Rodent Feed

Very briefly, I have tried the following rodent foods with rats, mice and ASF's. I list them in the order I like them, based on a conbination of results and cost.

1. Mazuri 6F
2. Native Earth 4018
3. Mazuri Rodent
4. Doggy Bag for short periods (not suitable for mice/ASFs)

Unacceptable - Kent 19%

YMMV

I just picked up some 19% Kent and have been using the 6F for a while

The Kent is about half dust and crumbles, unacceptable

So 6F it is for now

I've been using the 6F with great results. It's a little expensive to get locally($40/50#) here in CA, but It's worth it.

I really like the Native Earth, my ratties seem to enjoy it also. Very cheap to buy and ship online also :D

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Originally Posted by LGray23

I really like the Native Earth, my ratties seem to enjoy it also. Very cheap to buy and ship online also :D

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Yeah, really! :rolleyes: It's $32 for 50lbs. if you buy the multi-bag with auto ship. It's $38 for 50lbs. if you buy one bag at a time.

Mazuri 6F is a higher quality food and at $23.50 for 50lbs., it's a no-brainer.

The point I was trying to make is that, after trying it, I would not use Kent 19% if it was free.

Where do you get your Mazuri 6F :confused:

I've heard all bad things about Kent too...

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Where do you get your Mazuri 6F :confused:

I've heard all bad things about Kent too...

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I had to beg the feed store closest to me to give me a break. They normally sell it for much more. Find a Purina dealer near you (not Tractor Supply) from the Mazuri website and tell them you'll be a regular customer, smile, flirt, whatever it takes and get them to lower the price for you.

NOW you tell me you heard bad things about Kent??? Why didn't you tell me before? Some friend you turned out to be.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

I had to beg the feed store closest to me to give me a break. They normally sell it for much more. Find a Purina dealer near you (not Tractor Supply) from the Mazuri website and tell them you'll be a regular customer, smile, flirt, whatever it takes and get them to lower the price for you.

NOW you tell me you heard bad things about Kent??? Why didn't you tell me before? Some friend you turned out to be.

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I'll work my magic LOL. I have no idea where to look in my area though, I'll do some homework ;)

I know, I'm a terrible friend. I've only been hearing the bad things recently, if it's any consolation ;)

Go to purinamills.com and look for the box that says dealer locator.

Don't bother calling Tractor Supply because they do not carry it and will not order it. You'll have better luck with a local feed store.

I gotta say I've used kent for about 8 months now with a colony of 56 tubs and love it. And it's 13.75 a bag.

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Originally Posted by Amon Ra Reptiles

I gotta say I've used kent for about 8 months now with a colony of 56 tubs and love it. And it's 13.75 a bag.

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It's because of statements like yours (not pointing at you) that I went crazy getting some to try. I don't recall seeing anyone say anything negative about it. My opinion of it now is extremely negative.

Where do you keep your rats? In the house or somewhere very, very far away? Mine are in my basement and I was having difficulty breathing a few days after cleaning. I have never seen as much waste produced. And they ate easily twice as much of the Kent vs. Mazuri so the cost savings disappeared.

I can honestly say that I have had better results, short term, with Doggy Bag dog food than with Kent. If Kent was the only food available I would give up my rats.

Sandy valley rodent feed is pretty cheap, I think my friend paid about $13 per 50lb bag, and it seems to work just fine for all kinds of rodents.

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Originally Posted by Rhasputin

Sandy valley rodent feed is pretty cheap, I think my friend paid about $13 per 50lb bag, and it seems to work just fine for all kinds of rodents.

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Sand Valley sells their food in 40lb bags. They will let you pick up from them in PA when they have it but delivery is by the truckload. It's a little more than $18 per 50lbs. They gave me the name of a local guy that sells it and it was the same price as Mazuri - $23.50 - so again, a no-brainer.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

It's because of statements like yours (not pointing at you) that I went crazy getting some to try. I don't recall seeing anyone say anything negative about it. My opinion of it now is extremely negative.

Where do you keep your rats? In the house or somewhere very, very far away? Mine are in my basement and I was having difficulty breathing a few days after cleaning. I have never seen as much waste produced. And they ate easily twice as much of the Kent vs. Mazuri so the cost savings disappeared.

I can honestly say that I have had better results, short term, with Doggy Bag dog food than with Kent. If Kent was the only food available I would give up my rats.

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Nope I keep my rats in my basement. I change tubs every four days and I have very little issue with odor. I admit I didnt have any issues with mazuri either but no way I'm spending 24 a bag when I have the same production for almost half the cost and to be honest I'm using less kent than I was mazuri. I do use some sweet mix horse feed and hog feed for a variety of diet but I doubt that I will ever buy mazuri again. Not for those prices.

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Originally Posted by Amon Ra Reptiles

Nope I keep my rats in my basement. I change tubs every four days and I have very little issue with odor. I admit I didnt have any issues with mazuri either but no way I'm spending 24 a bag when I have the same production for almost half the cost and to be honest I'm using less kent than I was mazuri. I do use some sweet mix horse feed and hog feed for a variety of diet but I doubt that I will ever buy mazuri again. Not for those prices.

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I'm glad you are happy with it but...

you're adding horse feed and hog feed plus cleaning 56 tubs every four days instead of seven, almost twice as often. How can you think you're saving money?

Anyone tried Harlan 2018 Global Diet rodent food? Reptile basics inc has it for sell 21.99 for 35lb bag.

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Originally Posted by Wicked Constrictors

Anyone tried Harlan 2018 Global Diet rodent food? Reptile basics inc has it for sell 21.99 for 35lb bag.

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The Harlan 2018 is the same as the Native Earth 2018. Both are more expensive than Mazuri for me but I was getting good results with NE.

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Originally Posted by LGray23

I'll work my magic LOL. I have no idea where to look in my area though, I'll do some homework ;)

I know, I'm a terrible friend. I've only been hearing the bad things recently, if it's any consolation ;)

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You can go to this website and type in your zip code and it will tell you all the feed stores around you that can get the Mazuri rodent feed. if they don't stock it, they can call in and order either the 6F or the 9F to have it delivered with their regular shipments. I am actually at the feed store in my car picking some up from an order I placed this week. good luck

http://www.purinamills.com/DealerLoc...x?SearchType=A

also look into the breeder feed 9F. a little more fat for the nursing moms.

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Originally Posted by MeinDraco

also look into the breeder feed 9F. a little more fat for the nursing moms.

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From the Mazuri product sheets:

Mazuri® Rodent Breeder Diet 6F 5M30 - A diet designed for feeding rats and mice which are maintained in breeding colonies. High producing mice may benefit from using Mazuri® Mouse Breeder Diet 9F (5M68).

Mazuri® Mouse Breeder Diet 9F 5M68 - An intermediate energy diet for breeding mice which are maintained in breeding colonies.
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9F is made for mice, not rats, and it cost more than twice as much as 6F. 9F comes in 25 lb. bags.

If you want to give them extra fat try sunflower seeds, although I'm not sure they need it. The only supplement I give them is organic rolled oats.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

From the Mazuri product sheets:

Mazuri® Rodent Breeder Diet 6F 5M30 - A diet designed for feeding rats and mice which are maintained in breeding colonies. High producing mice may benefit from using Mazuri® Mouse Breeder Diet 9F (5M68).

Mazuri® Mouse Breeder Diet 9F 5M68 - An intermediate energy diet for breeding mice which are maintained in breeding colonies.
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9F is made for mice, not rats, and it cost more than twice as much as 6F. 9F comes in 25 lb. bags.

If you want to give them extra fat try sunflower seeds, although I'm not sure they need it. The only supplement I give them is organic rolled oats.

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I got my information from talking to a Mazuri nutritionist. She recommended the 9F over the 6F because I was breeding rats and using them to feed to snakes. especially for ASF's since they are a slower growing rat, the extra fat will put on size faster. The 6F is a lower energy diet than the 9F. still a great diet. The 11F is actually the one I want but there is a 2 ton minimum order. She also said they are all for "rodents" including rats and mice. Neither of them is specific to rats or mice only. I pay $20 for a 50 pound bag of the 9F same as the 6F. that is a typo on the website picture...click on the 9F product details and it says 50 pound bag. if you want happy healthy rodents, give them some super worms or crickets once a week. Rats and mice are omnivores and all rodents will eat insects in the wild. they love to chase and hunt them...good mental exercise too

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

I'm glad you are happy with it but...

you're adding horse feed and hog feed plus cleaning 56 tubs every four days instead of seven, almost twice as often. How can you think you're saving money?

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Well the horse and hog feed are both 10.00 a bag so those are also way cheaper and I'm OCD about my tubs so I change tubs every four regardless of smell or feed. So I'm definitely saving money. My feed runs me around 160.00 a month total whereas with mazuri it was 330.00 and the pine is the same either way so that's a major savings.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

Sand Valley sells their food in 40lb bags. They will let you pick up from them in PA when they have it but delivery is by the truckload. It's a little more than $18 per 50lbs. They gave me the name of a local guy that sells it and it was the same price as Mazuri - $23.50 - so again, a no-brainer.

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Excuse me then, I was mistaken on the weight. We pick up, when we drive through, for $13.50 a bag.

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Originally Posted by Amon Ra Reptiles

Nope I keep my rats in my basement. I change tubs every four days and I have very little issue with odor. I admit I didnt have any issues with mazuri either but no way I'm spending 24 a bag when I have the same production for almost half the cost and to be honest I'm using less kent than I was mazuri. I do use some sweet mix horse feed and hog feed for a variety of diet but I doubt that I will ever buy mazuri again. Not for those prices.

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Make sure that whatever horse feed you're using is not high in hay content. Hay is basically useless for your rodents to eat.

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Originally Posted by MeinDraco

I got my information from talking to a Mazuri nutritionist. She recommended the 9F over the 6F because I was breeding rats and using them to feed to snakes. especially for ASF's since they are a slower growing rat, the extra fat will put on size faster. The 6F is a lower energy diet than the 9F. still a great diet. The 11F is actually the one I want but there is a 2 ton minimum order. She also said they are all for "rodents" including rats and mice. Neither of them is specific to rats or mice only. I pay $20 for a 50 pound bag of the 9F same as the 6F. that is a typo on the website picture...click on the 9F product details and it says 50 pound bag. if you want happy healthy rodents, give them some super worms or crickets once a week. Rats and mice are omnivores and all rodents will eat insects in the wild. they love to chase and hunt them...good mental exercise too

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I have not spoken to a nutritionist but I'm pretty sure that extra fat will put on weight, not size.

Could you post or send me the phone number of the place you buy Mazuri from?

Thanks

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Originally Posted by Amon Ra Reptiles

Well the horse and hog feed are both 10.00 a bag so those are also way cheaper and I'm OCD about my tubs so I change tubs every four regardless of smell or feed. So I'm definitely saving money. My feed runs me around 160.00 a month total whereas with mazuri it was 330.00 and the pine is the same either way so that's a major savings.

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As I said, I'm glad it's working out for you but Kent rodent feed almost killed me. I'm not trying to change your mind about what you feed. I just want to post my experience so others that are thinking about it, like I was, will know there may be issues.

As for the horse and hog feed, I have read the ingredients and I just don't think it's a healthy choice for my rats. I like the rolled oats and occassional sunflower seeds as a supplement.

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Originally Posted by Rhasputin

Excuse me then, I was mistaken on the weight. We pick up, when we drive through, for $13.50 a bag.

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No biggie. I have never tried their food and have yet found a reason to drive anywhere near them on a regular basis so I'll never get the chance.

I really wish I could find Mazuri 6F for less than $20. :please:

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Originally Posted by MeinDraco

I pay $20 for a 50 pound bag of the 9F same as the 6F.

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I checked with the Farm and Pet Outlet in Orlando and they sell 6F for $22.75 a bag.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

No biggie. I have never tried their food and have yet found a reason to drive anywhere near them on a regular basis so I'll never get the chance.

I really wish I could find Mazuri 6F for less than $20. :please:

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Have you tried out the hog grower pellets everyone was raving about? The main issue we've had with it, is it's too small to go in food hoppers. I mix it in with my mouse mix, and it cuts down the cost per lb exponentially. I also like that I can crush it and mix it with water and make a mushy food/treat too.

I got some "sow cubes" and did abysmally with it. I had cannibals and death. I don't know that it's that particular type or what.
My regular feed is Mazuri 6f.

I do have a bag of non-medicated hog feed(pellets) that I gave some of the rats, with no real adverse affect that I could see, but they didn't really go for it like they do the Mazuri. I did buy a 50 lb bag of rolled oats to supplement, but I haven't seen much difference using it and the rats don't seem to care for it at all, since I find a great deal of it in the tubs when I clean. Same with the linseed for the rats with tumors. They don't like it.

So far, my rats really like mealworms, any cereals(I normally buy puffed PLAIN rice or wheat at walmart in big bags), dried fruit, fresh apple, or non-salted roasted peanuts. The pet rats get way more tasty treats that I don't buy in bulk for the main breeders.

The asf get the same diet, less treats.

Any of my breeder females that look a little worn out get a dish with regular Mazuri soaked in strawberry Ensure(soak it for 20 minutes and it's mush, no grinding needed). They gobble it down and it seems to have an effect almost overnight.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

I did buy a 50 lb bag of rolled oats to supplement, but I haven't seen much difference using it and the rats don't seem to care for it at all, since I find a great deal of it in the tubs when I clean. Same with the linseed for the rats with tumors. They don't like it.

So far, my rats really like mealworms, any cereals(I normally buy puffed PLAIN rice or wheat at walmart in big bags), dried fruit, fresh apple, or non-salted roasted peanuts. The pet rats get way more tasty treats that I don't buy in bulk for the main breeders.

The asf get the same diet, less treats.

Any of my breeder females that look a little worn out get a dish with regular Mazuri soaked in strawberry Ensure(soak it for 20 minutes and it's mush, no grinding needed). They gobble it down and it seems to have an effect almost overnight.

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That's funny. You think they're going to eat rolled oats, which is basically dry oatmeal, after mealworms, cereal, fruits and peanuts? You spoiled them but it sounds like they're well taken care of.

Haha.... they got the rolled oats pretty early but yes, I had snuck them some dried banana and fruit pineapple too. All my critters are spoiled.

For all that SOME pet rat keepers hate me because they know I feed snakes... my feeder rats eat a better diet than their beloved pet rats do. And from the stench at two of their houses, my feeder bin is kept twice as clean. And that's just the feeders... not the breeders or my favorites who are treated like pets.