inbreeding ????

I've assembled my colony from I think 5 different sources to limit the amount of inbreeding. As I go on in generations, I will do like others and buy new males to freshen the blood lines.

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

I've assembled my colony from I think 5 different sources to limit the amount of inbreeding. As I go on in generations, I will do like others and buy new males to freshen the blood lines.

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this is a better idea from connie.:):):)

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Originally Posted by munding

this is a better idea from connie.:):):)

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Well it was difficult I will say that. Trying to keep strict quarantine, getting rid of crappy lines and working up to a strong colony is work.

The small mom and pop pet stores had the worst rats in my experience. I don't even go into those stores anymore.

I have a lot of time and work invested into my colony as it is, I shudder at the thought of bringing in new blood... but it will have to be done someday.

One infected rat could destroy my whole colony, and that would be very devastating. I take the health of my colony very seriously and really work hard to reduce the amount of inbreeding by the use of records and who to pair up when I need new females or males.

Working from as many blood lines as possible does make it easier for me.

I tend to keep females and bring in new blood with new males. I have only two generations right now. My original group and their offspring. I shouldn't have to bring in another male for a while so no inbreeding for me. I would not want to risk health issues in my rats.