Quote Originally Posted by littleindiangirl View Post
I haven't noticed a difference between males kept in a rack as a breeder, or rats allowed cage height their whole lives.

In my colony, it appears to be mostly genetics that determine the rats size, and fat is based on food intake with genetics.

However, they are perfectly capable of stretching their legs and back in a tub much like a cat does when they wake up. I see them do it everyday. :/
I've read your web site, I know you are one of the good guys and I believe you that your rats can stretch and are comfortable.

I'm coming from a pet owner / rescue perspective and I just get a little tired of seeing 5+ adults kept in a cat litter pan along with their bubs (not so much on this forum, but there are a few others where it's awful). I've had rescues that were kept in a 10 gallon aquarium their whole lives and they had such poor muscle tone that during their first opportunity at free range time they couldn't even climb on top of an overturned shoe box. Those same rats are in signifacantly better body condition after a few weeks of living a large cage where they can climb the bars and have room to run more than a few steps in the cage. I know that muscle tone, edurance and agility isn't much of a concern for a feeder animal, but like I said, I'm coming from a pet perspective.