Starting my own rat breeding

[Botis]

Good pics.

Only thing Im worried about at this point is there age, there a bit too young to breed so theyll be together up until shes visibly pregnant. Hopefully that wont be an issue.

Thats one fat biatch!

[TammyJ]

Originally Posted by HaloedSatan

Yes, dry. I buy the cheapest bag w/ the highest protein content. Right now I'm using one that is 31.5% protein.

I use the Purina. I also give them Beneful dog food mixed in.

[HaloedSatan]

Females should be ready at 8 weeks old. Small rats 45g-89g are a month old. Hopefully that helps. Just make sure you keep a good eye on them. I did the same thing youre doing now my first time. I went to sleep one night, woke up one morning to a few babies half chewed. I saved a 5 or 6 of them before the male got them. It was unfortunate, but it could have been avoided. If youre in a situation to watch them daily, just pay attention to the male. You'll know if she's ready to breed or not by watching the male. He'll keep trying to pin her and mount her. If you see him doing this just let him go. Once he stops doing it regularly you can be fairly certain the female isnt ovulating anymore because she's knocked up.

The female I showed you last night in the pic is probably about 4-7 days away from dropping, though, it's her first time pregnant, so she could drop 5 mins from now. Whatever time is left before she does drop her litter, it makes no matter. The point of the picture was to identify that she is pregnant. pay attention to your females. Pick them up about once every 5 days 2 weeks after the male has been introduced. Females ovulate every 4 days if I can remember right. Anyway, every 5 days will keep your eyes fresh to change. I wouldnt recommend picking her up daily because I wouldnt want you to slowly see a growth in her and not notice it because she's growing 'little by little'.

[Botis]

Once again good advice, Ill update when she gives birth

[HaloedSatan]

One more post Botis. When I chose the female to take a pic of I tried to choose which one was farthest along. The female that I took a pic of just popped this morning, and gave me 12 for her first litter. I'm very pleased with 12.I want to say it's my largest 1st time litter. Anyway, the pic I posted of the pregnant female is a good pic for determining "the end" of gestation.

[Botis]

Originally Posted by HaloedSatan

Anyway, the pic I posted of the pregnant female is a good pic for determining "the end" of gestation.

Ya, I saved it as a reference. Should be a big help determining when this little slut gets knocked up (lol)