Simple but effective small Scale breeding

[BrianD]

Well before I joined here I was in a situation--- having a hard time to find feeders. Well started doing some research online and surprisingly BP.net showed up alot on the searches. So the research I gather and eventually put this small 1.2 breeding colony together for my BP.

Consist of two 35 gallon totes. Has a water bottle in each and a homemade hanging food hoppers also. 1 tote is strictly for the daddy and any babys that are boys. The other tote serves as nursing and eventually for all females. Total cost was about 40$ for the two totes, two shoe boxes and water bottles. Already had the hardware cloth around.

Also I'm sure the question of food may arise.. I feed mine high protein dog food(27/15)Ferret type food(consisting of seeds,nuts,dryed fruit) I also give them table scrapes.

But before the momma had the babies I had to go on a search for future feeders to last Jake till the babies are big enough. So now since she had the babies I should not have any more issues with finding food. Considering my other doe is expecting.

Male tote is the back, Female tote is the front one.


The male tub. My male breeder near the bottom close to the other two. Right now I wanting on Jake to shed... but in the male tub also consist of 1.2 youngings. The two young females will be the next to go.

Male Tub again.


Now the female tub and PINKIES.
I have two plastic shoe boxes to help keep the females calm since they are/will be raising babies.



Momma and Soon to be momma layin on her back. I think she is getting uncomfortable.


Momma 1 gave birth 5 days ago to 7 pinkies. That was her first litter and glad there was no problems.



Here is a pic of the .2 breeding females. The momma is on the bottom and the pregnant doe is on top.


Here is the expecting mom. She is a little bit smaller than the other one. So I'm guessing some where along the lines of 4-6 babies expected.



I would like to thank BP.net for helping me on my quest for feeders. Its been a great help along with other sources on the net. I know its not rocket science to breed rats, but helps clear up alot of confusion along the way. One thing I have learned is patience is the key. So far its been a rewarding and fun quest.

Questions,comments, constructive criticism are welcome.

[rexrem]

Nice!

[jasbus]

Nice going...
My only advice is:
Dog food is crap.... 27% protein is way too high for rats. I know you are supplementing with other stuff, but that's just way too much protein for rats. Eventually, your stock will start having health issues, starting with skin irritations, and then kidney problems. The babies started on such a high protein diet will be the first to start with the issues.
The highest it should be is 19-20%.


Don't take it the wrong way. Just trying to help, been breeding rodents for over 20 years...

[Simple Man]

Nice going...
My only advice is:
Dog food is crap.... 27% protein is way too high for rats. I know you are supplementing with other stuff, but that's just way too much protein for rats. Eventually, your stock will start having health issues, starting with skin irritations, and then kidney problems. The babies started on such a high protein diet will be the first to start with the issues.
The highest it should be is 19-20%.


Don't take it the wrong way. Just trying to help, been breeding rodents for over 20 years...

Jasbus has you covered with good info. The only other thing I can see is your breeder male might have issues with other males in the tub with him, related or not. Once male rats breed, they really shouldn't be placed with other male rats in my opinion.

Regards,

B

[BrianD]

Nice going...
My only advice is:
Dog food is crap.... 27% protein is way too high for rats. I know you are supplementing with other stuff, but that's just way too much protein for rats. Eventually, your stock will start having health issues, starting with skin irritations, and then kidney problems. The babies started on such a high protein diet will be the first to start with the issues.
The highest it should be is 19-20%.


Don't take it the wrong way. Just trying to help, been breeding rodents for over 20 years...

So I would be best to cut the dog food out all together. So what is some good foods sold like at walmart, target, pets mart? What good recipes that i can put together like from feedstore?

[PitOnTheProwl]

What good recipes that i can put together like from feedstore?

Rodent blocks can be got at your feedstore

[wolfy-hound]

Most feedstores are happy to order you the rodent food if they don't carry it. That way you can get a huge bag for super cheap.

[jasbus]

So I would be best to cut the dog food out all together. So what is some good foods sold like at walmart, target, pets mart? What good recipes that i can put together like from feedstore?

Commercial rodent food... all you need for rats. They don't need any supplement as long as you get a good quality rodent diet. Mazuri, ADM, Harlan, even Kaytee isn't too bad... The only one I'd stay away from is Kent..
All of these may "sound" expensive, especially when you only have a handful of rats, but in the long run, it will save you money.
You should be able to go to a farmer's co-op and order from them if they don't carry it. Shouldn't be more than $30 for a 50# bag. Most people can find it for around $20-25.
Or, do what some of my friends do... They find a breeder(like me), who's nice enough to order a few extra bags when they order... Comes out even cheaper, like $17-20 a bag..

EDIT: By Kaytee, I mean, Kaytee rodent blocks, not the crap seed mixes...

[BrianD]

Not sure where you all live and what chain stores are around... But would anybody know if southern states carries stuff like this? I've got a tractor supply near by but still an hour away. Thats really the only type of feed stores that I know of around this area.


But thanks for the help.

[BrianD]

Jasbus has you covered with good info. The only other thing I can see is your breeder male might have issues with other males in the tub with him, related or not. Once male rats breed, they really shouldn't be placed with other male rats in my opinion.

Regards,

B

I will keep that in mind and an eye open. So far nothing probably bc the younger male might not be much of a threat. But if need be... Ive got 2 10 gallon tanks and 40 gallon long along with those totes. So will wait and see.