1-2 hour old rat pinks are pretty close to a large mouse fuzzie. Adult mice are pretty close to rat pups (2-3 weeks old).


Most economical is fishtanks ... however they will also give you the most problems. They have terrible air flow and are really good at keeping ammonia in (they are designed to hold fluids).

This link will show you how to build a good enclosure for slightly more than a new 10 gallon tank. I use it as a travel cage ... but my wife has a pair in one and I have seen no problems. It would easily hold a trio.

Find good feed and bedding. Good feed is going to ensure both mother and litter are healthy and growing well. Good bedding is a must. Bad bedding will keep your rats constantly sick, it may cost an extra few dollars to get a good bedding ... but it will save you from having to buy new breeders every month.

Make sure you have an outlet for the rats. Demand for small rats is low ... and most people will raise rats instead of mice so there is an excess. I sell 15 mice to every rat ... even to local pet stores that sell boas and larger snakes.

If you are actually wanting to get into the "biz" then you need to invest in good caging (or build your own) and put out some money for good stock. Local lines are usually inbred and cant hold up in a breeding operation, plus they may have many problems like chronic RI's, small litters, unhealthy litters, aggression, or even sterility.

Bryan