Purchasing lab strains?

[MootWorm]

Oh snap. That's a bit of a drive lol.

[Badgemash]

Oh snap. That's a bit of a drive lol.

It is indeed, and I'm already going to have two lunatic scottish terriers and an asf colony riding with me (and possibly the DH, not sure yet). Snakes are going fedex, I just can't handle moving a dozen bps and a boa on top of everything else.

[sorraia]

Some labs will sell to non-research "facilities". I don't know what the process or procedure is, but it can be costly (depending on what you get and quantity, I'm sure). Many years ago I worked at a reptile store (I was their "Rodent Queen" and in charge of all the rodent care), and they informed me their mice came lab stock, but I don't know which one.

No matter where you get your animals from (lab or private breeder), do all the research you can, and ask lots of questions. If the breeder isn't keeping any kind of record on their animals, then you don't know what you'll be getting. If they do keep records, the more records they keep the better and more information you'll have on the lines. Ask about inbreeding, linebreeding, and outcrossing. Do your research on those breeding tool also - inbreeding/linebreeding are not inherently harmful, it depends on what is already in the line and how those tools are used in the breeding program. (In fact, constant outcrossing can sometimes do more harm than good by spreading a potentially deleterious gene throughout the entire colony, and you won't know where it came from or how to get rid of it. Inbreeding can tell you where it came from, which will then help you figure out how to get rid of it, as well as concentrate it into one branch of the family lineage, which you can then pinch off and eliminate the undesired trait/s.)

[Badgemash]

Very good advice sorraia, and that's exactly what prompted my thinking about this (actually I think it was one of your other posts on line breeding). I figure if they're being used for research then they'll have to be genetically very consistent so there shouldn't be any surprises lurking, but it turns out there are dozens of lines and the vast majority are selectively bred with faults (as expected). It looks like Taconic will do it, but of the two lines that are suitable (sort of general purpose rats) I'd be looking at $20-35 per rat plus shipping costs.

[sorraia]

Very good advice sorraia, and that's exactly what prompted my thinking about this (actually I think it was one of your other posts on line breeding). I figure if they're being used for research then they'll have to be genetically very consistent so there shouldn't be any surprises lurking, but it turns out there are dozens of lines and the vast majority are selectively bred with faults (as expected). It looks like Taconic will do it, but of the two lines that are suitable (sort of general purpose rats) I'd be looking at $20-35 per rat plus shipping costs.

If you go with lab rats, general purpose would probably be the best bet. $20-35 actually isn't too bad, if I may say so. Rats from show/pet breeders would run about that amount too, though some will give discounts if multiples are purchased. Shipping is what will kill you though. I don't know what kind of deals the labs have, but among pet breeders, you are looking at $100 just for the plane ticket. With additional supplies (carrier, health certificates if needed, mileage reimbursement, etc) it can climb to $200 or more. I personally never shipped rats, too expensive.

It's too bad you're moving across the country. There's enough breeders out this way that could help you out when you were ready.

[MootWorm]

Maybe try joining a rat forum and find a local breeder? Just don't tell them what they'll be used for lol