Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I happen to find the discussion of these African Rats particulary pertinent to the Ball Python forum and I would like to hear more about them.

Can they be bred legally in the US?

Can they be bred the same way that "normal" rats are bred.

It sounds like they are quite prolific and might someday make a good replacement food for captive Balls, since Balls are already genetically programmed to eat these African Rats.

Can I buy these rats anywhere in the US?

Thanks in advance

You are able to buy them from companies like feeders plus. Yes you can breed legally obtained animals in the US without any issues, and yes they are suppost to be very prolific. The thing is you will have a difficult time trying to find some females because the people who have invested the most into them have a lock on the market, and don't want to release any females to the general public. They are out there though, and you can find females, you just have to REALLY look for them. Feeding them to adult balls that give you problems feeding is a good idea, but there are drawbacks. They stay fairly small, around the size of a gerbil, and balls have a chance of getting hooked on them. It isnt suggested to feed a ball that is eating reliably african soft furred rats because of these drawbacks. I personally love the idea of them for wc animals because the potential far outweight the drawbacks. hope this helps
Will Wohlers

I suggest checking with your state and municipal by-laws. Some may prohibit owning, breeding or selling these kinds of rats. The monkeypox incident a few years ago has stirred up alot of laws regarding many exotic mammals and rodents.
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PHLdyPayne