I'd get small rats. If I'm getting from an outside source I prefer them just weaned (4/5 weeks old). The young ones seem to adjust better to their new home. I breed mine around 250g and retire around the 1yr mark when most females litter sizes tend to drop. I also rotate my male through the female tubs so that the females get a break between litters and weaning.
Look for a feeder breeder around your area and purchase females and males as needed. The rule of thumb is one female per snake you have. Males can cover quite a few females so depending on how many females you need, one male is probably plenty for now. Feeder breeders tend to have rats with good temperament (biters are usually snake food so good genes get passed on, personality is inheritable). They also tend to have larger litter sizes. Hold back ones from large litters also.
Hope this helps.as you go along you'll see what works for you and your group better.
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