Posted by:
DeMak
at Sat Jun 7 20:39:26 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by DeMak ]
I agree with Sonya about tubs. I use sterlite 32 Qt. or 66 Qt. tubs. They have the same floorspace, one is just taller. I posted some pics on Photo Gallery that are pretty self explanitory for making them. The tub($6), water bottle($3), 1/2" hardware cloth($2) and nuts and bolts for plastic top($3) or wood for frame top ($1). If something is not clear, post here and you'll get lotsa help. These are something that has kind of evolved here. Others do it differently and have great results also.
I've kept as many as 1.4 in a tub that size, but think 1.3 works better. Now I keep 1.5 split between 3 tubs. Who ever looks like they're going to deliver next goes in with Big Daddy. That way I take advantage of the female going into heat the day after they deliver. Not everyone does this. Some think it is to hard on the females. I bought mine as medium rats in OCT 2002 (I think?) and they are still going strong. If you don't do this you will get half the production per month.
For bedding, I've used pine shavings, alfalfa hay, alfalfa pellets (rabbit food) and now I'm experimenting with alfalfa/oat hay pellets (horse food). They are about 2/3 the price of alfalfa pellets here. They are much bigger though 3/8" X 1" to 3/8" X 3". So far, I'm undecided between rabbit or horse pellets.
I feed rat chow or dog food (no red dye). I feed cabbage once a week to supplement vitamin C but am not sure that's nessecary.
I usually get a litter a month per female. I figure on 10 to 12 per litter, but my last litters have been 16, 13, 16, 6, 14, 13, 7. I've just started keeping records. The same female gave the 6 & 7 litters. Without her the average would be 14 . I've been trying to decide who to cull, without records I wouldn't know.
No need to apologize for asking questions here, that's what we all do!
Keep them fed, watered, clean, ventilated but not too drafty. You won't be able to stop them.
Good Luck, and let us know how things work out.
DeMak
[ Hide Replies ]
|
Housing and bedding - DeMak, Sat Jun 7 20:39:26 2003