Jrgh17
Are we there yet?
Okay, what I was referring to, regarding taking the babies out: I read somewhere that the mother should be allowed to nurse, because the buildup of breast milk can make life uncomfortable (if not painful) for her. I can not for the life of me remember where I read this, or find it again. Does anyone know if this is a concern?
I feel that the ethics of breeding feeders have been an undertone to several posts on this thread. While I certainly understand the concern, as I've had many rats in the past, and agree that they make excellent pets, my snakes need to eat too. We all know that the younger the feeder animal, the less it costs. Therefore, rats are the best option for my feeders. It's a bit harder (and more expensive) to get rats in my area. Another concern for me is that my BP is growing up *fast* and is ready to move onto two large mice each feeding. Although she's adorable, it's getting to the point where it might be more economical to shove a $5 bill down her throat once a week instead. :grin01:
Although I'm not really obligated to, I'd like to assure the rat lovers that my rats are getting great care. That wire wheel is long gone (still waiting on it's replacement, unfortunately). Bill and Hillary get around an hour and half of 'outside-cage play time' each day. Usually, they're out before I leave for class in the mornings (Bill actually LIKES the blasts of air from my hair dryer), and while I'm doing homework at night. Both of them are starting to recognize the words "home", "out", "treat", "no", and their names. They have tons of toys, comfy sleeping places, and plenty of people to coddle and play with them.
That being said, they are feeder breeders. My goal is for them to produce LOTS and LOTS of little ratties.
And by the way, Hillary has been gaining a bit of weight. :dancer:
:crazy02:
I feel that the ethics of breeding feeders have been an undertone to several posts on this thread. While I certainly understand the concern, as I've had many rats in the past, and agree that they make excellent pets, my snakes need to eat too. We all know that the younger the feeder animal, the less it costs. Therefore, rats are the best option for my feeders. It's a bit harder (and more expensive) to get rats in my area. Another concern for me is that my BP is growing up *fast* and is ready to move onto two large mice each feeding. Although she's adorable, it's getting to the point where it might be more economical to shove a $5 bill down her throat once a week instead. :grin01:
Although I'm not really obligated to, I'd like to assure the rat lovers that my rats are getting great care. That wire wheel is long gone (still waiting on it's replacement, unfortunately). Bill and Hillary get around an hour and half of 'outside-cage play time' each day. Usually, they're out before I leave for class in the mornings (Bill actually LIKES the blasts of air from my hair dryer), and while I'm doing homework at night. Both of them are starting to recognize the words "home", "out", "treat", "no", and their names. They have tons of toys, comfy sleeping places, and plenty of people to coddle and play with them.
That being said, they are feeder breeders. My goal is for them to produce LOTS and LOTS of little ratties.
And by the way, Hillary has been gaining a bit of weight. :dancer:
:crazy02: 