Raising any feeder animals will cost you more to do yourself than to buy frozen or live in bulk (mice or asf) if you have only a handful of snakes. (less than 10)

I recommend reading Lord Jackels "Should I breed, how many to breed" sticky at the top of the feeder section.

It is a break down of what your looking at for raising your own colony of rats.

For less than 10 snakes, it is just NOT worth it in cost comparison. 12 females and 2 males, not to mention the weaners, are going to cost ya. The upside is always having high quality live feeders, and saving some money when compared to petsmart or petco FT.

The only way I would even recommend raising your own feeders for a few snakes is this way:

1. 1.4+ rats- If your lucky and can sell off the extra, you should at least have all of your snakes over to FT, so you can CO2 what you need, and freeze for later. Selling off the rest to a store or local buyers.

2. 2.2-4 rats- Your animals take FT and you can "bulk up" your freezer with several litters, and remove the males while you use up your frozen stock. Males should always have a partner to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Also, tanks are heavy and have poor ventilation. Tubs and racks are great alternatives to raising healthy rodents when made properly.