What to feed Rats on a Rat Rack??

Okay guys...I have went through this entire thread and could not find anything so I am just going to start this new thread and ask my question:

What is the best thing to feed rats while in a rack for breeding?
:cool:

well a lot of people use a high quality rodent lab block such as mazuri 6F or native earth. Some people use doggy bag dog food but I don't believe in using dog food. Not looking to start a debate, I just prefer using rodent food is all. And then there are the people that feed a ton of different foods, fruits, veggies, grains, etc. as well.

So getting rodent feed from my local pet store would be the better idea then?:cool:

I would prefer the mazura 6f if I knew where I could get it around here. But for now it is a mix of doggy bag, fruits and veggies. My pregnant ladies and mamas also get 1/2 slice of milk soaked bread and baby food meats, morning and night. I don't have a rack yet, but I don't think I would change anything.

I wouldn't get anything from a pet store unless they for some reason don't sell overpriced foods.

Do you have a tractor supply? They often have great prices and often carry mazuri, otherwise I order from national pet pharmacy (native earth brand) and its less than 30$ to ship a 40lb bag.

Ok great....thanks guys! I will see what I can find!:cool:

go to the mazuri website and look up dealers in your area and try to find the person who sells 50 lb bags for the cheapest. i get mine for 20 a bag. and its really close to friends house so i just swing by the shop when im in need.

Use a high quality lab block. Mazuri or Native Earth are too good ones that you can find around town. Should be cheap to buy big bags.

Regards,

B

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Originally Posted by het.pied

go to the mazuri website and look up dealers in your area and try to find the person who sells 50 lb bags for the cheapest. i get mine for 20 a bag. and its really close to friends house so i just swing by the shop when im in need.

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Which Mazuri rodent food are you getting for $20 for a 50lb. bag?

i cant get mazuri around me even though the mazuri website says there are dealers. make sure you call before you buy. they will probably have to order it. i use the doggy bag dog food from tractor supply for my rats. rats do fine on dog food but will do better on a rodent specific lab block. if your breeding mice dont use dog food at all. your production will suffer if you do.
lab block is by far the best but also a more expensive option if money is an issue. i would prefer to use mazuri if it was available. unfortunately my local people will only order it if i buy a pallet and i just dont need that much.
adam jeffery

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Which Mazuri rodent food are you getting for $20 for a 50lb. bag?

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I was thinking the same thing.

Mazuri 6f/9f is typically $18 - $20 for 25# and $28 - $30 for 50# bags.
I've never seen it for $20 for 50# except maybe wholesale :confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by het.pied

go to the mazuri website and look up dealers in your area and try to find the person who sells 50 lb bags for the cheapest. i get mine for 20 a bag. and its really close to friends house so i just swing by the shop when I'm in need.

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The dealer locater is a great tool. I found a dealer about 20 minutes from me that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. I've been paying about $23 per 50 lb bag of Mazuri 6F, and I try to pick up three or four bags at a time to cut down the travel. I think the price comes down to the area, and how much the dealer feels like marking it up. I've been using the same folks for a few years now and haven't seen an increase yet.

I use mazuri 6F. you can ask any local tack shop or feed shop if they can order it. If they can get Purina products Mazuri is owned by Purina. I had to have my local shop order it but its 5 mins from the house. I pay 25 or 25 bucks for a 50 lb bag...

I pay $24.99 for a 50lb. bag of Mazuri 6f. With the tax it comes to $26.74. Add gas/time, etc.

I have never seen a 50lb. bag of Mazuri for $20. They may have made a mistake and charged you the 25lb bag price for the 50lb bag.

I'm paying $16.96 a bag for 40lbs of Native Earth 4018 if I order 5 at a time. Hard to beat that. Top notch feed and killer price.

Regards,

B

I've paid $20 for a 33lb bag of harlan 4018, I've seen these bags at most reptile expos.

And I've paid $30 for a 50lb bag of mazuri 6f, which I bought at a nearby feed store I found on mazuri's dealer locator.

Both are great feeds.

If you buy your rat food at a pet store I think you will have a hard time saving any money by breeding your own rats.

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Originally Posted by Adam Chandler

I've paid $20 for a 33lb bag of harlan 4018, I've seen these bags at most reptile expos.

And I've paid $30 for a 50lb bag of mazuri 6f, which I bought at a nearby feed store I found on mazuri's dealer locator.

Both are great feeds.

If you buy your rat food at a pet store I think you will have a hard time saving any money by breeding your own rats.

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I feed harlan as well. great feed. I actually buy mine from a rodent breeder near me for $18 a sack. There might be one in your area that would help you out. Most breeders I've met order it by the pallet so they usually got a few bags to spare. I also know a guy who feeds his rats dog food and his rodents smell much worse than mine but I don't know for sure if that is food related.

Just to clear any confusion, Harlan 4018 and Native Earth 4018 are the same :)

Regards,

B

Look into Kent Rodent Feed. I been using it for 5 years now and does great with mice and rats.

I pay 13.99 for 50lbs bag and notice the rodents arent constantly eating. When i used Mazuri i was going though food like crazy as they were non stop eating it.

Find a local kent dealer and they can get it for you. IF you can order by the pallet i believe its $10 a bag

Not that you're supposed to know..
But, wholesale on 6F is right at $18/50#
I buy 2000# at a time, usually pay 18.50-19 a bag delivered. I sell it in my store for $22/bag to friends and fellow breeders.
So, yes you can get it that cheap... Just gotta know where to go.