We have 4 pet adult rats (the 2 females should be preggie right now). Like Becky we mix our own feed....very easy! Cost effective too as most of the mixes sold at the pet store are way too expensive and a lot of waste. We just put some lab block in, then a bit of dog food (we get this free from samples for the local pet store and feed store...very nice quality stuff), add in some mixed cereals, a bit of big flake oatmeal, and some trail mix (for people) we get cheap in bulk. The love chocolate btw and it is not dangerous for them as it is for dogs. Avoid citrus fruits.

There is a list out there of recommended and not recommended foods for rats but darned if I can find it (Becky do you have it?)

Rats are easy to keep, have little smell relative to the stink mice put out, are well mannered if handled reguarily (watch the females with babies tho!), and not picky eaters. We give ours steak and ham bones to chew on for their teeth and a bit of whatever was on the dinner menu too. The love pasta!

Once per week they get an end slice of bread dipped in a little bit of olive oil (one slice split between 4 big rats). It keeps their coats in perfect condition and costs basically pennies.

We just figured out our first order from The Mouse Factory though and it comes out (with shipping) to only about $1.12 per prey item (3 different sized rats) or less....so I'm not sure if it's even cost effective to raise my own.


~~Jo~~