The price of feeders where I live is crazy. Petsmart is selling frozen medium rats for over $10. And when you order them the price of shipping puts ordering from a wholesaler at nearly the same cost.

I found a local pet store going out of business, and got some bulk aspen bedding at 50% off. I made a rat cage out of a tub and bought two large rats from another local pet store for $9.99 a piece (outrageously priced I might add).

Now that I have a 1.1 colony just started when can I expect a litter? Do they need to settle in? How long will I have to raise the pups until they reach a body size of 4 inches? They are being fed a high protein dog food from the local feed store, supplemented with table scraps (chicken bones, veggies, grains).

Any input is appreciated...