It is recommended that you use an incubator so that it is easier to get the female to start eating again and back up to weight. It also allows you to have a more controlled/stable environment for the babies to develop under, minimizing the risks of some developmental defects.

I built my own hatchling rack using Vision tubs. I did thus because 1 V-35 short tub is the same width and height as 2 V -18 tubs or 3 V-15 tubs. This allows my rack to be really flexible as more snakes hatch, get sold, and grow.

As for breeding rats, you just have to pick a tub/rack system out and then decide how many females you will pair with your males (1 male per tub, 2 to 5 females, depending on the size of the tub). Here in the States, motar mixing tubs are very popular. I also like having smaller tubs to put the pregnant mothers in. I have found that this reduces the number of babies that die.

To build your own hatchling rack or rodent rack, look at the DIY section of this website.