What to feed rat colonies

[bokuza]

I don't know anything about rodents but why do u feed these so called blocks and even dog food.... What's wrong with the rat food they sell at pet stores?

Blocks are the easiest and most cost effective form of feed for rats. Rats scatter, hide and urinate on their food. Which can grow quite pricey. Seed mixes are not good, rats pick through them and eat what they like - not what they need.

Pet store brand foods are sold in small portions for a large price. This is not good for a breeder of 150+ rats that need to keep costs down. Lab block feeds are often better quality than pet food too.

EDIT: Most breeders use a rack system. The blocks are nibbled through the galvanized metal grids but the rats cannot pull them till they are small enough. This method cuts down significantly on rat block expenses.

[satomi325]

I don't know anything about rodents but why do u feed these so called blocks and even dog food.... What's wrong with the rat food they sell at pet stores?

A quality brand rodent block has everything a rat needs nutritionally. Most seed mixes are garbage and full of stuff not good for a rat. As previously mentioned, rats will pick and choose what they want from pet store mixes, usually leaving behind the 'good stuff'. By having one type of food, the rats can't pick and choose since everything is the same. Also, rats have forever growing teeth. The blocks are hard and help wear down their teeth to a healthy size. Otherwise, the teeth could become overgrown and cause other health issues. Also rats who don't get their daily dose of chewing will try to chew other things (aka the enclosure).

And it's cheaper and easier to buy in bulk, which most pet stores won't have. I personally get 50 pound bags. Pet stores usually just sell 5 pound stuff

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[royal constrictor]

I see now thanks guys but what if I want to get a small amount of rats like 2 females and one male would u still suggest getting blocks

[satomi325]

I see now thanks guys but what if I want to get a small amount of rats like 2 females and one male would u still suggest getting blocks

Yup.

Even if I had a single rat, I would still feed it rodent blocks.
A quality block has everything a rat needs nutritionally. The Mazuri 6F is specific for breeding rats. It's perfect for breeding females and nursing pups. It also keeps production high and the females in good weight.

[royal constrictor]

If I get small rats will they eventually become jumbo rats with age or r these 2 different genes? Sorry for the noob questions

[satomi325]

If I get small rats will they eventually become jumbo rats with age or r these 2 different genes? Sorry for the noob questions

Small rats will become jumbo rats if you allow them to grow up.
Small rats are just young juvenile rats, while large and jumbos are adults.

There is a dwarf gene that does make the rats small (even as adults), but it a very rare gene. The chances that you get one is very low.