When purchasing your first rat or mouse there is often confusion between so called 'feeder' and 'pet' quality animals. There is a difference but it is quite simple to clear it up. Feeder rodents are bred for the purpose of providing food for carnivorous pets, usually reptiles. They tend to be rampantly inbred and little if any attention is paid to producing offspring which will have even an average lifespan (2-3 years). This produces rats and mice which tend to be smaller unless they are selectively bred to be large, as well as animals with weaker immune systems. They tend to have more of a vulnerablitity for getting tumors and chronic respiratory problems.
Pet quality rats and mice are generally selectively bred for health, temperment, colour, and coat or body type. This provides a wide selection of animals which tend to live longer and healthier lives. Most pet stores keep their feeder and pet rodents in different areas or label them as such. Feeders will also tend to cost less. Rat and mouse breeders will also differentiate between the quality of the animals that they are offering.
It should be noted that feeder rats and mice do not necessarily make bad pets. Their temperments are all individual, so a feeder can make just as good a companion as a pet quality rat or mouse. However, if you choose to purchase a feeder as a pet, you must be prepared for an increased chance of health problems.
Written by LEX Exotics
