>>But I have to ask, how old are they after 5 litters?
>>
>>I would hope to consistently get female breeders to the 2 year mark for age with my method, if not more. But my rats are also my pets, so it means more to me to have them take a break after a litter. I don't mind having the buggers around.

I get that from my girls before they hit a year. Usually I won't breed them the first time til they are 10-12 weeks old, depending on their own growth. I have a few as pets but most of the 50 plus breeding adults I have are just that, breeders for feeders. I cull them as feeders themselves. None of my females get notable thin from raising litters and I have (just did some weighing to confirm this) litters that were 45-50 grams at 2.5 wks and another litter 85-95 grams at 3.5 wks. By the time they wean they are triple digits, so no one is starving or worn out here.

As pets I have had them easily get to two and many to three, again, depending on the line. One of my customers just came in to buy new babies as her three passed this last fall all getting past 4 yrs. I don't know HOW she did it but she had all their info from the day she took them home and assured me they were that old. They passed of basic old age, not tumors and cancer. I thought that was cool. Considering when I started with rats in the 70s it was easy to get them to 4 or 5yrs I miss having that since all the myco and weaknesses.

I think which why you use to breed them really depends on what works for you. As I say, the rats adapt.
-----
Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

[ Show Entire Thread ]