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Pics of African Soft Fur Rats

Yes they are bigger than mice, but very much smaller that rats. I think as far as babies they are equivalent to mice. One big plus is they won't outgrow a good size meal for a ball python. Plus within a couple of weeks after weaning they are almost comparable to an adult mouse. Adult males reach 75 grams. I think (from what I have read they have a gestation average of 23 days and weaning average of 3-3 1/2 weeks.
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Interesting. Thanks for the replies. I assume they don't smell as much as mice? How do you handle them. Gloves - forceps? Size wise do you you rat set-ups or mice?
 
kmurphy said:
Interesting. Thanks for the replies. I assume they don't smell as much as mice? How do you handle them. Gloves - forceps? Size wise do you you rat set-ups or mice?
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I believe the reason they don't smell as much is the fact that you have to keep them in smaller groups for succesful breeding. Most breeders keep only 1.2 together for breeding. Plus the fact they need more room per animal. Here is a link to a caresheet. I just use the built in handle for moving them. :thumbsup: Right now I have them in the smaller concrete mixing tubs that I used for larger rats. I will be doing an experiment with a freedom breeder rack this weekend and will post pics.
 
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Dan

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But they really like to gnaw! One the way back one had made a hole in the tupperware. Glass tanks or concrete as Bill suggested are highly recommended!
 
The BoidSmith said:
But they really like to gnaw! One the way back one had made a hole in the tupperware. Glass tanks or concrete as Bill suggested are highly recommended!
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Was it right along the crease I pointed out Dan?
 
The BoidSmith said:
Bill,

Regrettably my account status doesn't allow me to give you feedback. I also hoped we would have had more time to visit. Some other time!

Dan
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Not a problem Dan. ;)
 
Turns out that my friend breeds the little buggers!! He never knew I was interested in them because it never came up in conversation before. He's going to be giving me a 1.3 group next week. Talk about lucky. LOL
 
techgirl said:
Turns out that my friend breeds the little buggers!! He never knew I was interested in them because it never came up in conversation before. He's going to be giving me a 1.3 group next week. Talk about lucky. LOL
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Congrats! I've yet to find anyone on the west coast, and I don't have friends (c:
 
Was it right along the crease I pointed out Dan?
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Oddly enough, 1/2 an inch above that line. I'm not sure how the critter found a place where to start as the surface was smooth but it did.
 
How is it that you managed to find the only ones that stay still and don't want to draw blood all the time? :hot:
 
SPJ said:
How is it that you managed to find the only ones that stay still and don't want to draw blood all the time? :hot:
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LOL!!! I guess I just got lucky. :shrug01: I hope you didn't just jinx me. :rofl: I am on my way to clean cages. If I get bit it's all your fault. :rofl:
 
The BoidSmith said:
Oddly enough, 1/2 an inch above that line. I'm not sure how the critter found a place where to start as the surface was smooth but it did.
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I guess I better start watching my tubs really close. :yesnod:
 
Bill & Amy said:
I guess I better start watching my tubs really close. :yesnod:
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I checked all my tubs when I cleaned today. Couldn't see any chewing starting on them yet. I'm using the concrete mixing tubs. :thumbsup:
 
Its very surprising how prolific these guys are, I discovered 2 young first time females today with litters of 12 and 15! :ack2:
 

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Well, I now have 3 litters of ASF rats. :thumbsup: So far, so good. I haven't been bitten yet, but did have a close call. These critters have absolutely no smell that I can detect. I think it's because they drink very little water compared to other rodents. I have 2.4 setup in some tubs and they don't even drink 16 oz of water in a week. They are very protective of their litters, the moms will not move from the babies until you force her to. Will try to get pics later today. :thumbsup:
 
I live in eugene oregon do you know where I can get some? Can you leave the male in with the female or will he eat the babies?
 
I leave my breeding groups together all the time, and have no issues with the males bothering the babies.
 
Mine are always together. No problem whasoever.
 
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