Hey Don,
I am actually doing an experiment right now with a couple quad groups using 12 x 17 inch spaces. The groups just dropped a litter each so I was going to wait to see how they handle them when they are weaning. Honestly though, my opinion is that the space is going to be too small. I've noticed my productive groups fire out about 30 babies on average a litter (for 3 females) and the second litters are usually dropped before the weanlings are ready to be removed. I have a larger bin right now with 41 rats in it (1.2 + pinks + weanlings).. And the space is on the brink of too small. They are in a 18 x 25 ish area. The thing with ASF is that they throw out SO many babies so frequently, they need bigger spaces for breeding purposes. I find my more productive groups can get stressed once the second litters drops in the big bins.
Here is the 12 x 17 inch enclosure with 5 asf and a litter of 7
I'll keep you updated on the smaller enclosures as these litters grow.
Cheers,
Chris.
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