So I've considered breeding ASF's for a while now since we have a sometimes picky eater and I've been looking into breeding our own mice/rats anyway just because it's cheaper than getting them from the pet stores around here. But I think ASF's would be better for our sometimes picky eater. I've read over the care sheet and just have a few more questions.

About how big of a tank will I need if I want to do a 1.4 colony? Will I need any heat lamps? Our apartment is about 65*-70* most of the time in the winter and around 75*-80* in the summer. But it never gets below 65* or I think I might freeze to death. In the care sheet it said they'd need temps between 70*-90*, is that ambient or do they need like a basking spot or do I have my head in the beardie forums too much?

I read they eat [and will play with] Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet and I'll probably need to make one of the dispensers I saw a sticky on how to make. How often do they need the bird seed and cat food? Is that just like a treat type of thing? How much do you offer? Do they need any other food as a supplement for the Rat and Mouse Diet?

Since I would be breeding I have a couple questions on that too... If ASF's don't like new ASF's in their colony, how to do introduce new blood into the line so it doesn't get too inbred? And do you take the babies away from the mom after a certain amount of time? How long or can the babies stay with the adults? Will the moms ween the babies or do they need to be weened by the keeper?

One last question, what's my best bet for finding ASF's? Texas allows them [I'm fairly certain...] but I haven't seen them at pet stores obviously. Am I going to have to find a breeder in my area, since I've heard shipping is difficult? To the mods, I'm not looking to buy or get any offers, just the best method, promise.

Sorry for all the questions I don't want to get a colony and then have problems...