Like juicebox, I too breed "pet quality" rats. My initial breeding stock were pricey between $25 - $50 per rat (i wanted pretty rats with rarer genetics) Though to be honest they predated my snakes. Part of the reason i got into snakes because I wanted to breed rats and needed a plan for my culls and extras.
However it was worth every penny. If I were to be into snakes first and wanted to start breeding my own feeders. I'd definitely go for the fancy schmancy rats again.
Rat bites hurt. My well socialized genetically good tempered rats have NEVER bitten me. Even when I've deserved it! When I've had a baby pull a Houdini it actually comes to me instead of a wild goose chase. I've never lost a litter. Not even my maiden girl's first go round the rodeo - they have all been excellent mothers. Very few health issues popping up as well. I have a low mortality rate amongst my kits. I think a part of it is the mums are less stressed with my messing around cleaning the cages, feeding, and being in the room - because they all actually love people. Heck plenty of times I open the door to top off the food dish and momma rat comes running up to me like "Please! Give me a break from these brats!"
Rodents stress pretty easily. Everything you can do to reduce their stress will increase their productivity. Enrichment activities, not breeding back to back, establishing trust with them - etc.
Enrichment is a major stress buster amongst rodents. My ASFs arent tame, and my first attempt at a colony was a disaster - i upped my Enrichment activities for them and had a lot better luck on the last few attempts. Gave them a wheel, more foraging activities, different things in their cage. Squabbling and stress went down and babies started popping out and were well cared for.
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