I mix my own food too and did go overboard on the dog food. My really old retired breeder male, LeRoy, got all scabby from too high protien poor old guy.

I actually get my dog food as free samples from the pet store (free is always good!) Lots of different flavors and very nice quality! I add in rat block, a bit of parrot mix (they sell it bulk at the pet store), cereal like total or banana nut crunch (they love that stuff!), bit of large flake oatmeal and a small bag of human trailmix (no citrus). Cheap, easy and they waste none of it.

They also get hand treats and bones to chew on. Once per week they get the end slice from a sandwich loaf dipped in a bit of olive oil. They adore this treat and it makes their coat condition just like a baby rat! I share one slice between 4 adult rats.

We are currently waiting to see if our two female rats are finally preggers. They are both certainly old enough and I left one of my males in with them for 2 solid weeks so they best be LOL.

Quick question, something I saw somewhere online (who can remember)....should I add in dry milk powder for the preggie ladies and when they are nursing or will the above mix provide whatever calcium they require at this time?


~~Jo~~