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!