Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm really liking how much easier to clean/maintain my rack is. I also like the rodent chow because the chunks are bigger and don't fall through the 1/2" hardware cloth. But I'm noticing that since I switched over to this setup the mother rats are eating there babies somewhat often now. This used to happen occasionally in the rubbermaid setup, but now its happening far too much. I'm losing about half my rats to babies dying. Some of them are just dying and I'm removing them, others are just dissapearing by morning.

They are eating the rat food fairly quickly, also the watering system is working great and they've all got water all the time.

Could this have something to do with the spring time and temps getting warmer?

I don't know what it is but I've got about 12 large females that should be capable of producing but they just aren't. I've been breeding rats since november and I've yet to see even 2/3 large females produce as often as they should.

Is there something I could be overlooking?

Pictures of the rack are still up on my site, ihatesoda.com

What is the protein level of the blocks? Often Lab blocks aren't high enough in protein for constantly reproducing animals. That is what I would look at first.
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Sonya

I agree... I switched to lab blocks and my mice suddenly ate all their babies. Normally I would get production like I have had the last week (350 pinks born in the last week), but whilst on lab blocks I raised ten mice to adulthood. at least supplement with something higher in protein and possibly fat.
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~Sasheena

and the kids: Tantilla, Tantillas, Lightning, Kinkee, Maple, Castle, Bishop, Queenie, Jester, Pandora, Phantom, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes, and Lady

What brand of chow are you using and how old is it?

DeMak

Sorry but I don't have internet at home anymore and
I'm here at work, I don't know the fat/protein levels of
the chow I'm using. Does this mean I should switch back to
"cheapo" brand dog food again? The only reasons I really liked
the rodent chow was because it didn't fall through the 1/2"
hardware cloth, and I thought it would be better for the rats, and
thus better for the snakes.

Are these misconceptions of the truth?