Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have heard that there is some debate over the nutritional value of rats vs mice. What is everyone elses understanding of this matter?

its relative to age/size of rat/mouse. an adult mouse (which is equivelent to a large rat pup or so) is probably more nutritious than a newbord rat. but in my opinion, the quicker you can get them on rats, then on rabbits the easier and better. mice are very tasty to most (if not all snakes) which is fine for small snakes that will stay on mice for life. with retics, however, they grow so quick and need to convert so often, it can be difficult to get them (or alot of the larger boids off mice)
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retic is king of kings

1.0 Tiger Retic
1.0 Albino Tiger Retic
0.1 Striped Tiger Retic (het albino)
0.1 Salmon Boa
1.0 Albino Boa
0.1 False Water Cobra

I have not been part of the rat vs. mice debate but I will offer my opinion.
Nutritionally speaking, the adult mouse will have more fat then a rat pup. But its such a small amount you wont see a difference.
I dont have rat breeding facilities (yet). When my female was purchased,by my girlfriend (I know, I'm lucky), she started the snake on adult mice. When I got my hands on her (the snake) I went to Rodent Pro and ordered a bag each of pup, weanling, small, medium and large rats. She is now working on the small rat bag. She eats between 2 and 3 per week. I have been happy with the regulated growth I have seen from this. She is 4'.
Now my male will refuse smaller than appropriate prey. If its not worth his time he will strike at it, coil and then turn it lose. I don't even offer him anything he wont consider a challenge. He's 9'.
Just sharing feeding experience with my 2.
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1.0 Albino American alligator, "Smoke"
1.1 American alligator,"Al Bite Ya & Molly"
1.1 Purple Albino Reticulated Pythons, "Gumbo & Abita"
0.1 Eastern Gaboon Viper, "Gabbie" Recently passed away at 24 years old

I have always heard the nutrition edge always goes to rats. With all the various constrictors that I raise, I see a dramatic growth/weight increase once I get the snake on any type of rat. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.