tubs with wire on top. The rats bite/break off pieces and pull it through the wire. Much less wasted food, and you either just fill it up, or mound it on top.