Mouse/Rat Breeding (for snakes)

[samatwwe]

Hi, I wanted to start breeding mice and rats for my snakes as my collection is growing and the costs for buying feeders every week is gaining on me. Im stuck because my mom is allergic to mice and rats but would it be fine if I set them up in my closet with and air purifier? My dad suggested the idea and I think it could work. Any opinion is appreciated!
Sam

[blackcadillac70]

been there done that. raised quail,rabbits,chickens.it's okay for awhile then it will get old.now i just buy what i need.

[blackcadillac70]

keeping them in your home.will be a challenge with the amonia smell better keep it clean.

[vvx]

Mice smell much worse than rats (female mice not so much, but male mice are bad.) So if you were able to only do rats that would help.

As far as an air purifier, the main smell that bothers people with rats/mice is the ammonia. Cleaning the cage more frequently helps. An air purifier will probably do absolutely nothing. Unless you pay the big bucks for one that can filter gases (expect $500 or more for that).

Then again,I don't think you can be allergic to ammonia so perhaps the filter would pick up enough dust particles (though my experience has been most that claim allergies to rats simply don't like the smell, and allergies are easy to claim).

Really though, once you start buying supplies and everything, I doubt you'll save much money over buying larger quantities online and keeping them in the freezer.

[reverendsterlin]

by the time you figure in enclosures, breeders, feeding costs, time, and hassle buying frozen online still works out cheaper if you buy in bulk. Rodent pro is pretty good.

[samatwwe]

I just found a guy local so I wouldnt have to hastle shipping. I just thought breeding my own would be a lot cheaper?

[samatwwe]

by the time you figure in enclosures, breeders, feeding costs, time, and hassle buying frozen online still works out cheaper if you buy in bulk. Rodent pro is pretty good.

Rodent Pro's price are really good, but shipping is $40!

[blackcadillac70]

just paid $6.95 for what was sold as a large rat.was a medium rat few years ago.

[SandyMuffinCakes94]

i only feed frozen then you can bulk up on frozen mice . i paid 45 dollars for fuzzies back in january and i just ran out this month.

[samatwwe]

i only feed frozen then you can bulk up on frozen mice . i paid 45 dollars for fuzzies back in january and i just ran out this month.

I only feed frozen as well except to one of my snakes as it will only take live.. I was going to breed them since it wouldnt be an issue as I have a C02 Chamber already.

[madamwlf]

I have to disagree with most here. Breeding your own is far cheaper then buying them. I spend about $15 a week on feeders because all of my babies only take live right now. That's $60 a month just on feeders. I've already set up a small breeding group of 2 females to one male. Rodent chow cost $20 for a bag that will last me about 4 months. $5 every other week for carrots, $20 a month for aspen bedding. The most I laid out was for a cage and you may be able to find someone on CL selling one cheap. Or you can get cheap tanks to put them in. Up to you. I got a cage since the breeders will be pets as well. So, if you have a few snakes to feed then I think breeding your own is cheaper.

[Sarcastro]

Ive said this on the boards many many times proper air circulation and activated charcoal filters and you wouldn't know the feeders were there unless your right on top of them.

[samatwwe]

I have to disagree with most here. Breeding your own is far cheaper then buying them. I spend about $15 a week on feeders because all of my babies only take live right now. That's $60 a month just on feeders. I've already set up a small breeding group of 2 females to one male. Rodent chow cost $20 for a bag that will last me about 4 months. $5 every other week for carrots, $20 a month for aspen bedding. The most I laid out was for a cage and you may be able to find someone on CL selling one cheap. Or you can get cheap tanks to put them in. Up to you. I got a cage since the breeders will be pets as well. So, if you have a few snakes to feed then I think breeding your own is cheaper.

Thank you!! Something I was looking for.. lol I figured I was spending close to $70-$80 a month and breeding might be the cheapest route. Its also not too much of a hastle since I accually like the rodents as pets as well. I have had pet mice and rats over the years and would like more so why not breed them as feeders as well? Thanks for the help tho!

[squamata99]

Breeding your own is way better and cheaper. I built a rack that holds 5 bins for $50 I have 7 snakes (boas, pythons,& milks) and a 3' monitor that get fed as much as they want basically and I still have more than enough leftover that I sell on the side. From selling my extra stock - I don't even have to pay for their mazuri out of my pocket. Yes air purifiers only control the dust and allergens.

[SandyMuffinCakes94]

I only feed frozen as well except to one of my snakes as it will only take live.. I was going to breed them since it wouldnt be an issue as I have a C02 Chamber already.

Have you tried cutting a hole in the pikie or mouses brain and letting brain matter be exposed? and putting the frozen mouse in hot water and giving it quickly so that the heat from the water may trick the snake into thinking its live?