I won't be using a rack, as I have no tools with which to build it and my first/last attempt at building one failed miserably. These tubs will be stand alone, with hard wire mesh sides and I will stack them. I made a smaller version for some mice, so I hope to see what I can do for these and house rats in them. I plan on doing a 12 week cycle, giving females 3 weeks to rest between litters. I miscalculated. I believe I will need 24 females, since I need to be getting 2 litters per week and if everyone is one a 12 week cycle, having 24 females will keep the litters coming without skipping a week.

I plan on supplementing with fresh foods. There is a tractor supply store about 45 min from me but I have not called them yet to see what their prices would be. I'm supposed to get a call from the pet store tomorrow to see what their prices are so hopefully it won't be that bad. If its any less than $50, I'm all for it.

At first I was planning on selling any extras I produce, but have decided to use them as feeders for my ferrets. It will help me save money on their food bill, which is currently $60 a month. Feeding them a few rats a week might shave off $10 month or so.

But how many rats can comfortably live in a 56qt tub? I was thinking 2-3. Four might be a bit much, so maybe 2 would be good. That way I can have 12 tubs, stacked 4X3, and then I will use either glass tanks or get a few more tubs as female feeders, male feeders, and holdbacks.