Considering breeding ASF's

I am currently breeding rats, and have been with success for a while now. But I was reading up on ASF's and was amazed at what efficient breeders they are, AND the fact that they actually all care for the babies, instead of eating them.

So...I have just a few questions ^^

Does anyone know of any ASF breeders in Missouri? I'd be most interested in someone in Kansas City, Joplin, or Springfield.

What is a recommended starting number?

How do they compare to gerbils? (I was thinking about getting a pair, due to the absolute cute factor and that they breed like mad.)

Have you ever had a snake get picky and ONLY eat ASF's? Or have you been able to feed both ASF's and rats?

How bad to they really stink? If you clean the cage on a normal basis, are they practically odorless? Or are they like rats, were they just flat out smell?

Have you ever been bitten by an ASF? One of the reasons I stopped trying to breed mice was because no matter how gentle and kind I was, they would ALWAYS bite me.


Thanks guys ^^'

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Originally Posted by MonitorLove

Does anyone know of any ASF breeders in Missouri? I'd be most interested in someone in Kansas City, Joplin, or Springfield.

What is a recommended starting number?

How do they compare to gerbils? (I was thinking about getting a pair, due to the absolute cute factor and that they breed like mad.)

Have you ever had a snake get picky and ONLY eat ASF's? Or have you been able to feed both ASF's and rats?

How bad to they really stink? If you clean the cage on a normal basis, are they practically odorless? Or are they like rats, were they just flat out smell?

Have you ever been bitten by an ASF? One of the reasons I stopped trying to breed mice was because no matter how gentle and kind I was, they would ALWAYS bite me.


Thanks guys ^^'

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FYI - They're illegal in MO.

Starting number would depend on how big your collection is.

Can't speak to gerbils.

Yes, I have two snakes that only eat ASF's now, but at least they eat.

They don't stink like rats/mice. They aren't odorless but it's a lot different than rats.

Yes, not often but I have been bit

Chris

Copy of a post made by another member from MO -

http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/cu...csr/3c10-4.pdf

3 CSR 10-4.117 Prohibited Species
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a list of
species that may not be possessed in
Missouri.
(1) Prohibited species may not be imported,
exported, transported, sold, purchased or
possessed alive in Missouri without written
approval of the director.
(2) For the purpose of this rule, prohibited
species of wildlife shall include the following:
(A) Mammals: Any species of flying fox
or fruit bat of the genus Pteropus; any species
of mongoose or meerkat of the genera Atilax,
Cynictis, Helogale, Herpestes, Ichneumia,
Mungos or Suricata; any species of the
European rabbit genus Oryctolagus; any
species of the Indian wild dog, red dog or
dhole of the genus Cuon; any species of the
multimammat rat or mouse of the genus
Mastomys; raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides;
brushtail possum, Trichosurus
vulpecula;

Technically, ASF's are classified as Genus Praomys...soo, theres your loophole.

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Originally Posted by ThyTempest

Technically, ASF's are classified as Genus Praomys...soo, theres your loophole.

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There are several different soft furred species, the Natal rat that we commonly refer to are Mastomys.

They are referred to as both genus's all the time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by huff747

FYI - They're illegal in MO.

Starting number would depend on how big your collection is.

Can't speak to gerbils.

Yes, I have two snakes that only eat ASF's now, but at least they eat.

They don't stink like rats/mice. They aren't odorless but it's a lot different than rats.

Yes, not often but I have been bit

Chris

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Thats weird how their illegal in mo but all the pet stores sell them as pets or feeders?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nootcakes

Thats weird how their illegal in mo but all the pet stores sell them as pets or feeders?

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Most likely because they don't care, that still makes it illegal.

Multi mice/ASF's were found to be natural host for the Lassa Fever virus and a couple of other things that got them banned in certain places.

There great for picky Bp's and cause they don't smell. I would be breeding rats if I had a separate facility I just can't stand the smell in my house. I really haven't notice them being better breeders than domestic rats either. But for me rats aren't an option I don't miss cleaning there cages twice a week. The one setback with asf's is there growth rate its frustrating.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nootcakes

Thats weird how their illegal in mo but all the pet stores sell them as pets or feeders?

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I've seen them for sale as well. Probably a case of don't care as already suggested, or don't know.

All I'm suggesting is at least some discretion if you're looking for them in MO ;)

Chris