# of Snakes to Breeding Rats ?

[BillinIndiana]

At what number of snakes would you consider breeding your own rat colony? Is it worth it for 1 snake, 2 snakes etc?

[carlson]

Well I have just started my rat breeding as of now I have only a bp and a carpet python but I'm getting ready to start breeding balls so I'm gonna start freezing off rat pinks and pups and all those fun sizes so once my breeding kicks off none of my baby snakes will go hungry. In truth the rat breeding is becoming a hobby all it's own lol

[dillan2020]

Breeding rats is fun for me i would do it for just 2 snakes. you can always pull the male and put him back in to keep your production down.

[Andrew21]

Define "worth it". Lol If you don't like rodents, then no. It wouldn't be worth it for just 1 or 2 snakes. I breed mice for my 4 corns and I also sell a few to make them pay for themselves. I dislike mice, but can't see myself buying them from someone else. I started breeding them when I only had 1 corn.(Back when I also liked the mice) I just recently got 2 little weanling rats. Rats are easily 10 times better than mice. They are smarter, and more social. The rats are just my pets. I buy 4 cubic feet of bedding for $6 and 50 pounds of feed for $12. The bedding probably lasts a month and a half. The feed lasts around 3 + months for just 2 colonies of 1.3 mice and 2 - 3 grow out tubs. Just an idea on general costs, after the cost of a rack or whatever you use. Hope this helps!

[mskeebster]

Started breeding rodents as food source for my ball pythons and has become a hobby of its own. Since my snakes are still young and need time to grow, I preoccupy myself with getting my colonies established and well, playing around with mice and rat genetics. It's fun if you like that sort of thing and it keeps me fairly entertained. Yes, it's more work but I've yet to go to a pet shop where I'm not irked by how skinny the feeders I buy for the price I pay. And the closest pet shop is 45 minutes for me. Not a bad drive during summer but annoying for winter!

[BillinIndiana]

Thanks for the replies, we just have the one BP.. I was just curious as to how many snakes you owned before you finally started breeding your own prey. I haven't looked into what all it takes to start a colony. With just the one BP I would probably freeze and try to sell a few.

[RestlessRobie]

As a rule of thumb 1 Breeding female per snake seems to work out great for me. I only have 4 snakes and have a 1.4 colony and it is working great. I sell a few extra rats every month and it pays for the supplies for my rodents. So basically my rodents are free