Breeders...

I've made some tops for my 20L (hopper tanks). I used 2x2's and metal lathing (the kind used for stucco). Its pretty much indestructible.

The metal lathing is $4 for a 30"W X 96"L piece at home depot. It was back by their fencing materials.

They are a little crude as they are my first ones ...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...arium_tops.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...m_top_mesh.jpg

If you need exact dimensions for cuts let me know.

Bryan

Jen, definitely go with a homemade mix like Becky says. That pet store stuff will end up being buried and mostly wasted, so just wasting your cash. I have a big bucket that I mix my own rat feed in and I feed my whole breeding colony from it. My colony is only at 33 right now but I have 3 litters due in the next little while. With my lab block and various additions plus kitchen scraps I'm spending about 15 to 20 bucks every two weeks to feed the whole crew with very little wasted food and nice sized litters being produced. The largest expense is the rat lab block and then most of the other stuff I just buy offbrand or at the dollar store or it's stuff from my kitchen (great way to use up those ends of bread or the last handful of cereal in the box that the kids won't touch).

Nice specimens you have there; I love the breeder male mouse!
I use SunSeed's version of the lab blocks; they are awesome. I toss 2-3 in per rat, twice a day and that is it; they are fat and healthy. My reasoning is, it's stupid to use the seed-type mixture except as an occasional treat; you're paying for shells and husks that can't be eaten, since it's sold by weight. My rats finish off their lab blocks with No waste. The mixture is a good idea too; I am just too busy to go through making it. I buy about 10 pounds of the blocks at a time, and it's great stuff. I hear that Mazuri is better; I can't find it round here; may look into online buying if the price is right.

I'll have to see if I can find those. The homemade mix you're talking about, is that the one that's posted in a sticky?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JenHarrison

The homemade mix you're talking about, is that the one that's posted in a sticky?

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Yup, from the kitchen of Momma Becky!

Awesome, I'll try that out. I agree, the store-bought feed mix just ends up scattered all over the cage, they only pick certain things out. I had no idea how to make good feed mix though, so I thought I had no other option. You guys are so helpful! :)

Question: I know some people remove the females and separate them when they have their litters, but is it absolutely necessary? I have a 1.2 group in a 40g breeder tank, so they have plenty of room. There are 3 hides, so they can all choose to hide on their own if they wish (right now they don't, they all like to cuddle). I'm wondering if it would be safe to leave them all together once the females have their litters? Obviously if one female starts getting aggressive or hogging the babies, I'd separate them...but if all goes smoothly, should they be OK together?

this will save everyone time :D just read this thread...

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=32566