I've had success with "chaining" prey items before (not with a retic but other snakes including BPs) so I'd definitely try that. Also, another post suggested
scenting the rats with chicks (I think the rat odor would be the stronger one though) but what about some dirty chicken feathers stuck onto damp (f/t) rats?
Assuming you can find someone to give you some dirty chicken litter with feathers...I think they should stick to a wet rat. OK, you'll get some weird looks for
asking but that's better than $6 a chick, ya?