Originally Posted by chromeitout
I have breeding rats for about a year now, but now that my bp collection has grown in size and numbers I am going to have to expand. I produce WAY more mice than I can use so that project is good, but I need some opinions on what and how many racks/breeders you guys think I should build to give me what I need (I plan to build something tomorrow).
Right now I have 14 bp's. 3 are taking large rats, 3 are taking smalls, and 8 are taking mediums. More production than I need is better than less.
I only have one rack for rats so far. It is a 7 high concrete tub rack. It has 1.2 or 1.3 in 4 tubs, 1 weaner tub, 1 holdback tub and 1 empty.
I have watched all of the RDR youtube vids., and love the way he is set up. My thinking is bringing me to believe that I should use my current rack for weans and rest for moms, and I should build a 12 tub jumbo litter pan breeder rack w/ 1.5 each. Does this sound right? Also, how many birthing tubs would you recommend for this number if you agree? would a 24 tubber like my mice racks be enough or not? Any help woud be appreciated as I would like to build at least 1 rack tomorrow.
to increase would require more info
but with the info provided, I would suggest switching as many of your mice eating snakes over to rat pups if you can...
down sizing your mouse breeding and increasing your rat breeding.
I would increase the colony sizes in the concrete mixing tubs and personally...in any situation where large rats are needed...I would do away with the birthing rack...
Turn your birthing rack into a grow out rack...
purpose of a birthing rack is to allow mothers time to rest...in a production set up resting is bad. The more they produce continuosly, the quicker they will grow and the fatter they will get at a younger age...(these are your larges you will eventually be feeding)
Does each snake only eat one rat at the given size? How often do you feed them? how many mice do you have in a colony?
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