Feeder Farms

[Metalluscat]

Does anyone have any experience in raising their own mice/rats/asf as feeders for their snakes? I'm interested in getting set up since the price for feeders seems to be on a constant rise in my area.

[Derrick]

I rase my Rats, Mice and ASF's for feeding..It drastically cut costs

[Metalluscat]

I rase my Rats, Mice and ASF's for feeding..It drastically cut costs

Even with the costs of maintaining the feeders themselves? Since you raise all three, what would you recommend using? I'm currently purchasing hopper mice for my hatchlings.

[Derrick]

It all depends on your need.

[RobNJ]

I raised mice, rats, and ASF's for 5-6 years, and never found it quite worth it....especially after my original rodent food supplier went under. They sold blocks for a great price and delivery was free. Once that ended, it wasn't the same for me. Lots of work, that in that time, I could have been accomplishing several other things. I was breeding enough feeders that I would be able to sell some and recoup about 40-50% of my maintenance/feeding expenses, but in the long run, still not worth it to me.

[satomi325]

I raise rats and asfs. I do mice on and off.
It's always been cheaper for me personally than buying feeders. I sell the extras as pets and the rats essentially pay for themselves.

Check out the Feeder section of this forum.

[sorraia]

I'm raising rats for my snakes. I've estimated I have cut my costs in half, compared to having to buy the rats instead.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I do mice and rats. Mainly to save feeding cost but depending how big your collection is it can be some work too. How much space do you have to work with?

[black06gt]

I breed rats for my collection and It saves me 40-50 percent from buying at local pet shops they are pretty pricey $3.49 for pups, $3.99 for Smalls and $4.99 for Med. For the last couple months I've been purchasing rats with another local BP breeder directly from a large rat breeder at a much better price- $2.25 for pups $2.50 for Smalls and $3.25 For Med. I choose to breed my own rats so I can produce better quality rats to feed my snakes, the rats from the breeder are packed up in overcrowded tubs during transport and when we receive them some are dehydrated and have poop on them. My breeder rats are treated like pets and I fed a high quality food along with a seed,dry pasta,whole grain cereal,fruit mix I make myself. I do not save any money breeding them verses buying from the breeder but I know my snakes are being fed high quality/healthy rats. I currently have 2 males and 12 females which gives me roughly a litter a week. They spend 4 wks with the male, 3-4 wks in a birthing tub with there litter and 4 wks in a large 2 story wire cage to rest and put some weight back on. And all that is done in a closet in my studio lol, I clean the rat tubs / cage every 4 days. Only smell I get from the closet is the kiln dried pine bedding. I've had people over and unless I open the closet door to show them the rats they have no idea there even there

[Metalluscat]

I do mice and rats. Mainly to save feeding cost but depending how big your collection is it can be some work too. How much space do you have to work with?

Currently looking to move, I hope to have an entire room to devote to my snakes. I only have two currently, though I plan on breeding them once capable.