Rat Breeding

[OldState81]

Hello everyone, Just wondering if 2 females and 1 male ratio would be enough for my 7 snakes. I have 6 snakes that are currently eating rat pup sized meals and just purchased an adult female ball python that can handle medium rats. But she is not eating at this time? . . . I think maybe she would take live as she showed interest towards thawed without committing.

I understand that I can keep say 2 females in one tote and a male in another?. . must they be kept separate or do you keep the male in with the females at all times? Suggestion and advice will greatly appreciated! Thank you.. .

[Stewart_Reptiles]

For proper rotation and production you need to have one female rat per snake, otherwise you will not produce consitantly.

I do not recommend leaving the male in back to back litter takes it's toll very fast on the females, they are pregnant while nursing the litters will get smaller and so will the babies.

Setup 3 tubs with females and rotate your male spending 2 weeks at the time in each tub, that's the best solution in your case.

I also recommend to switch a few animals on f/t to take care of the surplus, rats grow fast and when they are larger than you need just euthanize and freeze them.

[Ba11er]

I used one female for each of my snakes which i think would work great if my snakes didnt start hitting the 1000g point where their feeding became less consistent. You might be able to get away with one less female. I also had two male rats that could cohabitate when i didnt need them with the females. Rats shouldnt be housed alone. Also get a scale and weigh the babies so you know exactly when they need to be gassed/ fed off instead of eyeing it.