Please read the SALES POLICY before inquiring about any animals
Welcome
PRICING UPDATE!!
Due to the rising costs of feed and other husbandry needs, we have had to raise our prices. Please know that we strive to provide the BEST in food, housing and supplies for ALL of our feeders.
Click the photo below ⬇︎ to order your feeders.
Please allow 1-2 business days for us to get back to you.
If you are needing some ASAP, please submit your form and then send us a text or email.
We breed African Soft Furred Mice (ASF) for your Ball Pythons.
We will add updates as required and are always available to answer questions.
Sizes and Prices
Price list is for LIVE & FROZEN
Currently we do not offer shipping but hope to be able to in the near future.
Pick-up and meet up are available according to our availability.
Current meet-up locations include*:
Bloomington/Normal ($7.00 fee)
Champaign/Urbana ($7.00 fee)
Downs ($5.00 fee)
LeRoy ($2.00 fee)
Farmer City ($2.00 fee)
Clinton ($7.00 fee)
Heyworth ($7.00 fee)
Mahomet ($5.00 fee)
Delivery to anywhere OUTSIDE of Bloomington/Normal or Champaign/Urbana is $20.00 per hour of drive time TO and FROM the meet or drop off location.
We also offer free pick up at our farm.
*There is a $2.00 - $7.00 delivery/meet-up fee to cover travel costs for local deliveries.
Some information to consider
- They are not happy if they do not have other soft fur rats with them, the more in your group, the better but the advised ratio is at least two.
- They live in large colonies in the wild and they are happier in larger colonies though just keeping a couple is acceptable.
- The best way to pick up a soft fur rat is by the base of its tail, they are more apt to nip or bite when grasped from behind.
- Soft fur rats are strictly nocturnal, you will rarely see them out in the day.
- As for odor - ASF produce little to no odor unlike domesticated fancy rats/mice.
Disclaimer: ASF are NOT pets. Although the "can" be tamed, here, they are bred for the sole purpose of feeding Greenbean and other Ball Pythons in the Central Illinois & surrounding areas. Please keep in mind that IF you contact us looking for a pet rat, you will be told we do not raise PETS. We raise FEEDERS.
This page was last updated: January 21, 2023
Last Updated
11/27/2022
Contact Info
Email: cherokee.flats@yahoo.com
Phone: (309) 928-9460
Current Litter Schedule
We allow the males and females to do what they need to do. We check daily to make sure everyone is fed, watered, and healthy.
Litters Due
Weaning Schedule
We prefer to wean in same sex groups at 3-4 weeks of age. We do this for several reasons:
- This allows them time away from other litters and adults.
- It makes it easier for us to decide who's going and who's staying.
- This allows the newly born litters a chance at survival as the older litters can suffocate the new borns
African Soft-Furred Rats
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Preferred Diet
ASF's are omnivores and will eat everything from mealworms to fruit and veggies to seeds and more.
Here at Greenbean's Tater Tot Hut, we provide fresh fruits and veggies along with high quality rodent blocks, bugs and seeds.
Housing
For our breeding adults, we use a 40q Hefty clear storage bin with high rise locking lid. We have ventilation holes in it and a place for the water bottle.
Babies under 3 weeks are also kept in here with their colony.
Once weaned, babies are moved into Nursery Tanks. These tanks are 10 gallon with a screen lid, wood bedding, and hanging water bottle. This keeps them warm and safe and prevents escape.
We wean in same sex groups to prevent unwanted litters.
No matter what enclosure they are in, they are provided with places to hide, nesting material (usually tissues), chew toys and fresh food and bottled spring water as we are on a well.
While we do not handle them on a daily basis other than checking health and sexing, they are talked to daily and do have some human interactions. Although they receive a lot of attention, they DO NOT make good pets and are VERY nippy.
Over time, they have come accustomed to me invading their colony and no long try to attack me while doing baby checks.
Climate
ASF do not handle the cold since they come from warm climates and need warmth to thrive.
Preferred temperature range is between 75ᴼ - 90ᴼ F. While they will be ok at the lower temperature, higher is better.
Breeding Information
ASFs can breed as early as 2 months of age. Litter size can be anywhere from 6 to as many as 22. Gestation period is approximately 21 days. When breeding, a minimum of 2 female and 1 male should be considered. If not, the male will drive the female crazy with breedings and cause stress and potentially other health issues.
Females in the colony will help raise each others young as will the male. There is no need to remove males or females during breeding/littering
Looking ahead
As we progress with breedings, we will eventually have several breeding colonies. This will help with production and the ability to have several of different ages available.