Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just started breeding rats, but I have them in the lab rodent cages. I want to build a rack for a few cages to hold breeders and babies.
--What type (gauge, spacing) of mesh should I use for the top?
--What size is generally reccomended for a breeding pair?
--Is it a problem to keep 1 male with 2 females constantly?
I have noticed some sores around the males eyes, and am not sure if it is from the female or if he has some problems. Any idea what that could be?
Thanks in advance,
Justin J
Australian Addiction Reptiles

>>I just started breeding rats, but I have them in the lab rodent cages. I want to build a rack for a few cages to hold breeders and babies.

If you only want a few tubs(3 or 4 tops), you can just stack them. This is not quite as convienent as a rack. Your choice.

>>--What type (gauge, spacing) of mesh should I use for the top?

I use 1/2" hardware cloth for the top for rats. If you decide to raise mice, 1/4".

>>--What size is generally reccomended for a breeding pair?

I raise mine in groups of 1.3 or 1.4 from the time they are weaned in cement mixing tubs that are approx. 20" X 27" X 6".

>>--Is it a problem to keep 1 male with 2 females constantly?

The only time I seperate rats is when the litters are more than 3 or 4 days apart. Then I move the mom who had her litter first and her babies to a seperate tub. Otherwise the older pups hog all the milk.

>>I have noticed some sores around the males eyes, and am not sure if it is from the female or if he has some problems. Any idea what that could be?

Are they sores with scabs or drainage, or are they patches around the eyes where the hair is thin or short or bald? Rats will sometimes 'barber' each other. As long as that is what it is, no problem.

Look down through the forum. There are lots of pics posted of other peoples racks, ect.. Also, to see more, change pages at the top of the forum.

DeMak

N/P