What to feed rat colonies

What else can you feed a rat colony if mazuri lab blocks are not an option?
Thank you for your time.

Dog food, native earth, and there's another rat block but I can't think of the name.

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Originally Posted by toyota89

Dog food, native earth, and there's another rat block but I can't think of the name.

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So its ok to feed them dog food as a regular diet?

What is a brand you would reccommend?

I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about feeding dog food. There are other lab block companies out there that will work well. Why is mazuri not an option?

Harlan Teklad lab blocks is the next best thing next to Mazuri.
Why can't you get Mazuri? You can order directly from their website with reasonable shipping.

And dog food isn't the greatest thing to feed. It tends to make rats smell more and a lot more greasy.
Hog feed would be a better option.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

Harlan Teklad lab blocks is the next best thing next to Mazuri.
Why can't you get Mazuri? You can order directly from their website with reasonable shipping.

And dog food isn't the greatest thing to feed. It tends to make rats smell more and a lot more greasy.
Hog feed would be a better option.

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This. I actually just ordered 2 50# bags of their 6f, it was $59 delivered to my door with shipping.

I've read enough bad about feeding dog good that I personally would avoid it. I've read before that it can have bad effects in your snakes over time. This is hearsay of course, but I'm personally not risking it.

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I would stay away from dog food...
Mazuri, Harlan-tekland, purina makes a rodent block and kent are all good choices. There are different levels of fats and proteins, 20# and 50# bags...look for equestrian stores, feed and saddlery stores, reptile expo's or you can always purchase online but the shipping ups the price.

Ive used the Purina rodent block, some Ace Hardwares sell rat feed too. It's not bad but the protein content can make your bucks a bit greasy. Avoid dog food, it will make their feces smell x10 as bad. Most dog foods are a crap for rats and youll need to spend just as much on a high grade dog food as Mazuri/Native Earth.

If you have no use for a large quantity of rat food consider selling it by lb on CL or online.
It's lucrative if you do your math and business correctly. For example, many pet owners would like to purchase a higher grade food but are not willing to buy 40LB plus shipping for three rats.

Check with your local co-op supply, or cenex. Mine orders Mazuri for me, no shipping, $26 a bag. Then I have a 15 minute drive to pick it up.

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I don't know anything about rodents but why do u feed these so called blocks and even dog food.... What's wrong with the rat food they sell at pet stores?

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Originally Posted by royal constrictor

I don't know anything about rodents but why do u feed these so called blocks and even dog food.... What's wrong with the rat food they sell at pet stores?

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Blocks are the easiest and most cost effective form of feed for rats. Rats scatter, hide and urinate on their food. Which can grow quite pricey. Seed mixes are not good, rats pick through them and eat what they like - not what they need.

Pet store brand foods are sold in small portions for a large price. This is not good for a breeder of 150+ rats that need to keep costs down. Lab block feeds are often better quality than pet food too.

EDIT: Most breeders use a rack system. The blocks are nibbled through the galvanized metal grids but the rats cannot pull them till they are small enough. This method cuts down significantly on rat block expenses.

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Originally Posted by royal constrictor

I don't know anything about rodents but why do u feed these so called blocks and even dog food.... What's wrong with the rat food they sell at pet stores?

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A quality brand rodent block has everything a rat needs nutritionally. Most seed mixes are garbage and full of stuff not good for a rat. As previously mentioned, rats will pick and choose what they want from pet store mixes, usually leaving behind the 'good stuff'. By having one type of food, the rats can't pick and choose since everything is the same. Also, rats have forever growing teeth. The blocks are hard and help wear down their teeth to a healthy size. Otherwise, the teeth could become overgrown and cause other health issues. Also rats who don't get their daily dose of chewing will try to chew other things (aka the enclosure).

And it's cheaper and easier to buy in bulk, which most pet stores won't have. I personally get 50 pound bags. Pet stores usually just sell 5 pound stuff

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I see now thanks guys but what if I want to get a small amount of rats like 2 females and one male would u still suggest getting blocks

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Originally Posted by royal constrictor

I see now thanks guys but what if I want to get a small amount of rats like 2 females and one male would u still suggest getting blocks

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Yup.

Even if I had a single rat, I would still feed it rodent blocks.
A quality block has everything a rat needs nutritionally. The Mazuri 6F is specific for breeding rats. It's perfect for breeding females and nursing pups. It also keeps production high and the females in good weight.

If I get small rats will they eventually become jumbo rats with age or r these 2 different genes? Sorry for the noob questions

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Originally Posted by royal constrictor

If I get small rats will they eventually become jumbo rats with age or r these 2 different genes? Sorry for the noob questions

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Small rats will become jumbo rats if you allow them to grow up.
Small rats are just young juvenile rats, while large and jumbos are adults.

There is a dwarf gene that does make the rats small (even as adults), but it a very rare gene. The chances that you get one is very low.