Mice or rats?

[Dani]

Let me start by saying that it's not my intention to power-feed. Up until now I have fed my BP one prey item (mice or hamsters). Recently she has fed once after a 2 1/2 month fast. She had an adult mouse. By going with the girth rule I would have to say that that mouse (even though he was an adult) wasn't as fat as she is at the fattest part. So, should I feed her 2 mice, 3 mice? I've read in a previous post not to feed more than 3 at a time. Is it better to feed 2 or 3 adult mice or 1 small rat (if she can take it)? I've read a little contradicting advice so far. Some say there's no proof that rats are more nutritious than mice. Others say that an adult mouse is more nutritious than a baby/juvenile rat. Can you all give me your opinions on this? Thanks a lot.
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[Dr.Oviparous]

There's probably about 10 (at least) threads that have the rat vs. mice question. here's one of them. I couldn't say how many, I go on a snake per snake basis. -Juggalo
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[herm]

I've seen nutritional comparison's between mice and rats. This particular chart shows that ounce for ounce, rats have almost 10% more protein, 14% less fat, 33% more fiber, and slighty more calcium.

http://blackwaterreptiles.mybravenet.com/Nutrition.htm
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Check out our caresheets (see link to your left) in the miscellaneous section. I had a table posted there that is a scientific study of the nutrition content of various common prey items. Herm is correct, rats are slightly better nutrition, when adults of both rodents are considered. However, things change if you start comparing a rat pup to an adult mouse or similar.

A small rat (assuming adult) is better than an adult mouse. But when you consider that it probably takes 3 small adult mice to equal a small adult rat, volume wise, (using the figures from the table and assuming an adult mouse = 15g and an adult rat (small) = 50 g)
the rat will give you 30.9g protein and 16.3g fat, whereas the THREE mice together only give 25.1g protein and 10.6g fat. If your snake however decides that it only wants to eat 2 of the mice, then you're in a definite nutrient deficiency.

Bottom line, in this case, I would go with a small adult rat if it can be taken by the snake.
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[herm]

Plus rats taste better than mice!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]
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[Dani]

Alright, thanks guys, very helpfull. I think I'll finish my mice off and then start with small rats. You sure about rats tasting better? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img]
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[herm]

Absolutely, they are far more succulent then mice. Can't eat one without a napkin nearby!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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