average cost of a starter rat colony?

[Adam Chandler]

after searching most of miami for female rats, i came across a private breeder. he's willing to sell me 4 females and 1 male for $40. so my question is ... what's the average cost of a starter colony ? and he's litterally 3 blocks from my house. thanx in advance......

I think by cost you are just talking about breeding stock, right? Not caging, food, etc?

Breeding stock wise it's all about quality. If he has a good bloodline with healthy rats then yes, the 1.4 group would be well worth $40.

Private ratteries are usually the way to go since pet stores tend to have the least healthy rats (physically and genetically).