Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
ok ill most likely get some of those, I was looking at them today, what size would be the best? Also could I use a tank, just until I get the other cages. We have LOTS of tanks and water bottles (sister used to breed gerbils,hamsters,degus) that I could use?
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
Get the extra large lab cage.
Tanks are ok for awhile.. but they offer very little in the way of ventilation. Be sure to keep it extra clean. Don't want ammonia fumes building up with nowhere to go.
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shelby
Yep.. males always with females. I havent had problems with consecutive litters. Works for me.
Same here, I keep 1.3 together at all times now. It works great with long term breeders. Yes, they can get pregnant again right away, but usually don't. Seems most my females won't "put out" for the male while they are nursing. LOL !!
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
hi i forgot about food i buy kent rodent they have a web site but the web site don't say they have rodent feed but here the site http://www.kentfeeds.com/ i pat 8.50 for a 50lb bag of feed even though the place i get it from doesn't have it but the do order it for me. go to the store locator and find a place close to you
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Bill
Seems most my females won't "put out" for the male while they are nursing. LOL !!
How dare they!?! Oh wait, this is a rat discussion...
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gncz73
hi i forgot about food i buy kent rodent they have a web site but the web site don't say they have rodent feed but here the site
http://www.kentfeeds.com/ i pat 8.50 for a 50lb bag of feed even though the place i get it from doesn't have it but the do order it for me. go to the store locator and find a place close to you
That seems a little on price, are you sure its good feed for breeding and not just a bunch of fillers?
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
I would recommend Mazuri (I use the 6F Breeder Lab Blocks) or Harlan-Teklad(Love it, but it takes a big order to get what you want, very inexpensive though).
I get Mazuri through my local feed store in 50lb bags. I pay $18.95 per bag. Protein is 16%, Fat is 10%, so you would need to supplement with other foods for pregnant, lactating females and growing/weaned babies. Mazuri isn't just full of fillers, and my fat, BIG, shiny-coated, large-litter givin' mice show it. They don't get anything extra except a handful of Science Diet Canine Maintenance dog food every so often(gives them that animal protein that rats and mice need).
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
I designed and special order a rodent food from my local feed store. 16% protein, and soy instead of corn and cheap fillers. 6000 lbs at a time and a 50lb bag is 8.08 with tax.
It is normally suggested to keep breeding groups at around 14% protein and females with babies at 18% protein. Over 24% and youll end up with "scabbies".
Bryan
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bdadawg
I designed and special order a rodent food from my local feed store. 16% protein, and soy instead of corn and cheap fillers. 6000 lbs at a time and a 50lb bag is 8.08 with tax.
It is normally suggested to keep breeding groups at around 14% protein and females with babies at 18% protein. Over 24% and youll end up with "scabbies".
Bryan
How long does 3 tons last you?
Re: Finally going to breed my own rats.
