Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Smulkin what bedding do you keep your rats on? I'm trying to find something reasonably priced that's healthy for them.
Not to hijack, I just remembered I wanted to ask you! lol
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
My rats are still on pine - the snakes take care of keeping their life expectancy down ;)
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Ok. So the pine is kind of a debate.. I didn't notice any problems when I used it. *shrug*
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Ok, let me pose this question. I have one bp, one bci, and two baby retics. that population should be stable for about a year (or my wife will leave me). In your opinions, which would be more cost effective: breeding my own or buying frozen?
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
no problems when I used it either.....I think the pine bedding is all about quality.
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Quote:
Originally Posted by monkeywrench133
Ok, let me pose this question. I have one bp, one bci, and two baby retics. that population should be stable for about a year (or my wife will leave me). In your opinions, which would be more cost effective: breeding my own or buying frozen?
Another factor might be - how does she feel about the prospect of rats being bred in the house?
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Quote:
Originally Posted by daniel1983
no problems when I used it either.....I think the pine bedding is all about quality.
If I intended them as pets I might be dissuaded. I think also finding bedding which is more coarse and with less dust certainly can't hurt. Frankly I'm more focused on getting the bedding changed out frequently enough to give them a clean environment.
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Well.. it may or may not be cheaper to raise your own. Buying from rodentpro is pretty inexpensive.
I have 5.15 breeders and their offspring (usually total around 100 rats) and each month I spend about $50 on food, and $5 on bedding. They also take up my time every day. I enjoy it, but you may find it a chore to take care of that many.
With retics, you will need to be feeding rabbits some day. Keep that in mind.
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smulkin
Another factor might be - how does she feel about the prospect of rats being bred in the house?
She actually doesn't have a problem with rats. Mice are a different story because she kept them as pets when she was a kid. Also, I've got a half acre lot with several out buildings I could convert into Rat Condos.
Shelby, Yeah, I know Rabbits are in my future, and not THAT far off. I'm thinking of using the rat breeding as a "test case" to see if I then want to start breeding rabbits.
Re: How big of a colony would I need?
Erin....why not buy a pair of rats....give it a shot....see how it goes....if it doesn't work out, you have not jumped in it fully.... and if it works out good, you will be alittle more experienced when you get a few more :)
