Rats VS Mice

I know this is probably one of the most heated/hated topics when it comes to snakes so lets not get this out of hand too far.

I was told one time by someone ( dont know if they were on these boards or some other board) that rats are more healthlier than mice for snakes.

Does any one have any solid proof of this being true? Other than the fact rats are bigger so the less you food you have to feed your snakes each month.

There is no proof of that either is better.

In fact, you could ask them which is better, a fat chubby baby rat, or a lean muscle adult mouse? ;)

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Other than the fact rats are bigger so the less you food you have to feed your snakes each month.

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That may be true, but not necessarily ideal depending on the species being fed. Some species do better with smaller meals fed more frequently as opposed to humongous meals every month or so.

Check this out: http://www.rodentpro.com/qpage_articles_03.asp

I think it mostly comes down to the what the snake will eat and what is most easily attained by the keeper. I have 2 snakes who eat mice and the rest eat rats. I feed multiples to both of the mousers. They like it. It's not very convenient for me, but who am I to argue with a snake?! :P

This gets thrown out of proportion more than anything I know. Both are fine. In regards to boas, rats are better off down the road, simply because mice only get so big. ;)

Rat's are cool!
And is it just me, or do they seem to look after their babies better than mice? Amd not as prone to eating each other for no reason?

My opinion has always been that it isn't really about mice or rats but more about the quality of the prey item and the total volume of prey you are feeding being appropriate for a specific snake. If you feed the best prey you can find or produce and you feed the correct amount on a reasonable feeding schedule and your snake is responding with a strong hunting instinct - then it's all good. :)

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

My opinion has always been that it isn't really about mice or rats but more about the quality of the prey item and the total volume of prey you are feeding being appropriate for a specific snake. If you feed the best prey you can find or produce and you feed the correct amount on a reasonable feeding schedule and your snake is responding with a strong hunting instinct - then it's all good. :)

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Great post, Jo!

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Great post, Jo!

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Awww shucks, thanks! :)

Surprised I had enough coffee in me and enough sanity on the first day back to school for the kidlets to make any sense at all! LOL